Hooters

Hooters opened its first doors on October 4, 1983, on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard in Clearwater, Florida. Six businessmen, with Lynn D. Stewart as the principal figure, chose the spot for its proximity to the beach and tourist traffic. The name plays on a double entendre: a slang term for breasts and the owl, whose hooting call became the brand's logo. The original concept was simple: a casual, beach-themed joint where young women in tight tank tops and orange shorts served beer and wings.

The menu has always centered on chicken wings, marketed as "Nearly World Famous," along with burgers, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, and salads. Most locations serve beer and wine, with full bars where local laws allow. Beyond food, Hooters built a merchandise business selling T-shirts, sweatshirts, and novelty items. The brand even launched Hooters Air, a short-lived airline that featured Hooters Girls as flight attendants. By 2016, the chain had grown to over 430 locations worldwide, with Hooters of America LLC operating 160 corporate outlets. At its peak, it spanned 44 US states, plus Guam and the US Virgin Islands, and 28 other countries.

Hooters' identity has always been tied to its Hooters Girls, a waitstaff known for their revealing uniforms and sports bar energy. That image made the chain a pop culture staple, referenced in countless movies, TV shows, and songs. But it also drew criticism from feminist groups and sparked legal battles over hiring practices that favored young, attractive women. In the 2020s, changing social attitudes and rising costs hit hard. On March 31, 2025, Hooters of America, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company has since closed all locations in four states, including Massachusetts and New York, as part of a restructuring that aims to attract younger customers and families. [edit]