Hooters is setting the record straight. Despite recent rumors suggesting the popular American casual dining chain is on the brink of bankruptcy, the original founders of Hooters Restaurants, operating under HMC Hospitality Group, are firing back, claiming those reports are misleading.
According to HMC, the chain is far from financial trouble and is actually experiencing record sales in 2024. In fact, there are already new units under construction, and the company is continuing to expand. HMC operates 22 locations, with two more on the way, focusing on Florida and Illinois.
The confusion started when Bloomberg reported that Hooters of America LLC, the franchisee behind over 420 locations, was preparing for a bankruptcy filing. This raised concerns about the brand’s future, as recent years have seen a decline in sales—down nearly 15% from 2018 to 2023. Hooters has also been struggling with significant debt and overdue payments, adding to the financial pressure.
However, HMC is quick to clarify that their operations are separate from those of Hooters of America LLC, which has struggled with a consumer shift toward quick-service and fast-casual dining. The HMC-operated Hooters locations continue to thrive, contrary to the declining trends seen at some of the franchisee-run spots.
While it’s unclear what the future holds for Hooters of America LLC and its associated ventures, like the Miss Hooters International pageant and the brand’s iconic calendars, fans can rest easy knowing that the HMC-operated locations are going strong. The 2025 Hooters calendar is still available, so if you’re looking to hold onto some of that classic Hooters nostalgia, you can get your hands on it—at least for now.
In short, the original Hooters crew is pushing back against the bankruptcy rumors and focusing on continued growth and success. The message is clear: Hooters isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
