What’s Hooters gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on the franchise, BROTHER?
They say that even the strongest of empires eventually fall, and that certainly rang true back in March when the restaurant that specializes in… chicken wings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
To be frank, the news of Hooters restructuring their debts shocked the world. Many thought that the franchise and its business model was fool proof. One might have even called the American casual dining establishment an invincible staple.
Hell, Hooters even had their own airline for a short period of time.
But after facing a decline in customers and liquidity issues – and shuttering over 40 different locations across the United States – the restaurant chain officially filed for bankruptcy in March.
According to initial reports, the chain was expected to attempt to restructure their debt by filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy. You might remember that Red Lobster did something similar just last year, which led to the seafood brand closing down a number of additional locations, yet allowing for them to still stay afloat financially.
Hooter’s could face a similar fate as its seafood restaurant counterpart as they’ve entered into the early stages of bankruptcy. The total number of Hooter’s restaurants could decline, but there’s a good chance that the chain known for their scantily clad servers will be able to come out on the other side eventually.
Only time will tell how things work out for Hooter’s, but the initial reaction to the news seems promising. Why do I say that? Suddenly, anyone and everyone is willing to band together to try and help save the beloved casual dining establishment. And with a couple of endorsements from big names, Hooter’s could get back on the right track.
And they just might have gotten one of those big names they were looking for in wrestling legend Hulk Hogan.
According to TMZ, the famous wrestler is exploring a potential bid – using his Real American brand – to obtain the rights to the famous eatery that Hogan describes as exuding “Freedom, grit and good times.”
Hulk Hogan is apparently trying to acquire existing brands that stand for what America is all about with Real American Brands – and in some cases revive older, struggling brands that still have U.S.A. written all over them.
Real American CEO Terri Francis released this statement on the brand absorbing the intellectual property of Hooters:
“Hooters is more than just wings and nostalgia – it’s part of the American story. We see enormous potential to modernize the brand without losing its bold identity.
Under our umbrella, Hooters will return to the spotlight as a symbol of unfiltered Americana – fun, fearless, and proudly American.”
Not much is known about the potential deal – and if it will actually ever happen – but Real American suggested that they’d try to relaunch the somewhat failed brand in a reimagined way. What that means exactly… I guess time will tell. But Hulk Hogan and Hooters together does seem to just make sense.
If only for patriotic and alliteration purposes.
