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A popular restaurant chain abruptly closed dozens of locations around the country, including a handful of restaurants in Tennessee.
Hooters, a sports bar known for its chicken wings and signature waitress uniforms, closed more than 30 restaurants across several states, months after the company filed for bankruptcy amid financial struggles. The move of selling some of its company-owned locations comes as the company transitions into a franchise business model.
The closures affect Hooters restaurants in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Among the locations already closed or expected to shutter are three restaurants in Tennessee: Murfreesboro, Memphis (Downtown - Peabody Place) and Nashville (Downtown - Harding Place).
Hooters filed for bankruptcy in March, saying at the time that the company was "here to stay" as it "streamlined operations," per Eat This, Not That! In a statement shared June 4, the company expanded on the "difficult decision" to shutter several locations that were company-owned.
"Hooters will be well-positioned to continue our iconic legacy under a pure franchise business model," the statement said. "We are committed to supporting our impacted team members throughout this process and are incredibly grateful to our valued customers for their loyalty and dedication to the Hooters brand."
This is the latest company to announce closures affecting business in Tennessee. In March, it was reported that a popular retailer was shuttering all locations in the Volunteer State.