Hooters Closes 30+ Company-Owned Locations Across Multiple States After Bankruptcy Filing

Hooters, the iconic restaurant chain known for its chicken wings and distinctive waitstaff, has closed over 30 company-owned locations across more than a dozen states as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring plan. Initially, the company had assured customers that no closures were planned when it filed for bankruptcy in March 2025, but later revealed that optimizing its operational footprint was necessary to emerge stronger under a pure franchise business model. About half of Hooters' roughly 300 U.S. restaurants were company-owned, with closures confirmed in states including Michigan, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. The company plans to support impacted employees and remains committed to its brand legacy and customer experience. Meanwhile, the high-end steakhouse sector is also experiencing closures due to rising costs and changing consumer habits, with notable chains such as Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Morton's, The Capital Grille, and Shula's shutting some longstanding locations. Despite these challenges, new openings like Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak are planned, reflecting ongoing shifts in the restaurant industry landscape.