Hooters restaurants continue to close across the United States, including several long-time locations in Florida. The closures have raised questions about the brand's appeal, but the company's CEO, Neil Kiefer, insists that the closures are not a reflection of the brand's strength.
Kiefer, who is also the CEO of Florida-based Hooters Inc., attributes the closures to the company's recent ownership changes. In March 2025, Hooters of America filed for bankruptcy, and the original founders of the brand regained control of the company. Kiefer said that the closures should be viewed in the context of the company's rebuilding efforts.
According to Kiefer, the company is focused on rebuilding the restaurant chain and restoring its original identity. He has stated that Hooters had become overly sexualized under its former corporate leadership and that he wants to attract a broader customer base, including families. To that end, the company has opened new restaurants, including a location in The Villages, Florida, in July 2025.
The recent closures include a Hooters restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, which closed in September after 40 years in operation. Another location in Boca Raton, Florida, closed earlier this year after 16 years when its landlord declined to renew the lease. However, Kiefer maintains that the company's commitment to its customers and employees remains unchanged.
The company is concentrating its efforts on its community, staff, food, and dedication to these core values, according to Kiefer. He emphasized that the closures should not be seen as a reflection of the brand's beloved staff, community, or sisterhood of the orange shorts.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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