Hooters Shuts Down Over 30 Locations in Sudden Move Amid Business Restructuring
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Hooters has abruptly closed more than 30 of its restaurants across the U.S., catching both customers and employees off guard. The decision, announced June 4, impacts company-owned locations and comes just months after the chain filed for bankruptcy.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Hooters called it a “difficult decision” and said it is now shifting to a fully franchise-based model. The company assured it would support impacted staff and reaffirmed that the brand isn’t going anywhere: “Hooters is here to stay,” the statement read, emphasizing future plans for a leaner, more financially stable operation.
Stores affected span Florida, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, Tennessee, and several other states, including high-traffic spots like downtown Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte. Many of the closures were confirmed when customers calling the restaurants were met with pre-recorded messages announcing the shutdown.