Sexy mascot can stay at eatery if curves covered : Exhibit A Baltimore

Sexy mascot can stay at eatery if curves covered

By: Associated Press
May 14, 2009

$Restaurant owner Kenny Tessel, who runs a Reading, Ohio barbecue restaurant, KT\'s Barbeque, speaks during a board meeting in Reading, Ohio, Thursday, May 14, 2009.$
Restaurant owner Kenny Tessel, who runs a Reading, Ohio barbecue restaurant, KT\’s Barbeque, speaks during a board meeting in Reading, Ohio, Thursday, May 14, 2009.

A curvaceous, scantily clad mannequin can keep her spot outside a Cincinnati area barbecue joint, but local officials want her to cover up a bit.

The life-size figure stands as a busty beacon outside a restaurant in suburban Reading owned by Kenny Tessel. He told zoning officials at a hearing Wednesday night that the advertising gimmick has boosted business 40 percent.

The 5-foot-10 mannequin is on the street wearing a bikini top and tight short-shorts, though Tessel brought her to the hearing draped in a long, sleeveless gray T-shirt.

The board said Tessel may continue to use the figure only if it’s dressed more modestly in front of the restaurant, too.

He plans to appeal.