ATLANTA — Hooters, an Atlanta-based casual dining chain, is closing several of its "underperforming" restaurants - including four locations in Georgia. The closures are part of a group of over 40 locations that have recently shuttered across the nation.
Locations in Brunswick, Hiram, Macon and the "Hoots Wings" in Madison Yards have all been listed as "permanently closed" on Google and removed from Hooters' website.
"Like many restaurants under pressure from current market conditions, Hooters has made the difficult decision to close a select number of underperforming stores. Ensuring the well-being of our staff is our priority in these rare instances," the company told 11Alive in a statement.
Despite the closures, the company said it is remaining resilient by opening new restaurants and launching more retail products.
"With new Hooters restaurants opening domestically and internationally, new Hooters frozen products launching at grocery stores, and the Hooters footprint expanding into new markets with both company and franchise locations, this brand of 41 years remains highly resilient and relevant," the statement continued. "We look forward to continuing to serve our guests at home, on the go and at our restaurants here in the U.S. and around the globe."
These closures are part of a larger trend where many casual dining chains face high business costs and challenging market conditions. Last month, dozens of Red Lobster locations, including several in the metro area, abruptly shuttered after the company filed for bankruptcy.
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