Investors Who Sign This Year Will Enjoy 40 Royalty-Free Weeks
As Hooters celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, the company offers 40 royalty-free weeks to franchisees who sign agreements by Dec. 31. The leadership of the full-service casual-dining brand, which is entering its third year of growth in same-store sales, plans for ambitious domestic growth in 2023. The Hooters franchise has premium territories available around the United States.
Every Hooters has a fun, beach-themed ambiance that features sports viewing on large flat-screen televisions; an attentive, iconic wait staff starring All-American Hooters Girls; and a craveable, affordably priced, high-quality foods. The menu has fan favorites such as Hooters’ signature hot chicken wings, burgers and other sandwiches, tacos, salads, fish and seafood, appetizers, fries and assorted other side dishes, and, of course, desserts. Each restaurant also takes pride in a hefty selection of beers.
During this year’s nationwide development drive, leaders of the franchise have pledged to innovate and make the in-person dining experience even better, including enhanced entertainment for guests. Hooters, which has a free app, offers takeout and delivery services, too, of course.
Recent Changes and a Global Push
Sal Mellili, CEO of HOA Brands, which is the parent franchisor of Hooters & Hoots Wings, says the iconic brand “feels younger and more invigorated than ever. The future looks bright. We have hired strategically, pivoted to flexible store models, made major investments in marketing, refined our restaurant operations, and experienced tremendous global expansion. We see vast growth opportunities ahead.”
Hooters focused on international development last year, and the initiative worked out well. Global growth was robust through the fourth quarter of 2022, when two sites launched in Mexico, one in Canada and one in the United Kingdom, which happens to be the world’s largest Hooters.
Domestic Growth Focus in 2023
This year Michael Arrowsmith, HOA Brands’ recently appointed chief development officer, will place more emphasis on U.S. development of the Hooters franchise. He believes that lower overall investment costs and recently introduced flexible store layouts will energetically feed domestic expansion. Franchisees can convert existing spaces for their restaurants if desired, and kitchen operations have been simplified, Arrowsmith pointed out.
“It’s a milestone year for Hooters. The recent modifications in store models and reduction in overall investment costs have created ideal franchise opportunities for multi-unit, multi-brand operators looking to diversify their portfolios with a full-service restaurant franchise. Giving 40 weeks of free royalties to celebrate our 40 the birthday is icing on the cake, so there’s no better year to invest. We are all about making the next 40 years even greater!”
Why Invest in a Hooters Franchise?
Potential franchisees appreciate Hooters’ long history as a respected brand and its wide-ranging support that begins at signing and never wavers. The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Fla., and today Hooters of America LLC is the franchisor and operator of 370-plus restaurants throughout 35 states and its sprawling international footprint. The brand made Nation’s Restaurant News 2022 Top 500 rankings, and FSR Magazine tapped it as a Restaurant Power Player to watch in 2022.
Entrepreneurs receive extensive training as well as help with site selection, restaurant design and construction, marketing, access to supply chain systems, and operational assistance. Restaurant sites can be freestanding or located within shopping centers, malls and other high-traffic locations.
Hooters Gives Back
Throughout its four decades, Hooters has shown a commitment to community service. The Hooters Community Endowment Fund (HOO.C.E.F.) has raised more than $8 million for local and national charities such as the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Families for Effective Autism Treatment, the USO, the Red Cross and the Chase Elliott Foundation.
In 2006 Hooters teamed up with the V Foundation for Cancer Research and established a $2 Million Breast Cancer Research Grant. In 2009, Hooters partnered with Operation Homefront to establish The Valentine Fund to support the families of special forces personnel and other military families; the brand has donated $200,000 to this fund.
Requirements for Hooters Franchisees
As the brand builds toward its golden anniversary, the Hooters franchise seeks qualified franchisees throughout the United States. Hooters candidates are required to five years of multi-unit restaurant experience or, alternatively, have an operational partner with five years of multi-unit restaurant experience. Franchisees also must be able to develop at least three restaurants within their territories.
Hooters gives a 10% discount off franchise fees to qualified military veterans. For more information about the Hooters franchise opportunity, please visit www.hooters.com/franchising/.