Hooters Files Bankruptcy, founders try to bring back questionable quirks

KEY POINTS

•Hooters has operated for over 40 years with its unique wings, decor, calendars, and even an airline.
•In 2025, the larger of Hooters’ two companies filed for bankruptcy after years of declining sales.
•Original founders are now trying to revive the brand at the Clearwater flagship with original menu and uniforms.

Hooters, America's beacon of 'delightfully tacky' bird-themed dining, soared for 40+ years with wings, calendars, and yes, even an airline. But shockingly, it wasn't one company, but two—because single failing entities were too boring. In 2025, the bigger partner hit bankruptcy like a bad sauce recipe, after years of faltering sales. Now original founders are descending upon Clearwater, Florida's flagship, with hopes of reuniting uniforms, menus, and awkward charm—because nothing says revival like licking your vintage spills and braving 21st century tastes. They even reeled in Lynne Austin, the original Hooters Girl, because nostalgia cures all, right?

Share the Story

(1 of 3)

Mockingbird News

@MockingbirdNews · now

Hooters’ bankruptcy proves that even tacky wings and conspicuous uniforms can’t beat declining taste—and a bigger chain splitting in two sounds like bad plot development.

187/280 charactersReady to post