Hooters Closure: A North Texas Location Shuts Down After 24 Years
A North Texas Hooters is shutting its doors for good after 24 years of business. The company suddenly closed over 30 locations in at least 12 states on Wednesday, including its Grapevine restaurant. All the stores that were shuttered, according to a statement from the company to USA Today, were company-owned.
“Hooters will be well-positioned to continue our iconic legacy under a pure franchise business model,” the company said in the statement. “We are committed to supporting our impacted team members throughout this process and are incredibly grateful to our valued customers for their loyalty and dedication to the Hooters brand.”
It is currently unknown when employees were notified of the closures or the exact list of locations that were shut down.
Background Information
Hooters filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Texas in March with a debt of $376 million. USA Today reported in April that Hooters had more than 300 locations, with 151 company-owned and operated restaurants and 154 others operated by franchises.
The 41-year-old restaurant chain is known for its chicken wings, beer and orange decor along with suggestively dressed female servers. But the chain has come under increased competition from both traditional casual dining chains and other emulators, such as Lewisville-based Twin Peaks and Bone Daddy’s.
The Future of Hooters
A statement on the company website on March 31 said that all company-operated locations would be sold to a group of franchisees who would “acquire and operate” these restaurants.
“Our renowned Hooters restaurants are here to stay,” Chief Executive Officer of Hooters of America Sal Melilli said in the March statement. “I’ve seen firsthand the incredible value and opportunities our brand brings to life, and I look forward to continuing that momentum well into the future. I’m incredibly grateful to our valued customers, partners, and employees for their continued support.”
Affected Locations
Along with the Grapevine location, the Houston and San Marcos restaurants have also been closed.
Attempts to call the Grapevine Hooters led to a voicemail announcing the location’s closure, and Google lists the restaurant as permanently closed. Hooters’ website does not list any of these shuttered stores either.
Hooters also has locations in Mesquite, Fort Worth, Mesquite and Frisco, which all appear to still be operating.
Several locations have been closed in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina and Tennessee as well, along with many other states.
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Conclusion
The closure of Hooters locations across the country is a significant development in the restaurant industry. As the company navigates its financial challenges, it remains committed to its iconic brand and loyal customer base. While the exact future of Hooters is uncertain, one thing is clear: the company will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the restaurant industry.
FAQs
Q: How many Hooters locations were closed?
A: Over 30 locations were closed in at least 12 states.
Q: Why did Hooters file for bankruptcy?
A: Hooters filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to a debt of $376 million.
Q: What will happen to the closed locations?
A: The company-operated locations will be sold to a group of franchisees who will acquire and operate the restaurants.
Q: Will Hooters continue to operate?
A: Yes, Hooters will continue to operate under a pure franchise business model.
