The Atlanta-based sports bar chain, Hooters, abruptly closed dozens of "underperforming" restaurants across the U.S. It's joining a growing list of eateries facing inflation and changing consumer habits.
Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN) reported the news spread Sunday evening. Locations in Bryan, Texas; Lakeland, Florida; and Louisville, Kentucky, were among the closures. Nearly 40 restaurants in the U.S. have shut their doors.
"Like many restaurants under pressure from current market conditions, Hooters has made the difficult decision to close a select number of underperforming stores," the company told NRN. "Ensuring the well-being of our staff is our priority in these rare instances."
Hooters did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for a statement. The number of stores closed and the specific reasons remain unclear.
Since 2018, Hooters has seen a 12% decline in the number of restaurants. They started with 333 at the end of 2018 and had 209 by 2023, according to Technomic, a restaurant consulting firm.
Despite the decline, Hooters remains optimistic. They feature scantily clad women serving chicken wings, beer, and more.
"With new Hooters restaurants opening domestically and internationally, new Hooters frozen products launching at grocery stores, and the Hooters footprint expanding into new markets with both company and franchise locations, this brand of 41 years remains highly resilient and relevant," Hooters told NRN. "We look forward to continuing to serve our guests at home, on the go and at our restaurants here in the U.S. and around the globe."
Hooters is among several dining chains facing tough times. Inflation and changing consumer spending habits are taking their toll.
Last month, seafood chain Red Lobster announced it would be "auctioning off 50+ locations across the country." This came just days before filing for bankruptcy.
TGI Fridays also abruptly shuttered dozens of underperforming restaurants across the country in January.
