Hooters Quietly Shutters Dozens of Locations Across the U.S.

Red Lobster isn't the only national restaurant chain taking a hit this year. Hooters, the so-called breastaurant named after a double entendre, which is known for its serving up beer and wings, has permanently closed at least 44 "underperforming" restaurants across 14 U.S. states.

According to USA Today, Hooters confirmed that the closures have been in response to "pressure from current market conditions." However, the chain will continue to open additional domestic and international locations, as well as launch Hooters grocery store frozen products.

"Ensuring the well-being of our staff is our priority in these rare instances," the company said in a statement. "This brand of 41 years remains highly resilient and relevant. We look forward to continuing to serve our guests at home, on the go and at our restaurants here in the U.S. and around the globe."

Citing Technomic Ignite data, Nation's Restaurant News reports that Hooters had 293 locations in the company's portfolio at the end of 2023, down just 1.3 percent from 2022. However, the trend is certainly on a downward decline, as the company owned 333 locations at the end of 2018. If the number of restaurants currently stands at around 250, that's quite the drop.

Compare that to competitor chains such as Dave & Buster’s, Miller’s Ale House, and Twin Peaks, which all grew last year at 7.3 percent, 8,9 percent, and 12 percent, respectively.

Although Hooters declined to say which locations had closed or offered a timeline for any future closures, USA Today cross-referenced a list of locations as of February with a list of locations that were still marked open online as of Tuesday. The closures currently affect one or more locations in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, as well as more than a dozen locations in Texas.