Hooters has shut down more than 30 locations across America, with little to no notice.
USA Today reports that Hooters executives had to sit down, likely over a few plates of their famous wings, and make a “difficult decision” to shutter the locations.
We have known that Hooters was in trouble since they declared bankruptcy back in March, but within that declaration, they did not indicate they’d be closing any restaurants.
As a matter of fact, it was quite the opposite.
Hooters said they were going to revitalize the brand and come up with new ways to make it a more family friendly restaurant — like getting rid of bikini contests and things like that.
Even though Hooters are closing more than 30 locations, they still operate 200+ storefronts across America. On their website, they are promising nothing but greatness moving forward.
“Hooters is here to stay, and with a stronger financial foundation and streamlined operations on the other side of this process, we will be well-positioned to continue delivering the guest-obsessed hospitality experience and delicious food our valued customers and communities have come to expect well into the future.”
For a company with such flavorful menu offerings, that is such a bland and blanket statement — but nonetheless, it’s a sign of some positive future things that are happening for the brand.
Hooters locations that have suddenly closed:
- Sanford, Florida
- Orlando, Florida – Kirkman Road
- Kissimmee, Florida – Osceola Parkway
- Melbourne, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia – Downtown
- Douglasville, Georgia
- Gwinnett, Georgia
- Valdosta, Georgia
- Greenwood, Indiana
- Rockford, Illinois
- Newport, Kentucky
- Flint, Michigan
- Taylor, Michigan
- St. Louis, Missouri – Downtown
- Charlotte, North Carolina – South Boulevard
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Rock Hill, South Carolina
- Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Memphis, Tennessee – Downtown
- Nashville, Tennessee – Harding Place
- Grapevine, Texas
- Houston, Texas – 120 FM 1960 W
- San Marcos, Texas
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Lafayette, Indiana
- Evansville, Indiana
- Detroit, Michigan
Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.
These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we’re looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!
Let’s take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.
Gallery Credit: Jess
It’s pretty common for NASCAR rides to switch designs week to week, but back in the ’90s, when the cars had to be actually painted versus wrapped like today, rides stuck with designs for weeks at a time.
Some of these paint jobs never would see the light of day in today’s world. Let’s run down some some classic NASCAR sponsor paint jobs as well as some forgotten ones.
Gallery Credit: Wood