Hooters Shuts Down Over 30 Locations Amid Bankruptcy Struggles

Pembroke Pines, Florida, USA - In a surprising turn of events, Hooters has shut down more than 30 locations across over a dozen states, including several right here in Florida. This closure comes just two months after the company filed for bankruptcy, sparking debates among fans and franchisees alike about the future of this once-popular chain. The Mirror reports that Hooters described this decision as “difficult,” especially following their earlier assurances that they were “here to stay.”

As of June 4, Hooters had a total of 305 locations, consisting of 151 company-owned and 154 franchise-operated restaurants. However, the recent closures have stirred a storm, affecting Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. From Orlando to Kissimmee, the closures resonate deeply within communities that have embraced the Hooters lifestyle for decades. Today emphasizes that many of these closures are linked to “underperforming” locations that have been on the chopping block since June 2024.

Location Highlights

The full list of closed restaurants is quite extensive, featuring various locations that have served their communities for years. Notably, the closures include:

• 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

In addition to these closures, even more locations, such as those in Madison, Wisconsin and Fort Smith, Arkansas, are now absent from Hooters‘ website, raising eyebrows about the overall stability of the brand. Local media also hints at potential closures in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Florida, Evansville, Indiana, and even Detroit, Michigan.

The Path Forward

In a move that might bring a glimmer of hope, Hooters has partnered with a group of franchisees and founders, including Hooters Inc. and Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC, to sell all 151 company-owned restaurants. The group is set to acquire about 130 locations by August 2025, which would give them control over 65% of domestic franchises, according to Verdict Food Service.

CEO Neil Kiefer asserts that the path forward requires making tough decisions on closures to boost the remaining locations‘ prospects. With systemwide sales projected to hit around $700 million after the acquisition, optimism remains that franchisees can breathe new life into the Hooters brand. Plans to restore classic recipes and original uniforms are on the table, signaling a desire to return to the chain’s roots.

As diners ponder the reduced footprint of Hooters, the restaurant landscape continues to shift with other chains like Red Lobster and TGI Friday’s also facing closures. With the hospitality industry in flux, one thing’s for certain: not every change is welcome, and Hooters‘ closures are a bittersweet reminder of our changing times.