Can Hooters’ Family-Friendly Makeover Keep It in Business?

Back in June of 2024 the world was shocked to hear the news that the beloved sports bar, Hooters, would be filing for Bankruptcy and closing several underperforming restaurants around the country.

Fast forward almost a year later and Hooters is coming back… in a family-friendly way. Yup, Hooters wants to be more family friendly and they believe this will save them from bankruptcy! 

Personally, I love Hooters! And I have always thought that the Hooters girls outfits were the most covered up compared to other sports bar restaurants! So hearing that they were going to be more “family-friendly” had me scratching my head.

According to online reports, after closing around 40 locations last year and racking up $300 million in debt, Hooters is switching gears and trying to be a place where the whole family wants to go.

De-Hooterization of Hooter (Their words, not mine.)

Yes, Hooters has actually been inching towards a more PG-rated experience for years. But now, they’re going all in on this “De-Hooterization” effort. Ownership is reportedly shocked that women wouldn’t want to bring their families to Hooters, and they’re determined to change that perception.

So, what’s on the chopping block? While they haven’t given specifics, it’s safe to assume that the skimpy uniforms and “bikini nights” are going the way of the dinosaurs. They’re also planning a menu refresh with fresher ingredients—because nothing says “family night” like organic hot wings, right?

But will this be enough to keep Hooters from financial freefall? Last month, rumors swirled about a potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, meaning more closures could be coming.

So, what do you think? Would you take your kids to the new-and-improved Hooters, or is this rebrand not going to sway you to have a family dinner at Hooters anytime soon?

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