Hooters Opens First The Villages Florida Location Amid Chain Restructuring

Hooters has opened a new restaurant in The Villages, Florida, a retirement community that eagerly welcomed the arrival of the popular chain. This location, operated by HMC Hospitality Group—the original founders of Hooters—is distinct from the recently bankrupt Hooters of America and aims to uphold the brand's founding vision with a fun atmosphere and iconic uniform style. The 4,500-square-foot restaurant at Lake Deaton Plaza employs over 70 staff members and offers indoor and outdoor seating, operating daily with extended weekend hours. Residents have expressed excitement about having a nearby Hooters, appreciating the menu options beyond wings, including quesadillas, and the opportunity to avoid longer drives to other locations. Meanwhile, Hooters continues to face challenges elsewhere, with closures of multiple locations nationwide, including the recent shuttering of a Colorado Lone Tree restaurant, reducing the state's presence to three locations. The new Villages Hooters represents a strategic effort to revitalize the brand by focusing on community integration and returning to its roots.