Hooters, the popular restaurant chain known for its chicken wings and orange-clad waitstaff, has abruptly closed more than 30 company-owned locations across several states, including Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. This move comes just a few months after the company filed for bankruptcy in March, declaring it was not “going anywhere” despite financial struggles.
Hooters is transitioning to a pure franchise business model by selling its 100 company-owned restaurants to two franchisee groups operating in Tampa, Florida, and Chicago, Illinois. The company stated that this restructuring is aimed at optimizing its business for long-term goals and ensuring the continuation of its iconic legacy.
The closures are part of a broader strategy to evaluate and reduce the company’s operational footprint, which began before the bankruptcy filing. The company has been gradually closing locations since early 2024. Hooters’ decision to close certain locations is seen as a way to avoid pouring resources into poorly performing units, which could undermine the entire chain, according to Maeve Webster, president of consulting firm Menu Matters.
The closures reflect broader challenges faced by restaurant chains catering to lower and middle-income families, as inflation and shrinking disposable incomes impact consumer spending. Despite the closures, Hooters remains committed to supporting affected employees and maintaining customer loyalty.
The company plans to emerge from bankruptcy in three to four months, with all locations expected to become franchises, helping to tackle approximately $376 million in debt. Hooters aims to continue delivering its guest-obsessed hospitality experience and delicious food well into the future.
These are the locations that are closing as confirmed by USA Today.
- Sanford, Florida
- Orlando, Florida – Kirkman Road
- Kissimmee, Florida – Osceola Parkway
- Melbourne, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia – Downtown
- Douglasville, Georgia
- Gwinnett, Georgia
- Valdosta, Georgia
- Greenwood, Indiana
- Rockford, Illinois
- Newport, Kentucky
- Flint, Michigan
- Taylor, Michigan
- St. Louis, Missouri – 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, Texas – 120 FM 1960 W
- San Marcos, Texas
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Lafayette, Indiana
- Evansville, Indiana
- Detroit, Michigan
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Fort Smith, Arkansas
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