News Summary
Hooters, known for its casual dining and all-female wait staff, has closed dozens of locations following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. While closures include sites across Georgia and South Carolina, the Augusta location on Washington Road remains open. The company aims to streamline operations by selling its company-owned restaurants to franchisees. The restructuring is poised to impact long-standing community relations, especially in areas where Hooters has been a local dining staple.
Augusta – Hooters, the iconic restaurant chain recognized for its all-female wait staff and casual dining experience, has abruptly closed dozens of its locations just months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2025. However, the Hooters location on Washington Road in Augusta remains open, according to staff members.
According to the Atlanta-based parent company, HOA Restaurant Group, at least four locations in Georgia, including sites in South Carolina such as Columbia and Rock Hill, are among those which have shut down. Local reports indicate that approximately 30 locations were closed across seven states, with closures also confirmed in Florida, Texas, Michigan, and the Carolinas. Notable closures included restaurants in Tallahassee, Florida, Valdosta, Georgia, and several cities throughout Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, and Michigan.
As the company undergoes this significant restructuring, a spokesperson stated that the closures are a necessary step to support Hooters’ long-term goals and ensure future viability. The company aims to optimize operations and intends to sell all 100 of its company-owned restaurants to two franchisee groups currently operating in Florida and Illinois. Importantly, franchise-owned restaurants are not impacted by the bankruptcy proceedings, meaning they will continue operations as usual.
Background on Hooters and Recent Developments
The Hooters chain has been in operation for 42 years and has built a unique brand identity characterized by its distinct décor and the signature uniforms worn by its wait staff, which typically feature white tank tops and orange shorts. Following its acquisition by a private equity firm in 2019, the company has undergone various operational changes aimed at addressing financial challenges and enhancing performance.
Emphasizing the company’s determination to recover from this setback, Hooters expects the restructuring process to conclude within a timeframe of 90 to 120 days, with hopes of solidifying the financial foundation of the brand. The decision to close various locations has undoubtedly affected many loyal customers who frequented these restaurants regularly, particularly in towns where Hooters had become entrenched in local dining culture, like Tallahassee, where it had been a beloved establishment since its opening in 1988.
Community Reaction and Future Steps
The sudden announcement of closures has sparked disappointment among patrons across various communities. Long-standing locations that have been staples in local dining experiences are now shuttered, leading to expressions of nostalgia and concern over their absence. Meanwhile, Augusta commissioners recently made headlines by deciding against removing the name of renowned musician James Brown from the downtown arena during its reconstruction, perhaps indicating a broader trend of community attachment to iconic local businesses and establishments.
As Hooters looks to navigate these turbulent waters, it intends to endure and adapt to the changing landscape of the restaurant industry. The chain’s strategy to focus on franchise partnerships may help rejuvenate its presence and profitability moving forward, thus positioning Hooters for a potential resurgence as it battles through the current economic challenges.
The fate of the remaining Hooters locations remains uncertain as the company seeks to redefine its approach in the coming months. Business analysts and loyal customers alike will be watching closely to see how this restructuring impacts the brand and its community ties.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Hooters Abruptly Closes Several Locations
- OutKick: Hooters Begins Closing Stores Across U.S.
- NTD: Hooters Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
- Patch: 18 Joann Stores Closing in GA
- AOL: Another Chain Facing Troubles
- Wikipedia: Hooters
- Google Search: Hooters bankruptcy
- Google Scholar: Hooters restaurant chain
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hooters
- Google News: Hooters closures
