Hooters filed for bankruptcy protection. Are any Texas restaurants closing?
Hooters filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Dallas on March 31.
The Atlanta-based chain of sports bars is known for beer, chicken wings and waitresses who wear skimpy outfits. There are currently 39 Hooters in Texas and more than a dozen in the Metroplex.
Here’s what we know about the bankruptcy filing means for Hooters restaurants.
Why is Hooters filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection?
There has been quite a bit of speculation that Hooters would need to restructure or take other action to shore up its business.
Since 2017, the brand has been a sponsor for the No. 9 NASCAR car driven by Chase Elliott. Last year, Hendrick Motorsports pulled out of the agreement because Hooters was not meeting its financial responsibility.
In mid-2024, Hooters abruptly closed 40 restaurants across the nation. Among eight closures in Texas were the downtown Fort Worth location at 150 Throckmorton St. and an Arlington location along Interstate 20.
The company’s bankruptcy plan aims to address its $376 million in debt, Reuters reported. Hooters said it intends to sell its 151 corporate-owned restaurants to a group of franchisees who own and operate 30% of the domestic Hooters locations.
The company says it expects to “move through this process swiftly” with a goal of emerging from chapter 11 in 90 to 120 days.
Will Hooters in Texas close?
Hooters has a Fort Worth location near the interchange of I-20 and Chisholm Trail Parkway. Other nearby locations are in North Richland Hills, northern Arlington, Grand Prairie, Grapevine and Denton.
Hooters says that all 305 locations across 29 states and 17 countries will continue operations as normal.
“Hooters restaurants remain open to serve customers and will continue to operate in a business-as-usual manner during its chapter 11 cases,” the company said.
As part of a “broader business transformation and planning,” Hooters is evaluating its operational footprint.
“Our renowned Hooters restaurants are here to stay,” said Sal Melilli, chief executive officer of Hooters of America.
Additionally, the Hooters on North Lamar Street in Dallas is expected to reopen this year after closing due to a fire in June 2024.
Hooters was founded in Clearwater, Florida, in 1983.
The Bigger Picture
Hooters is following a string of restaurant chains filing for chapter 11 bankruptcies.
In the recent months,
On the Border Mexican Cantina and Grill filed in March, closing Arlington and Dallas locations. Fort Worth remains open.
TGI Fridays filed in November 2024, closing an Arlington store but keeping five DFW airport locations open.
Red Lobster filed in May 2024 and exited bankruptcy in September that same year. It closed two locations in Dallas.
Bar Louie filed in March 2025. All Texas locations remain open, although a Dallas location is expected to close.