1851

In a bold pivot,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eatthis.com/hooters-closes-30-locations-franchise-shift/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures-2729576" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hooters has closed more than 30 company-owned restaurants</a> as part of a strategic move toward becoming a fully franchised brand. The closures,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2025/06/04/hooters-restaurant-closing/84037311007/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures-2729576" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">confirmed in a June 4 statement</a>, mark a significant shift for the iconic restaurant chain, which says it is doubling down on a “pure franchise business model.”“This difficult decision impacts only company-owned locations,” the company said in its announcement. “<a href="https://www.hootersfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures-2729576" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hooters</a> will be well-positioned to continue our iconic legacy under a pure franchise business model.”The move follows a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/hooters-bankruptcy-chapter-11-april-2025-2728989#stories">March 2025 bankruptcy filing</a> and reflects a broader trend in the restaurant industry — shifting operational burdens away from the corporate level and empowering franchisees to lead local growth. For some, the transition to a fully franchised system signals a new era for the brand — one where operators are no longer competing with corporate-owned locations and instead working together in a system built “by the franchisees, for the franchisees.”While Hooters once boasted more than 420 restaurants globally, recent numbers tell a different story. As of April 2025, USA Today reported only about 300 Hooters locations remained — split almost evenly between corporate and franchised units. Now, with this shift, franchisees will take the lead.That’s an appealing scenario for many operators. Fully franchised systems often create a more collaborative and transparent culture, where best practices are shared more openly and franchisees feel their voices are better represented in brand decisions. It also gives corporate teams the ability to focus on strategic support, development and marketing — rather than day-to-day operations.Hooters says it remains committed to its fan base despite the closures. “Hooters is here to stay,” the company said. “With a stronger financial foundation and streamlined operations, we will be well-positioned to continue delivering the guest-obsessed hospitality experience and delicious food our valued customers and communities have come to expect.”As the brand repositions itself under franchisee leadership, the future of Hooters may depend not just on wings and nostalgia — but on how well the brand can empower its franchisees to drive what comes next.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eatthis.com/hooters-closes-30-locations-franchise-shift/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures-2729576" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures-2729576" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Franchise Model Shifts as Brand Closes 30 Company-Owned Locations

1851 Franchise

The restaurant chain’s recent closures mark a strategic shift in ownership structure, signaling a deeper reliance on franchisees to shape the brand’s future.

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Paris Baguette Canada

Photo of two people sitting at table with pastries, holding Paris Baguette coffee beverages

Paris Baguette Surpasses 1 Million Loyalty Members — A Testament To Franchise Growth and Potential

paris-baguette-loyalty-program-1-million-members

Griswold

Griswold’s Beth Copeland Shares Key Signs Your Senior Loved One May Need Extra Help

griswolds-beth-copeland-shares-key-signs-your-senior-loved-one-may-need-extra-help

TruBlue Home Service Ally

Empowering Entrepreneurs With Minimal Experience: How TruBlue Makes It Possible

empowering-entrepreneurs-with-minimal-experience-how-trublue-makes-it-possible

Why TruBlue Is the No-Hassle Way Into the Senior Industry

why-trublue-is-the-no-hassle-way-into-the-senior-industry

TruBlue and Habitat for Humanity Team Up To Help Veteran Regain Independence at Home

trublue-and-habitat-for-humanity-team-up-to-help-veteran-regain-independence-at-home

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sold to Roark Capital in $1 Billion Deal to Fuel Global Expansion

daves-hot-chicken-sold-to-roark-capital-in-1-billion-deal-to-fuel-global-expansion

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises

homebuyers-keep-buying-and-thats-good-news-for-home-service-franchises

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers - 1851 Franchise

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers

ai-unemployment-impact-white-collar-job-loss

How To Sell Just One Franchise: What You’ll Learn at FranCamp NJ 2025

how-to-sell-just-one-franchise-what-youll-learn-at-francamp-nj-2025

Ellie Mental Health Franchisee Backlash - Alleged Misrepresentations - 1851 Franchise

Ellie Mental Health Faces Franchisee Backlash Over Alleged Misrepresentations

ellie-mental-health-franchisee-backlash

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises — How To Build Webinars

how-franchisors-can-build-effective-webinars-to-reach-prospective-franchisees

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises: How To Budget Properly

how-franchises-can-budget-their-finances-properly

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition — Point of Differentiation

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS