Hooters Permanently Closes Two Locations in Georgia

News Summary

Hooters has permanently closed its locations in Augusta and Cumberland, Georgia, as part of a larger restructuring effort following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. This decision is part of Hooters’ transition to a franchise model and comes after multiple closures across the nation, totaling over 30 locations. The company aims to address significant debt while focusing on profitability. The impact of these closures raises concerns for local communities that relied on Hooters for social dining experiences.

Augusta, Georgia – Two Hooters locations in Georgia have permanently closed their doors as part of a larger restructuring effort following the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The affected locations are in Augusta and Cumberland, with a pre-recorded message confirming the closures to customers. The company has not provided a reason for the sudden shutdowns, but the closures represent the continuing challenges facing the popular restaurant chain.

This recent decision is part of a broader strategy where Hooters is transitioning to a “pure franchise business model.” Just a month prior, the company had also closed additional locations in Atlanta, Douglasville, Gwinnett, and Valdosta as part of this restructuring process. This wave of closures contributes to a total of more than 30 Hooters locations shut down nationwide.

Hooters filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March of this year, citing an accumulated debt of $376 million. As part of its bankruptcy plan, the company aims to sell all 151 of its company-owned restaurants and focus primarily on franchised operations. Presently, Hooters operates 305 locations across the United States, with 151 company-owned restaurants and 154 franchised locations.

The closures are not confined to Georgia. States significantly affected by these recent shutdowns include Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, indicating a widespread impact on the brand’s presence in numerous markets.

Among the notable closures was the downtown Atlanta Hooters, which had been a fixture in the area, especially for sporting events and gatherings. The ongoing closures have left residents and patrons questioning which nearby locations remain open. Following the recent shutdowns, Hooters has reduced its operating establishments in Georgia to just ten locations.

Hooters was once known for its lively atmosphere, particularly during major events such as the Masters Tournament in Augusta. The Augusta location had a tradition of attracting celebrity appearances, including notable pro golfer John Daly, thereby becoming a popular destination during such festivities. The recent closures may have significant implications for local communities, especially those that relied on Hooters for social dining experiences.

The company has faced various challenges over the years, including lawsuits regarding employment practices and financial commitments tied to sponsorship deals. These ongoing struggles have prompted the shift to a franchise model, in hopes of stabilizing the business and focusing on profitability while reducing corporate debt burdens.

As Hooters continues to navigate its restructuring process, consumers and employees alike are left in uncertainty regarding the future of their local franchises and whether the brand can regain its footing in an evolving restaurant landscape.

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Additional Resources

• Augusta Chronicle
• Google Search: Hooters closures in Georgia
• Savannah Now
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hooters
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google News: Hooters bankruptcy
• 11 Alive
• Google Scholar: Hooters restaurant
• USA Today
• Google Search: restaurant closures