Hooters is embracing a pivotal moment in its history as CEO Sal Melilli reassures customers of the restaurant’s longevity, even after recently filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The chain is entering a restructuring support agreement that will allow it to address its debts while continuing operations. Melilli highlighted the excitement surrounding the original owners reclaiming the brand, aiming to restore its heritage and revitalize its offerings, including improved menu ingredients and standardization of waitress service, reported Fox 4 KDFW.
In an effort to reestablish its community-focused identity, Hooters will eliminate weekly bikini nights and increase its commitment to charitable activities, which have been integral since its inception in 1983.
The CEO emphasized the goal of making Hooters a true neighborhood restaurant that actively supports local initiatives, all while ensuring that existing locations continue to serve their customers during this transitional phase.
Here is the rest of the story from Fox:
Despite Hooters recently filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, CEO Sal Melilli is assuring customers that the iconic restaurant isn’t going away anytime soon.
In a March 31 press release, the chain announced a restructuring support agreement (RSA), allowing the business to manage its debts while keeping its doors open.
“This is a huge inflection moment for our brand. We couldn’t be more excited for our customers and employees,” Melilli told “Fox & Friends” on Thursday. “The original owners are taking back the concept, returning it to its roots, and restoring the success it’s enjoyed for 42 years.”
As part of the company’s efforts to revitalize the iconic brand, Hooters is discontinuing weekly bikini nights, including fresher and higher-quality ingredients on the menu and establishing a universal standard for waitress service.
Additionally, the company plans to prioritize charity work and community events, efforts that have been a core part of Hooters’ identity since its founding in 1983.
“We do programs like Wings for Children, for education. We sponsor first responders. We do Veterans’ days, breast cancer programs with the V Foundation, the Moffitt Cancer [Center], Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital,” Melilli explained.
“We’ve always done those things. Now, it’s an opportunity to return to that. While every owner has brought its own flavor to this, we’re about to return to our roots with our original group out of Clearwater and bring it back to what the brand’s all about.”
Despite the restaurant’s controversial waitress uniforms, which have drawn widespread criticism over the years, Melilli noted that women and children now make up the majority of customers at some Hooters locations.
The interior of the renovated Hooters on Kirby is shown following the grand re-opening ceremony for the restaurant Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, in Houston. (Getty Images)
“Some of our restaurants, we’ve got 65% of our customers are women and children. We sponsor little league teams, we sponsor sports teams. We really are a neighborhood restaurant that participates in its neighborhood,” the CEO said.
“We’re just really going to focus on that. We’re going to go back to our roots. We’re going to go back to the underlying premise that made this brand what it is today.”
Per the CEO, existing Hooters restaurants will remain open to customers and operate as business-as-usual during the restructuring process.
