Restaurant chain Hooters abruptly shuttered more than 30 company-owned restaurants across several states on Wednesday.
The move, first reported by USA Today, follow the chain’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in March, which did not warn of any closures. Hooters leadership said the company is committed to supporting affected staff.
Newsweek has reached out to Hooters via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The sudden closures signal challenges for the popular American restaurant chain during a period of financial distress and rising industry costs. With more than 300 locations nationwide, the decision by Hooters—known for its skimpy uniforms and all-female waitstaff—to shutter dozens of outlets comes as the brand reassesses its business model and responds to inflation, changing consumer habits, and operational pressures.
The development reflects broader instability within the U.S. casual dining sector, as chains try to adapt to evolving market demands while safeguarding jobs and customer loyalty.
What To Know
On Wednesday, Hooters confirmed the closure of more than 30 company-owned outlets across the United States. A statement issued to USA Today said the closures were a “difficult decision.” The company cited the need to streamline operations as it undertakes bankruptcy restructuring.
Hooters did not specify when employees were notified of the closures.
List of Confirmed Closed Locations
The following sites were confirmed closed, based on phoneline recordings and website removals tracked by USA Today on Wednesday:
- Sanford, Florida
- Orlando, Florida—Kirkman Road
- Kissimmee, Florida—Osceola Parkway
- Melbourne, Florida
- Atlanta, Downtown
- Douglasville, Georgia
- Gwinnett, Georgia
- Valdosta, Georgia
- Greenwood, Indiana
- Rockford, Illinois
- Newport, Kentucky
- Flint, Michigan
- Taylor, Michigan
- St. Louis, Downtown
- Charlotte, North Carolina—South Boulevard
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Rock Hill, South Carolina
- Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Memphis, Tennessee—Downtown
- Nashville, Tennessee—Harding Place
- Grapevine, Texas
- Houston, 120 Farm to Market 1960 Road W
- San Marcos, Texas
Additional locations in Madison, Wisconsin, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, appeared to be shuttered following removals from the company website and malfunctioning phonelines.
Other sites reported closed include branches in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Tallahassee and Jacksonville, Florida; Lafayette and Evansville, Indiana; and Detroit.
Bankruptcy Filing and Restructuring
In late March, Hooters’ parent company HOA Restaurant Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, reporting $376 million in debts. The company plans to sell its 151 corporate-owned outlets to a group of franchisees led by its original founders, as part of a strategy to transition to an all-franchise model.
Despite the bankruptcy action and closures, the brand said it “remains open to serve customers” and intends to continue normal operations during the financial restructuring.
“For many years now, the Hooters brand has been owned by private equity firms and other groups with no history or experience with the Hooters brand,” Neil Kiefer, CEO of the franchise group Hooters, said in a statement.
“As a result of these transactions, the Hooters brand will once again be in the hands of highly experienced Hooters franchisees and we will be well-positioned to return this iconic brand to its historic success.”
Industry and Economic Pressures
Hooters attributed the closures in part to inflation, increased labor and food costs, and waning consumer spending—trends that have placed financial pressure on many casual dining chains in the United States last year and this year.
Earlier in 2024, Hooters had also shuttered additional underperforming outlets in states including Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. These closures have impacted both small towns and major metropolitan areas.
As of Wednesday, Hooters operated 305 locations—151 previously owned by the company and 154 by franchisees.
Hooters also faced lawsuits over its business model of hiring only “Hooters Girls” to serve its customers. Additionally, It was forced to fork over $250,000 last year in a race and color discrimination lawsuit settlement brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
What People Are Saying
Hooters said in a statement to USA Today on Wednesday: “We are committed to supporting our impacted team members throughout this process and are incredibly grateful to our valued customers for their loyalty and dedication to the Hooters brand.”
The restaurant chain also said in a statement on its website: “Hooters is here to stay, and with a stronger financial foundation and streamlined operations on the other side of this process, we will be well-positioned to continue delivering the guest-obsessed hospitality experience and delicious food our valued customers and communities have come to expect well into the future.”
Retail expert Dominick Miserandino previously told Newsweek that Hooters’ financial difficulties were caused by “multiple factors,” including an evolving business environment and market-wide challenges, as well as the company’s “antiquated business model.”
What Happens Next
Hooters expects to complete its restructuring within 90 to 120 days, pending bankruptcy court approval, after which the remaining locations will be operated by franchisees. The company said it will continue serving customers and supporting impacted staff at its ongoing locations throughout the process.
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