Hooters Names Ohio Woman as 2027 Bikini Calendar Cover Model
The iconic brand's selection of Sophia Zullo marks a surprising choice as Hooters continues its strategic shift.
Hooters has selected Sophia Zullo, an Ohio native, as the cover model for its 2027 bikini calendar. This announcement marks a notable shift for the brand, which has been increasingly focusing on its Florida operations.
The choice of Zullo, from Ohio, is particularly surprising given that the state has only two remaining Hooters locations: one in Dayton and another in Mason. This decision deviates from the expectation that the brand might lean into its Florida base by selecting a model from that region.
Despite the calendar news, Hooters has faced some setbacks, including the closure of a 30-year-old location in Panama City Beach, Florida, earlier this month. The brand's strategic direction, including recent bankruptcy filings and stated intentions to "return to its glory," suggests ongoing efforts to revitalize its image and operations.