Hooters has shut down more than 25 locations nationwide, just two months after filing for bankruptcy protection.
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In March, parent company HOA Restaurant Group said it would keep restaurants open while restructuring. But recent developments show a change in strategy, per WGN.
Restaurants in Rockford, Illinois, and Memphis, Tennessee, closed abruptly this week. In a statement, the company explained the Memphis closure came "after careful consideration of what is needed to best position our company for the future."
A similar message accompanied other closures. "By optimizing our business in support of long-term goals, Hooters will be well-positioned to continue our iconic legacy under a pure franchise business model," the statement read.
Hooters Shutdowns Ongoing
Nexstar confirmed more than two dozen locations had closed. Calls to many now trigger an automated message: "This Hooters location has permanently closed." Meanwhile, locations in Madison, Wisconsin, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, have disappeared from the company's website, even though no official announcement was made.
Webpages and social media accounts for these shuttered locations have also been removed.
Founded in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida, Hooters grew into a national brand known for its wings, sports-bar atmosphere, and signature "Hooters Girls." But in recent years, the chain has faced declining sales and mounting debt.
In 2021, the company sold $300 million in asset-backed bonds, Bloomberg reported. Last summer, it closed several underperforming locations in more than a dozen states.
Despite the latest round of closures, the company insists it isn't going away. "Hooters is here to stay," the company stated. It also pledged support for affected employees and thanked customers for their loyalty.
Some Locations Live On
Currently, Hooters operates just over 200 restaurants across 34 states. The company declined to say whether more closures are planned.
The brand's menu features chicken wings, burgers, seafood, and a full bar at most locations. While the servers, famously known as Hooters Girls, have long been the centerpiece of the brand's marketing, men and women also work as cooks, hosts, and managers across the franchise network.
