Celebrity chef Andrew Gruelle speaks out about the rising costs of doing business in California as his beloved fast-food chain is forced to close 48 locations across the state.
Atlanta-based sports bar chain Hooters has reportedly abruptly closed dozens of “underperforming” restaurants across the U.S., joining a growing list of eateries facing the harsh realities of inflation and changing consumer habits.
Rumors began circulating Sunday evening that Hooters locations in Bryan, Texas, Lakeland, Florida and Louisville, Kentucky were suddenly closing, bringing the total number of restaurants in the U.S. to nearly 40, Nation’s Restaurant News reported.
“Like many restaurants feeling the pressures of the current market environment, Hooters has made the difficult decision to close a number of underperforming locations,” the company was quoted as saying in a statement on Monday by the newspaper. “In these rare instances, ensuring the well-being of our associates is our top priority.”
Hooters did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for a statement on the reported closures, including how many locations they are closing or why.
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Hooters restaurant sign. (Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Hooters has seen a 12% decline in its number of locations since 2018, starting with 333 locations at the end of the year and projected to fall to 2,093 by 2023, the Journal reported, citing data from restaurant consulting firm Technomic.
Despite the decline in store numbers, Hooters remains optimistic about the future of its restaurants, where scantily clad women serve chicken wings, beer and other fare.
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“With new Hooters restaurants opening both domestically and internationally, new Hooters frozen meals launching in grocery stores, and the Hooters footprint expanding into new markets with both company-operated and franchised locations, the 41-year-old brand remains extremely resilient and relevant,” the restaurant told NRN. “We look forward to continuing to serve our customers at home, on the go, and in our restaurants across the U.S. and around the world.”
The Atlanta-based company is one of several restaurant chains facing tough times amid rising inflation and changing consumer spending habits in the United States.
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Last month, seafood chain Red Lobster announced it would auction off more than 50 restaurants across the United States, just days before filing for bankruptcy.
TGI Fridays also abruptly closed dozens of underperforming restaurants in January.
FOX Business’ Daniella Genovese and Eric Revell contributed to this report.
