What’s Really Going On With Hooters in Texas?

There has been a lot of talk about Hooters in Texas lately. Some people wonder if the restaurant chain is closing for good, while others think it’s staying open. So, what’s really happening? Let’s take a closer look at the situation in Texas.

Hooters has been a popular spot in Texas for decades, known for its sports bar atmosphere, wings, burgers, seafood, and the iconic Hooters Girls. Many Texans have made it their go-to place for watching games and enjoying casual dining. However, with competition from other sports bars like Twin Peaks and Pluckers, Hooters has struggled to keep up.

Hooters has been facing money problems for a while, and that has led to some Texas locations shutting down. Last year, the company closed several underperforming restaurants in the state, along with others in Florida, Virginia, Kentucky, and Rhode Island.

One of the biggest challenges for Hooters is its debt. In 2021, the company sold $300 million in bonds, using its brand, franchise fees, and restaurant properties as collateral. This happened during the COVID-19 pandemic when fewer people were dining out. Now, if Hooters can’t pay back what it owes, lenders could force it to sell assets, leading to even more closures in Texas.

To adapt, Hooters introduced “Hoots Wings by Hooters” in 2017. These locations focus more on takeout and have a family-friendly vibe, with both male and female servers dressed in casual attire. Texas was expected to be a key market for this concept, but even these locations have struggled—one in Chicago recently shut down.

Despite these challenges, Hooters still operates multiple locations across Texas, and the company insists it is still opening new restaurants in the U.S. and internationally. Hooters has also started selling frozen wings and other branded food in grocery stores, giving Texas fans another way to enjoy their favorites.

So, what does all of this mean for Texas Hooters locations? Right now, the future is uncertain. The company is working with lawyers and preparing for a possible bankruptcy filing, which could mean more closures. Texans who love Hooters should watch for announcements about the fate of their favorite locations.

For now, Hooters is still serving up wings, cold beer, and sports, but whether it can survive these financial troubles remains to be seen. Texas Hooters fans will have to wait and see what happens next.