The rise and fall of the Hooters restaurant

Hooters was once a pop culture phenomenon—famous for wings, beer, and cheerleader vibes. At its peak, it had 400+ locations and even launched its own airline. But in 2025, Hooters filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, crushed by $376 million in debt. What happened?

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In this video, I unpack the full story—from its wild origins in Florida, to its explosive growth, private equity takeover, pandemic struggles, and Gen Z backlash. Whether you’re a business owner or just curious about how iconic brands fall apart, there’s a lot to learn from the Hooters collapse.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Hooters the cultural icon
01:05 – How Hooters started (and why it worked)
02:18 – The competition heats up
03:03 – The downfall begins
03:58 – Private equity and the debt trap
05:09 – Gen Z and a changing culture
06:04 – The final blow: bankruptcy in 2025
07:13 – Lessons for Business Owners
08:16 – Can Hooters Make a Comeback?