A popular Hooters location known for its viral social media presence is set to close soon, leading up to its last Super Bowl celebration this Sunday.
Customers and staff were taken aback upon learning that the Boca Raton, Florida, Hooters will be shutting down at the end of February. This decision came after the landlord chose not to renew the lease, as general manager Chris Torelli explained.
In a challenging restaurant landscape, closures often signal issues, yet this Hooters had amassed a devoted following through TikTok dances, humorous skits, and other viral content.
“We’re doing well, and this isn’t the case with many places closing right now,” Torelli remarked.
This particular store distinguished itself by heavily engaging on social media. What began as a marketing trial blossomed into one of the most recognized Hooters accounts in the country, according to Torelli.
The videos—featuring choreographed dances and playful banter about local sports—struck a chord well beyond the local area. Early successes on social media really supported this direction, he noted.
“Once a couple of stories take off, you start to see interactions and comments pouring in,” he said.
However, it wasn’t solely about followers or algorithms. The mission was always centered on having fun.
“While we are a business, Instagram is about enjoyment for us,” Torelli stated.
A lot of that fun stemmed from the personalities seen in the videos. Hooters waitresses Amanda Hall and Sarah Glynn became recognizable figures online, often dancing, joking, and playfully poking fun at themselves.
The social media success has turned the Hooters staff into sort of “local celebrities,” as Torelli noted, and their fame extended beyond the walls of the restaurant.
Former employee Abigail Fuqua still feels the impact of that popularity over a year after leaving the Boca Raton location. She continues to be recognized from videos that are still making the rounds online.
“As soon as you walk in and dive into that atmosphere, it is just a blast,” Fuqua said of her time in the videos.
This strong social media presence has also proven to be an effective tool for recruiting new staff, Torelli mentioned.
“We’ve found one of the best ways to attract future Hooters girls,” he shared, emphasizing that it had been quite successful since they are hiring individuals who admired the videos.
As the restaurant prepares to close after 16 years, Hall and Glynn reflect on the experience as more than just employment.
“These girls have become my sisters,” Glynn expressed.
“It felt like home and family,” Hall added.
Yet, there’s a tinge of optimism regarding what lies ahead. Torelli shared that the plan is to find a new location nearby.
“This isn’t the end,” he indicated.
For the team, the future feels uncertain but is treated with appreciation.
“Life is full of possibilities, but I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” Hall acknowledged.
Glynn humorously remarked that this closing might signal an end of an era for her.
“Maybe I should hang up the orange shorts for a while; I’m not sure how I’d fit in at another Hooters,” she joked.
Torelli expressed confidence that the restaurant’s social media presence will likely endure, even after the doors close.
“We’ve done so much for our customers, staff, and the community, and we owe it to continue,” he said.
There has been no comment from the property management company regarding this situation.
