Hooters’ Bankruptcy: A Sign of Changing Times

This is where I quote a Bob Dylan favorite and say the times are changing. Hooters, aka a “breastaurant,” has filed for bankruptcy. I will admit I’m not surprised by Hooters’ bankruptcy filing.

For one, the times have changed. I consider Hooters generational, meaning the generation that probably visited that restaurant is much older now and no longer does. The younger generation also has a different cultural mindset. I also blame the food.

I Visited Hooters for the Ride, Not the Food

Back in the day, to leave the day’s stresses behind, I would jump on my motorcycle and ride to the Hooters at the Hard Rock Café in Fort Lauderdale. I don’t know about now, but back then, I would be able to ride up to a table. So it was cool to have my motorcycle inches from me.

I know that sounds weird, but motorcycle riders know what I am talking about. We don’t like leaving our motorcycles unattended. Usually, it’s because 9 out of 10 times, a stranger will jump on it and start taking pictures. I’ve had to ask strangers, “Would you like for me to go inside your car without permission and start taking pictures?”

When I ordered, it was always the same thing: peel and eat shrimp and one Heineken. Why? I didn’t like anything else on the menu, and my stomach would agree with me. I’ve been conscious of what foods I put in my body, and that’s probably normal as we get older, but also learn more about diet and nutrition. But I also think today’s younger generation is more food and health conscious, and if so, dining out at Hooters is not at the top of the list.

Change with the Times or Else

I say all the time in my Business Law class that businesses have to adapt to remain competitive, otherwise, they cease to exist. There will always be a newer and shinier object to distract customers, so a business owner has to know how to redirect their attention. Otherwise, a business will face its demise.

While we haven’t felt the financial pinch yet from the Trump tariff wars or “Liberation Day,” Hooters and the restaurant industry are likely to feel it sooner versus later. The first thing to go is discretionary spending, and dinner with a pitcher of warm beer, regardless of the bag of ice inside, is definitely on that list.

Updated List of Hooters Locations Closing

The following list of locations closing was confirmed by USA Today:

• 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

On June 4, 2025, the location at 4521 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida, was closed permanently, per First Coast News. The location at 8938 San Jose Blvd remains open.

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