Hooters Announces Shutdown of Several U.S. Outlets, Including the Iconic Tallahassee Branch
Tearful Goodbyes: Hooters Bid Farewell to Multiple Locations
It's a bittersweet moment for Hooters fans, particularly in Tallahassee, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia, as a few of their favorite spots are shutting down for good.
On a recent phone call, the Hooters location in Tallahassee, just under four miles from Doak Campbell Stadium, played a "so long" message. The same goes for Valdosta, where a similar message greeted our investigators.
These closures seem to be a direct result of the bankruptcy news that rocked the breastaurant industry last year. The company, after careful analysis, made the difficult decision to close some of their company-owned locations effective June 4, 2025.
However, the news isn't entirely dire. Hooters is still here to stay, transitioning to a purely franchised model to secure their financial stability and ensure long-term growth. The company is also dedicated to supporting their impacted team members throughout this challenging period.
In the phone message at the Augusta location, there's still a glimmer of hope for Hooters enthusiasts. The iconic spot where golf legend John Daly signs packs of memorabilia remains open, at least for now.
Looking Back: A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane
A quick Google search revealed that one of the Tallahassee Hooters locations dated back to 1988, providing a piece of history for loyal patrons like Greg S. who moved to the city from Kansas City in 1988. He confessed that Hooters was the first place he visited when he arrived and that the news of its potential closure left him heartbroken, considering it his preferred spot for his retirement years.
Although specific information about Hooters closures in 2021 isn't readily available, the company's actions in 2025, guided by their bankruptcy restructuring plans, suggest a shift towards a franchised model and the selling of company-owned stores.
A Remaining Beacon of Hope: Augusta, Georgia
In the midst of this wave of closures, one location stands tall—the Augusta store where John Daly signs packs of memorabilia. According to the latest updates, the Augusta location remains open, continuing to serve fans of the classic wing joint and Hooters memorabilia.
References:
- Hooters of America, Inc. Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/business/hooters-bankruptcy.html
- Hooters Announces Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing and Plans to Adopt a Pure Franchise Model. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hooters-announces-chapter-11-bankruptcy-filing-and-plans-to-adopt-a-pure-franchise-model-301622540.html
- List of Hooters locations. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hooters_locations
- Hooters to Close Over 30 U.S. Locations. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/hooters-to-close-over-30-u-s-locations/ar-AA190780
In a bid to maintain its presence in the entertainment industry, Hooters is transitioning to a franchised model, a move that was initially spurred by the company's bankruptcy news in 2025. Despite the closure of several locations, social media platforms have become a bustling hub for Hooters fans to share their heartfelt tributes and memories, particularly regarding the iconic Augusta store where golf legend John Daly signs memorabilia—the last remaining beacon of hope for the breastaurant chain on social media.
