All Brands Owned by Hooters of America, LLC

Who owns Hooters?
Following the October 31, 2025 bankruptcy restructuring, Hooters of America operates as a pure franchise model. The Buyer Group, consisting of Hooters Inc. (the original founder entity) and Hoot Owl Restaurants, acquired 111 company-owned restaurants and operates 140 of the 198 domestic locations. Hooters Brand Management handles franchise support operations.

Did Hooters go bankrupt?
Yes, Hooters of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 31, 2025, citing $376 million in debt, rising costs, and declining sales. The bankruptcy plan was approved on September 30, 2025, and the sale to The Buyer Group was completed on October 31, 2025. The company eliminated over $300 million in debt through the restructuring.

When was Hooters founded?
Hooters was founded on April 1, 1983, in Clearwater, Florida, by six investors: Gil DiGiannantonio, Dennis Johnson, Ed Droste, William Ranieri, Ken Wimmer, and Don Hooten.

How many Hooters locations are there?
Post-restructuring, Hooters operates approximately 198 domestic and 60 international locations, totaling approximately 258 restaurants. This is down from a peak of over 400 locations. The company closed 48 underperforming locations since early 2024, including approximately 30 in June 2025.

What is Hoots?
Hoots is a fast-casual spinoff concept launched by Hooters in 2021, featuring a smaller restaurant format without the Hooters Girls concept. Hoots focuses on chicken wings and tenders in a more modern, gender-neutral environment.

What is Hooters' revenue?
Hooters generates approximately $700 million in systemwide sales across its 258 locations. Prior to bankruptcy, the company-owned restaurants generated approximately $359 million in annual revenue. The company is privately held and does not publicly disclose detailed financial information.