List of over 30 Hooters restaurants abruptly closed amid bankruptcy | News US

The iconic American restaurant chain Hooters suddenly shuttered more than 30 of its locations in the US this week as it continues to go through bankruptcy.

Hooters called the closures a ‘difficult decision’.

All of the locations that closed their doors across multiple states on Wednesday were company-owned.

‘Hooters will be well-positioned to continue our iconic legacy under a pure franchise business model,’ the company told USA Today.

‘We are committed to supporting our impacted team members throughout this process and are incredibly grateful to our valued customers for their loyalty and dedication to the Hooters brand.’

Hooters did not provide a list of closed locations, but local news outlets have reported several dozen that are appear to no longer be operating.

Reports emerged in February that Hooters was heading for bankruptcy, and the company filed for Chapter 11 protection in March.

At the time that the bankruptcy was announced, Hooters of America CEO Sal Melilli insisted that the restaurants ‘are here to stay’.

‘Today’s announcement marks an important milestone in our efforts to reinforce Hooters’ financial foundation and continue delivering the guest-obsessed hospitality experience and delicious food our customers and communities have come to expect,’ he said.

By the end of March, Hooters announced that it planned to sell 100 of its locations in the US in order to stay afloat. As part of the bankruptcy process, all remaining Hooters were to be turned over to franchises for ownership.

The chain known for skimpily dressed waitresses had more than 300 locations in April, including 151 that it owned and 154 that were run by franchises.

At its height, Hooters operated more than 410 restaurants in 38 states and 24 countries. Its first location opened in Clearwater, Florida, in 1983.

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