Villager Chuck Quincy and his friends have been looking forward to the opening of a new Hooters restaurant in The Villages, but news of the company’s bankruptcy this week had him worried about whether Hooters will open here.
“I know that in my community there are at least 10 individuals who will be most disappointed if Hooters is unable to open due to financial difficulties. All were looking forward to the grand opening,” the Village of Dabney resident said.
The good news is that construction of the new Hooters at Lake Deaton Plaza was continuing at a brisk pace this week.
And Hooters has announced a restructuring plan that will keep many of its restaurants operating.
The company’s bankruptcy plan calls for 100 company-owned restaurants to be sold to a group of Hooters franchisees. The franchisees, who include Hooters’ founders, currently operate 14 of the 30 highest-volume Hooters restaurants in the United States.
“For many years now, the Hooters brand has been owned by private equity firms and other groups with no history or experience with the Hooters brand,” Neil Kiefer, CEO of the franchise group Hooters Inc., said in a statement. “As a result of these transactions, the Hooters brand will once again be in the hands of highly experienced Hooters franchisees and we will be well-positioned to return this iconic brand to its historic success.”
Kiefer spearheads the group bringing the new Hooters to Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
Therefore, Hooters fans can take heart. Hooters is likely to open here this year.