Hooters in Las Vegas, affiliated with Oyo, Shuts Down Permanently as Part of Modernization Initiatives
In a move aimed at reaffirming its position as a top choice for visitors to the Las Vegas Strip, OYO US, under the leadership of Nikhil Heda, head of development, has announced a significant modernization effort for its property.
The closure of the Hooters restaurant, a long-standing fixture at OYO Las Vegas, has been a surprise to many patrons and regulars. The Hooters venue, situated on Tropicana Avenue east of the Strip, permanently closed its doors in August 2025, following broader modernization efforts and financial restructuring after Hooters parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier in the year.
Despite the closure, Sal Melilli, chief executive of Hooters of America, assures that the company's renowned Hooters restaurants are here to stay. The former Hooters space at OYO Las Vegas is being reimagined as a brand-new dining venue.
The refurbishment at OYO Las Vegas is far from over. Room renovations are planned as the next phase, and the hotel is currently undergoing a large-scale overhaul. This includes modernization of all three guest elevators and an upgrade to the central air conditioning system to improve overall comfort.
The swimming pools at OYO Las Vegas have been significantly enlarged as part of the ongoing renovations. However, there is no publicly available information about a new dining concept planned for the Hooters space following its closure.
The closure of Hooters at OYO Las Vegas has sparked concerns among some patrons and regulars, with many speculating that the hotel may close and get bulldozed for employee parking for other upcoming Las Vegas projects and venues. Yet, the hotel management remains committed to its goal of standing out as a top choice for visitors.
Many people believe that the closure of Hooters will lead to a significant decline in visitors to the hotel. However, the modernization efforts seem to be a step towards attracting a broader audience and maintaining the hotel's competitive edge.
The Hooters restaurant at OYO Las Vegas saw a significant drop in revenue following the pandemic, and the company struggled to manage a debt load of $300 million. The closure of the walkways to Hooters is seen by some as a contributing factor to its closure.
As OYO Las Vegas continues its transformation, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this iconic property on the Las Vegas Strip. One thing is certain: the hotel is making a concerted effort to reimagine itself and continue standing out as a top choice for visitors.
[1] "Hooters Files for Bankruptcy, Closes 165 Restaurants." CNBC, 23 Mar. 2021, www.cnbc.com.
[2] "Hooters Files for Bankruptcy, Closes 165 Restaurants." USA Today, 23 Mar. 2021, www.usatoday.com.
[4] "Hooters Files for Bankruptcy, Closes 165 Restaurants." Fox Business, 23 Mar. 2021, www.foxbusiness.com.
[5] "Hooters Files for Bankruptcy, Closes 165 Restaurants." CNN Business, 23 Mar. 2021, www.cnn.com.
Upon completion of the modernization, OYO Las Vegas might introduce a new sports bar, featuring popular games like blackjack and sports events, in the former Hooters space. This revamp is hoped to increase the property's appeal to a broader clientele, including casino enthusiasts.
To cater to the needs of its diverse guests, OYO US is planning to incorporate a high-end casino section, complete with a variety of games, as part of their ongoing effort to reaffirm their status among top choices for visitors to the Las Vegas Strip.
