Hooters has filed for bankruptcy under Texas law, but reassured customers that its restaurants will continue to operate during the proceedings, with original founders set to acquire company-owned locations.
Hooters Enters Bankruptcy But Promises Business as Usual
Hooters Enters Bankruptcy But Promises Business as Usual
The legendary restaurant chain reassures patrons that its locations will remain open during the bankruptcy process and will be restructured by its original founders.
Hooters, famed for its chicken wings and recognizable waitress uniforms, has officially filed for bankruptcy in a Texas court as of April 1, 2025. Despite this development, the chain guarantees that its restaurants will remain operational throughout the bankruptcy process. The company’s statement emphasizes its commitment to its customers, saying, “It’s always hang time at Hooters.”
Under the bankruptcy plan, a group consisting of Hooters' original founders — who currently manage around one-third of the franchise locations in the U.S. — will purchase all company-owned restaurants from the private equity firm overseeing the chain. Importantly, franchised locations will be unaffected during this transition.
Hooters, known for its Buffalo chicken wings and the distinct outfits of its all-female staff, boasts over 400 locations across 42 U.S. states and 29 countries. Franchise operations will remain intact during the restructuring; post-bankruptcy, all locations will transition to franchise ownership.
Rumors of potential bankruptcy had circulated for weeks prior to the official announcement, following last summer's closure of multiple restaurants. In recent discussions, Neil Kiefer, a CEO of an independent entity operating a group of Hooters outlets, indicated plans for a "re-Hooterization" initiative, which may include brand updates, notably discontinuing the controversial “bikini nights.”
Under the bankruptcy plan, a group consisting of Hooters' original founders — who currently manage around one-third of the franchise locations in the U.S. — will purchase all company-owned restaurants from the private equity firm overseeing the chain. Importantly, franchised locations will be unaffected during this transition.
Hooters, known for its Buffalo chicken wings and the distinct outfits of its all-female staff, boasts over 400 locations across 42 U.S. states and 29 countries. Franchise operations will remain intact during the restructuring; post-bankruptcy, all locations will transition to franchise ownership.
Rumors of potential bankruptcy had circulated for weeks prior to the official announcement, following last summer's closure of multiple restaurants. In recent discussions, Neil Kiefer, a CEO of an independent entity operating a group of Hooters outlets, indicated plans for a "re-Hooterization" initiative, which may include brand updates, notably discontinuing the controversial “bikini nights.”
