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Hooters has abruptly closed dozens of "underperforming stores" in the latest example of national chain restaurants struggling amid inflation.
Hooters, which is known for its chicken wings and skimpy uniforms, cited “pressure from current market conditions” as the cause for the closures.
“Like many restaurants under pressure from current market conditions, Hooters has made the difficult decision” to close select locations, a Hooters spokesperson confirmed to the New York Post on Monday (June 24).
Hooters representatives didn't specify the number of stores closed, however, Nation's Restaurant News reported roughly 40 of the 300 locations worldwide were closed, which included stores in Florida, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia. The restaurant chain has now shut down 12% of its locations since 2018, according to Technomic, a restaurant consulting firm.
Two of Hooters' main competitors, Twin Peaks and Dave & Busters, have seen seen significant increases during that same span, CNN reported. The Hooters spokesperson said the restaurant has maintained its "brand for 41 years" and remains "highly resilient and relevant" despite the closures.
The company has still opened new locations in the U.S. and globally and expanded to frozen food grocery store items.
“We look forward to continuing to serve our guests at home, on the go and at our restaurants here in the US and around the globe,” the spokesperson told the New York Post.