Hooters CEO Addresses Restaurant Closures Amidst Brand Rebuilding Efforts
The CEO of Hooters states that recent restaurant closures, including several in Florida, are part of a strategic rebuilding phase following the company's 2025 bankruptcy and not an indicator of declining brand appeal.
Hooters restaurants continue to close in various locations across the U.S., with several longstanding Florida establishments among them. However, the chain's CEO, Neil Kiefer, asserts that these closures are not indicative of the brand's waning popularity but rather a part of a larger effort to revitalize the company after its 2025 bankruptcy.
Kiefer, CEO of Florida-based Hooters Inc., explained that the original founders regained control of the brand following the bankruptcy and are now focused on rebuilding. "The number of stores will go up and down, but the longevity of our commitment will not," Kiefer told Fox News Digital. "These store closures are not an indication of brand strength."
Recent closures include the last Hooters in Jacksonville, Florida, ending a 40-year presence in the city, and a location in Panama City Beach that had operated for over 30 years. Earlier this year, a Hooters in Boca Raton closed after 16 years when its lease was not renewed.
Kiefer attributed the closures to the state of some stores acquired by the original founders. "Since these acquisitions, we've learned some stores were in various stages of need," he said. He emphasized that the brand's original founders saw an opportunity to reclaim its legacy and integrity.
The company is undergoing a transformation under its new ownership, with a focus on enhancing the dining experience, improving hospitality, and attracting a broader customer base, including families. Kiefer has previously stated that the brand had become overly sexualized under previous management and that the current strategy aims to restore its original identity. The company has opened new locations, including one in The Villages, Florida, which has seen significant popularity among retirees.
Kiefer reiterated that the company remains dedicated to its staff, community, food, and overall commitment to the brand's success. The ongoing closures, particularly in its home state of Florida, underscore the significant restructuring underway as Hooters seeks to redefine its future.