If you are a Hooters fan in Florida, you might be surprised to learn that four Florida restaurants have now closed. The move is all part of a huge wave of closures for over 30 Hooters restaurants across the country. In a statement to USA TODAY, the company called the closures a “difficult decision” and part of a broader move toward a franchise-based business model.
According to the company, “Hooters will be well-positioned to continue our iconic legacy under a pure franchise business model. 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.”
So, if you are wondering whether this is a sign that Hooters is disappearing for good—the short answer is no. The brand says it is here to stay, but it is tightening up operations.
What Hooters locations are closing in Florida?
Here are the four Florida locations that have officially closed as of 2025:
- Tallahassee – 2028 W. Tennessee Street
- Gainesville – 3101 SW 34th Street
- Lakeland – 3431 S. Florida Avenue
- Fort Lauderdale – 6345 N. Andrews Avenue
If any of these were your local go-to spot for wings and sports, you are not alone in feeling caught off guard. Many customers reportedly found out through signs posted on the doors or by showing up to dine and discovering the restaurant was already shut down.
Is Hooters going out of business?
You might be wondering: “Is Hooters going out of business altogether?” Not quite. The restaurant chain is restructuring rather than closing shop entirely. Out of the 305 Hooters locations nationwide, 151 are owned by the company and 154 are franchises. It is those company-owned spots that have been most affected by the recent closures.
What Hooters is doing is moving away from owning and operating locations themselves. Instead, they are leaning into their franchise model, allowing independent operators to run the restaurants. This shift helps cut costs and allows the brand to streamline its business in a highly competitive casual dining industry.
What happens to employees after the closures?
Hooters did not go into great detail about what happens next for their workers, but they did say they are “committed to supporting our impacted team members throughout this process.” That could mean different things depending on the location and situation—some employees may be offered roles at other Hooters locations, while others may be given severance or job placement help.
If you worked at one of these shuttered spots or know someone who did, it is a tough break, especially when these decisions come with little warning.
Why are so many restaurants closing right now?
Hooters is not the only big-name chain making these kinds of cuts lately. Rising costs, increased competition, and shifts in consumer habits are forcing a lot of brands to rethink how they operate. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 67% of Americans remain very concerned about food and consumer goods prices, and that is affecting how—and where—people choose to eat out.
In Hooters’ case, the closures are part of a plan to build a “stronger financial foundation,” as the company puts it. They also say they are working on “streamlined operations” so that they can continue to offer what they call “guest-obsessed hospitality” in the remaining locations.
So, if you are still craving wings and curly fries, Hooters is not going away—but you may have to drive a little farther to find one.
