Hooters, the US restaurant chain popular for its chicken wings and distinctive waitstaff attire, has filed for bankruptcy protection. HOA Restaurant Group, which operates Hooters, submitted a motion for chapter 11 protection on Monday in the Northern District of Texas bankruptcy court in Dallas.

As the company’s debts increased, Hooters has faced financial difficulties. Despite this, the chain aims to continue its operations and work through its issues in the coming months. Founding shareholders, who own nearly a third of Hooters’ US locations, including about half of the busiest restaurants, plan to acquire and manage additional outlets.

Hooters, founded in Clearwater, Florida in 1983, has had its fair share of troubles in recent years. The brand has faced lawsuits for its hiring practices, including allegations of race and color discrimination. In 2022, the restaurant chain dismissed claims of shutting down and rebranding, citing changing customer preferences. Additionally, the Hooters hotel-casino in Las Vegas was sold to an Indian hotel company in 2019 and rebranded as the Oyo Hotel and Casino.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/01/hooters-restaurant-bankruptcy