A group of original Hooters founders is buying back 111 locations from bankruptcy with a $40 million plan to restore the brand's original, more wholesome image and revive its popularity, driven by their emotional connection and a sense of moral obligation to preserve the iconic chain.
Hooters, the iconic restaurant chain known for its controversial uniforms, filed for bankruptcy and is now undergoing a rebranding to emphasize family-friendly dining, nostalgia, and community engagement, with a focus on traditional attire and charitable initiatives, aiming to adapt to changing cultural norms and maintain relevance.
Hooters, the restaurant chain famous for wings, beer, and its waitstaff known as 'Hooters Girls,' has abruptly closed over 30 locations across multiple states, marking a significant decline for the franchise that once expanded internationally and diversified into ventures like Hooters Air and a casino hotel.
Hooters has closed around 30 restaurants across several states following its bankruptcy filing earlier this year, as the casual dining industry faces ongoing challenges from high food prices and declining consumer sentiment. This is part of a broader trend of restaurant closures and financial struggles among major chains like Bahama Breeze, TGI Fridays, and Red Lobster, reflecting a tough year for the industry with slow sales growth and inflation pressures.
Hooters has closed its last Michigan location in Taylor, leaving only one in Saginaw, after filing for bankruptcy in April; other recent fast-casual Hooters outlets have also closed.
The Hooters restaurant in Warwick, Rhode Island, has closed indefinitely due to the recent collapse of the Washington Bridge. The location had previously reopened in 2020 after being closed for five years due to roof damage from a snowstorm. Nearby Hooters locations in Dedham and Shrewsbury remain open.
The Hooters restaurant on Airport Road in Warwick, R.I., has closed again, despite its website listing operating hours and a phone number that leads to a non-functional website. A sign in the window attributes the closure to a "bridge collapse." The restaurant had previously closed for five years due to roof damage from severe ice, reopening in 2020.
Sydney Sweeney's "Saturday Night Live" sketch featured her as a Hooters waitress who, despite being terrible at her job, raked in $36,000 in tips, leaving her coworkers in disbelief. The comedic skit showcased Sweeney's character's knack for getting huge tips despite her blunders, leading to a humorous interaction with the Hooters mascot.
During a Saturday Night Live skit, guest host Sydney Sweeney played a Hooters waitress who raked in $36,000 in tips while her coworkers earned under $50, leading to comedic chaos and misunderstandings. The skit humorously highlighted the disparity in earnings and customer treatment, culminating in a bizarre interaction with the Hooters mascot.
Sydney Sweeney took on a sketch as a new waitress at Hooters during her hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, raking in $36,000 in tips despite her poor serving skills. Her co-workers suggest it might not be the best place for her, but the chain's mascot disagrees, likening her to Harry Potter at Hogwarts.
Sydney Sweeney's "Saturday Night Live" sketch portrays her as a new waitress at Hooters who, despite her poor serving skills, manages to rake in $36,000 in tips and receives a car offer even after causing mishaps. Her co-workers express disbelief at her success, but the Hooters mascot sees her as the chosen one, comparing her to Harry Potter and declaring the restaurant her Hogwarts.
Hooters will be the primary sponsor for Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team in three races during the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, with a first look at the Hooters Chevy that will be on track.
In honor of National First Responders Day, several businesses including Lowe's, Firehouse Subs, Hooters, Potbelly, Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews, and TCBY are offering deals and discounts to show appreciation for the service of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. These specials range from discounts on home improvement products at Lowe's to free sandwiches at Firehouse Subs and BOGO wings at Hooters. First responders can also enjoy free cookies or fountain drinks at Potbelly and free frozen yogurt at TCBY. Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews is even offering a year-round 20% discount on meals for first responders.
Hooters of America is facing a federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) after a Greensboro location allegedly re-hired mostly white or light-skinned servers following COVID-19 layoffs. The lawsuit claims that Black or dark-skinned servers experienced racial discrimination and hostility from managers, including discriminatory comments and preferential treatment given to white or light-skinned servers. The EEOC is seeking equal employment opportunities for all employees, compensation for the affected former employees, and punitive damages for Hooters' alleged willful conduct.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against a Hooters restaurant in North Carolina, alleging racial discrimination against Black or darker-skinned "Hooters Girls." The lawsuit claims that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the restaurant laid off a class of Black and dark-skinned women and recalled mostly white or light-skinned employees. The EEOC also alleges that darker-skinned employees experienced racial hostility and received less-lucrative shifts. The agency is seeking back pay, damages, and injunctive relief.