Patrons enjoying a vibrant atmosphere at Hooters during the Masters week.
The Hooters restaurant on Washington Road in Augusta, Georgia, has permanently closed following the parent company’s bankruptcy. This location was a popular spot for golfer John Daly during the Masters, known for his vibrant interaction with fans. The closure affects the local golfing community, as Daly’s presence was a highlight during the tournament. The Hooters chain, having filed for bankruptcy, faces significant challenges ahead and the future of its remaining locations is uncertain.
Augusta, Georgia – The Hooters location on Washington Road in Augusta, Georgia, has permanently closed. This closure follows the parent company’s bankruptcy protection filing in March 2025, which has led to multiple Hooters locations shutting down across several states, including Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
The Augusta restaurant was not just a typical sports bar; it became an iconic hangout for professional golfer John Daly during the Masters week for nearly three decades. Known for his laid-back persona and love for connecting with fans, Daly frequently parked his RV in the Hooters lot, where he sold merchandise while enjoying food and drinks with patrons during one of golf’s biggest tournaments.
Daly’s merchandising success at this location was noteworthy. Reports indicate that he earned substantially more from sales at the Hooters lot than from competing in the actual Masters tournament, raking in a total of $187,000 from six tournament paydays. In 2024 alone, his sales reached an impressive $780,000 during the Masters week at Hooters. The merchandise he sold included a variety of items such as $40 hats, $10 autographed golf balls, and boxes of cigars that cost $250.
The decision to close the Augusta Hooters marks a significant moment not only for the restaurant itself but for the Masters experience as well. Over the years, Daly’s presence at Hooters became an essential part of the community’s golfing culture. He was known for his unique rapport with fans, which included accepting gifts from loyal supporters that ranged from regional specialty foods to personal mementos.
The Hooters chain, obtaining by a private equity firm in 2019, had over 400 locations prior to the wave of closures due to the bankruptcy situation. Known primarily for its all-female wait staff and casual dining atmosphere, Hooters stood in stark contrast to the formality of venues such as Augusta National Golf Club. This informal setting allowed Daly to interact freely with fans and create a festive atmosphere during the highly anticipated Masters week.
As for the future, it remains uncertain where Daly will establish his merchandise booth for future Masters tournaments. The closing of the Augusta Hooters leaves a notable void in both his plans and the experience of many fans who have enjoyed interacting with him there.
The bankruptcy filing and the subsequent closures of Hooters locations signal a challenging time for the brand, with potential implications for further closures down the line if financial recovery strategies do not take effect. Meanwhile, Augusta’s golfing community reflects on the vibrant legacy left behind by the Hooters establishment and its role in the stories of one of golf’s colorful personalities.
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