Big changes hit a longtime restaurant favorite—what fans need to know
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If you’ve been craving your usual wings and sports night out, you might want to check your local listings.
A well-known national chain has quietly closed dozens of its restaurants across the US, and it’s not just a matter of downsizing.
The move marks a deeper shift in how the company plans to operate—and it’s left many regulars surprised.
So what’s going on behind the scenes?
And what does it mean for diners moving forward?
A quiet goodbye for over 30 locations
On June 4, Hooters confirmed that more than 30 of its company-owned restaurants had been permanently closed.
In a public statement, the company called it a “difficult decision,” citing a broader plan to transition into a pure franchise model—meaning all future locations will be owned and operated by independent partners, not the parent company.
While many were caught off guard, the closures are part of a larger effort to adapt to current economic pressures and streamline operations.
From ownership to franchising: what’s changing
Under this new model, Hooters of America will focus on licensing its brand, menu, and service model to franchisees.
These independently owned locations will handle the day-to-day business, while the company provides broader support and oversight.
This model has become increasingly common in the restaurant world, especially as brands look to reduce overhead and maintain flexibility in a challenging market.
Also read: Holding onto the hot seat: Hooters’ daring move to dodge disaster
A tough financial road leads to restructuring
This wave of closures follows a March 2025 bankruptcy filing—another sign that the brand has been navigating significant financial strain.
At its peak, Hooters had over 420 locations worldwide.
That number has dropped sharply, with fewer than 300 now in the US.
Still, the company insists it’s not going away.
In fact, the brand says it’s “here to stay,” and hopes that focusing on franchising will provide a more stable foundation going forward.
Also read: A familiar favorite is facing trouble—Here’s what’s happening.
Locations affected by the closures
Restaurants have shut down in multiple states, including:
Also read: Fast food shakeup: A popular sandwich chain faces bankruptcy
Hooters isn’t alone—other chains are facing the heat
The last few years have been tough across the board for restaurants. Hooters is one of several familiar names that have downsized, filed for bankruptcy, or shifted business models.
Just this year:
Rising food and labor costs, changes in customer preferences, and competition from online delivery and fast-casual chains have all contributed to the industry shake-up.
Changing times, changing tastes
Beyond finances, Hooters has faced added scrutiny in recent years over its branding and workplace culture.
What once made the chain stand out has come under new cultural pressure, with younger generations seeking more inclusive, experience-driven, and health-conscious dining options.
The result? Chains like Hooters are having to walk a fine line—holding onto loyal customers while trying to evolve with the times.
Also read: CEO’s fight over giant American flags leads to shocking store closure—What happened?
What to expect going forward
Despite the closures, Hooters says many locations will remain open and that it’s committed to serving guests through its franchise network.
You may still be able to visit your usual spot—but in some cities, that option has disappeared for good.
The broader takeaway?
Even brands with strong name recognition are adjusting to a new reality.
And for diners, the landscape is likely to keep shifting.
Read next: Are you missing out on America’s cheapest fast-food chain?
Did your local Hooters shut down recently? Do you have memories from visiting with friends or watching big games over wings? Or are you discovering new places to eat out these days? We’d love to hear what the changing restaurant world means to you!
A well-known national chain has quietly closed dozens of its restaurants across the US, and it’s not just a matter of downsizing.
The move marks a deeper shift in how the company plans to operate—and it’s left many regulars surprised.
So what’s going on behind the scenes?
And what does it mean for diners moving forward?
A “Closed” sign has become a more familiar sight as restaurants across the US face ongoing industry challenges. Image Source: Pexels / Tim Mossholder.
A quiet goodbye for over 30 locations
On June 4, Hooters confirmed that more than 30 of its company-owned restaurants had been permanently closed.
In a public statement, the company called it a “difficult decision,” citing a broader plan to transition into a pure franchise model—meaning all future locations will be owned and operated by independent partners, not the parent company.
While many were caught off guard, the closures are part of a larger effort to adapt to current economic pressures and streamline operations.
From ownership to franchising: what’s changing
Under this new model, Hooters of America will focus on licensing its brand, menu, and service model to franchisees.
These independently owned locations will handle the day-to-day business, while the company provides broader support and oversight.
This model has become increasingly common in the restaurant world, especially as brands look to reduce overhead and maintain flexibility in a challenging market.
Also read: Holding onto the hot seat: Hooters’ daring move to dodge disaster
A tough financial road leads to restructuring
This wave of closures follows a March 2025 bankruptcy filing—another sign that the brand has been navigating significant financial strain.
At its peak, Hooters had over 420 locations worldwide.
That number has dropped sharply, with fewer than 300 now in the US.
Still, the company insists it’s not going away.
In fact, the brand says it’s “here to stay,” and hopes that focusing on franchising will provide a more stable foundation going forward.
Also read: A familiar favorite is facing trouble—Here’s what’s happening.
Locations affected by the closures
Restaurants have shut down in multiple states, including:
- Florida: Orlando (Kirkman Road), Kissimmee (Osceola Parkway), Sanford, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Melbourne
- Georgia: Atlanta (Downtown), Douglasville, Gwinnett, Valdosta
- Indiana: Greenwood, Lafayette, Evansville
- Illinois: Rockford
- Kentucky: Newport
- Michigan: Flint, Taylor, Detroit
- Missouri: St. Louis (Downtown)
- North Carolina: Charlotte (South Boulevard)
- South Carolina: Columbia, Rock Hill
- Tennessee: Nashville (Harding Place), Memphis (Downtown), Murfreesboro
- Texas: Grapevine, Houston (120 FM 1960 W), San Marcos
- Wisconsin: Madison
- Arkansas: Fort Smith
- Alabama: Tuscaloosa
Also read: Fast food shakeup: A popular sandwich chain faces bankruptcy
Hooters isn’t alone—other chains are facing the heat
The last few years have been tough across the board for restaurants. Hooters is one of several familiar names that have downsized, filed for bankruptcy, or shifted business models.
Just this year:
- Bahama Breeze closed over a third of its locations
- On the Border filed for Chapter 11 and drastically reduced its footprint
- Buca di Beppo also entered bankruptcy and shut down underperforming restaurants
Rising food and labor costs, changes in customer preferences, and competition from online delivery and fast-casual chains have all contributed to the industry shake-up.
Changing times, changing tastes
Beyond finances, Hooters has faced added scrutiny in recent years over its branding and workplace culture.
What once made the chain stand out has come under new cultural pressure, with younger generations seeking more inclusive, experience-driven, and health-conscious dining options.
The result? Chains like Hooters are having to walk a fine line—holding onto loyal customers while trying to evolve with the times.
Also read: CEO’s fight over giant American flags leads to shocking store closure—What happened?
What to expect going forward
Despite the closures, Hooters says many locations will remain open and that it’s committed to serving guests through its franchise network.
You may still be able to visit your usual spot—but in some cities, that option has disappeared for good.
The broader takeaway?
Even brands with strong name recognition are adjusting to a new reality.
And for diners, the landscape is likely to keep shifting.
Read next: Are you missing out on America’s cheapest fast-food chain?
Did your local Hooters shut down recently? Do you have memories from visiting with friends or watching big games over wings? Or are you discovering new places to eat out these days? We’d love to hear what the changing restaurant world means to you!
