Hooters Closes Dozens of Locations Nationwide Amid Market Pressures
WASHINGTON—Hooters, the Atlanta-based casual dining chain, has shuttered dozens of locations across the United States, citing challenging market conditions as the primary reason for the closures. While the company has not disclosed the exact number of locations affected, evidence suggests a significant reduction in its operational footprint.
According to Fox News host Jesse Watters, the brand is known for its great wings.
Analysis of the Hooters website reveals that 41 locations previously listed in mid-January are now marked as “permanently closed.” These closures span 14 states, with Texas experiencing the most significant impact, losing 16 outlets. Other states have seen only a few closures each. Social media accounts for these locations have also been deactivated, and they are listed as permanently closed on Google.
The abrupt nature of these closures over the recent weekend, with some occurring in the past few months, mirrors a trend seen across the casual dining sector. Just last month, Red Lobster closed over 90 locations before declaring bankruptcy, highlighting ongoing struggles within the industry.
Despite these setbacks, Hooters maintains that its 41-year-old brand continues to hold strong market relevance. “We look forward to continuing to serve our guests at home, on the go, and at our restaurants here in the U.S. and around the globe,” the company stated.
The following is a partial list of the Hooters locations that have closed:
- Alabama: Homewood, Huntsville
- Florida: Lakeland, Orange Park, West Palm Beach
- Georgia: Brunswick, Hiram, Macon, Madison Yards (Hoots Wings)
- Illinois: Springfield
- Indiana: Castleton, Clarksville
- Kentucky: Louisville (Dixie Highway), Richmond
- Maryland: Baltimore (Harborplace)
- Missouri: Florissant, Independence, North Kansas City
- North Carolina: Greenville, Jacksonville, Uptown Charlotte
- Oklahoma: Oklahoma City (Penn Avenue)
- South Carolina: Columbia East
- Tennessee: Memphis
- Texas: Arlington South, Baytown, Beaumont, Bryan, Fort Worth Downtown, Galveston, Kirby, Laredo, Lewisville, Lubbock, McAllen, San Antonio (Riverwalk), San Angelo, Seabrook, Waco, Witchita Falls
- Virginia: Manassas
This wave of closures reflects broader issues facing the restaurant industry, particularly in casual dining, as companies adjust to shifting consumer preferences and economic pressures.