Hooters Founders Reclaim Chain, Relaunch 140 U.S. Locations

The original founders of Hooters finalized their acquisition of Hooters of America, taking full control after the chain’s Chapter 11 reorganization and closing the transaction Friday. The deal gives them roughly 140 U.S. restaurants and about 60 international locations, representing roughly $700 million in systemwide sales. The group is launching a “re-Hooterization” emphasizing simplified menus, upgraded ingredients and equipment, hand-breaded wings and in-house dressings, and a renewed focus on local communities and a family-friendly image. A high-profile change will be a return to the brand’s original server uniforms—classic orange shorts and white crop tops—scrapping the tighter bikini-style bottoms adopted under prior ownership. The founders and partners said they will invest in nationwide remodels and operational upgrades and pivot the chain toward a franchise-heavy model to revive sales after years of decline and heavy debt.