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For more than four decades, Hooters has been one of America's most recognizable restaurant chains, famous for its wings, "delightfully tacky" atmosphere, and all-female waitstaff. By the mid-2000s, the chain had its own airline, casino, and calendar, and it operated hundreds of locations around the world. But what most people don't realize is that, from almost the beginning, Hooters wasn't one company — it was two. And in 2025, the larger of the two filed for bankruptcy after years of declining sales.
Now, the original founders are stepping in to revive the brand and return it to its roots. Their goal is to restore the menu, uniforms, and atmosphere that defined Hooters from the start. We visited the flagship Hooters in Clearwater, Florida, and spoke with people who’ve been with the brand since the beginning, including the founders and the original Hooters Girl, Lynne Austin.
So can the founders save the brand, and can Hooters make a comeback?
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - The Origin Story
02:12 - The Original Hooters Girl
02:52 - Early Branding and Marketing
03:49 - Rapid Expansion
06:04 - The Wings
06:40 - Hooters Goes Mainstream
07:18 - Backlash and Breastaurants
10:13 - The Airline and Casino Era
11:40 - The Recession, Competition, and Private Equity
12:49 - HOA Brand Changes
14:11 - Being a Hooters Girl
14:54 - The Image Policy
16:02 - The Road to Bankruptcy
19:13 - Reclaiming the Brand
20:54 - Credits
Also read "Hooters is getting a 're-Hooterization' as its founders retake
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