Hooters is promising a return to its roots and teasing major changes after suddenly closing dozens of company-owned restaurants this week.
Just hours after the closures made headlines, the restaurant chain released a statement on Thursday morning reaffirming its commitment to the brand. Hooters said it plans to reintroduce elements that originally fueled its rise—specifically, the iconic uniforms and signature recipes that made the chain famous.
The closures, which took effect Wednesday, June 4, impacted multiple states and are part of a broader restructuring strategy. Despite the shutdowns, Hooters confirmed that over 100 company-owned locations will continue to operate.
As part of that restructuring, Hooters of America (HOA) revealed in April that it is working toward a significant deal to transfer ownership of more than 100 company-owned restaurants to a new buyer group. This group, known as Hooters Inc. and Hoot Owl Restaurants, includes longtime franchisees and original founders—individuals who have been involved with the Hooters brand for over 30 years.
In a statement released on June 5, HOA said the decision to close select locations was a necessary step before finalizing the deal. By transferring ownership to experienced operators, the company believes it will better position the brand for future success.
The buyer group also announced plans to bring back Hooters’ original style, including classic uniforms worn by Hooters Girls and original menu items that were key to the chain’s early popularity.
“We are confident that the acquisition will be finalized later this summer,” said Neil Kiefer, CEO of Hooters Inc., speaking on behalf of the buyer group. “While decisions about store closures are never easy, all parties are aligned in their goal to make the remaining 200 domestic Hooters locations as successful as possible.”
Kiefer also praised current employees, saying the group is impressed with the staff at the restaurants they plan to acquire and looks forward to welcoming them into the Hooters Inc. and Attila Wings teams.
Once the transaction is complete—expected by the end of summer—Hooters will continue to operate approximately 200 restaurants in the U.S., representing about 65% of its domestic footprint. The chain will also maintain around 60 international locations. Franchised and licensed restaurants, including those outside the U.S., will remain under the management of local partners.
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