Facing financial challenges, the popular restaurant chain, Hooters, is working too maintain its presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This article dives into the recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of Hooters of America and explores what that means for the numerous Hooters locations in Dallas, including the highly anticipated reopening of the original West End restaurant. Learn how Hooters is navigating industry headwinds and aiming for a accomplished future in Dallas.
Hooters’ Dallas Presence: Navigating Bankruptcy and Rebirth
April 2, 2025
Despite recent financial turbulence, Hooters aims to maintain its Dallas footprint, with plans to reopen its original West End location.
Chapter 11 Filing: What It Means for Dallas
Hooters of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 31,2025. though, Dallas-Fort Worth locations are expected to remain operational.
- Business as Usual: Two franchise companies have agreed to purchase over 100 Hooters of America restaurants. This aims to ensure a seamless transition.
-
CEO Assurance:
Our renowned Hooters restaurants are here to stay,
said Hooters of America CEO Sal Melilli.
The Return of a Dallas Landmark
Dallas’ first Hooters, located in the West End, is slated to reopen in 2025. This follows a temporary closure due to a fire in mid-2024.
The N. Lamar Street location has been shuttered as mid-july 2024, following a fire that took over two hours to extinguish.
In January 2025, Hooters hinted at a reopening by hiring servers online.
wider Challenges in the Restaurant Sector
Hooters’ bankruptcy filing reflects broader challenges within the restaurant industry.
- Declining Foot Traffic: Bloomberg reported declining foot traffic for the company.
- Rising Costs: increased costs of food and labor are impacting profitability.
-
Changing Consumer Habits:
Changing attitudes of consumers on dining out
are affecting restaurant chains, according to The Street.
Other chains, including TGI Fridays, Red Lobster, and Bar Louie, have also taken similar steps.
Hooters’ Presence in DFW
Hooters maintains a significant presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with over a dozen locations.
- Addison
- Arlington
- Cedar Hill
- Denton
- Fort Worth
- frisco
- Garland
- McKinney
- Mesquite
- Plano
- and more
A History of Wings and… Controversy
Founded over 40 years ago in Clearwater, Florida, Hooters expanded to Dallas in the late 1980s.
The N. Lamar Street location is now situated near the Perot Museum, the forthcoming Goldman Sachs advancement, and the American airlines Center in Victory park.
Food and Service: A Look Back
In 1991, a joint review of the West End and Addison restaurants awarded a respectable 3.5 out of 5 stars.
-
Wings: Described as
succulent.
-
Waitresses: Described as
sweet.
The Addison location remains open. Further updates on the West End reopening are anticipated.
