Hooters Set To File For Bankruptcy & The Internet Is Already Mourning The Loss: “Somebody Check On John Daly”

Folks… this might be a sign of the end of times.

They say that even the strongest of empires eventually fall. That’s certainly ringing true today, as the news of Hooter’s impending bankruptcy filing has shocked the world. The restaurant that specializes in… chicken wings used to stand as an invincible staple of American casual dining. Hell, Hooters even had their own airline for a short period of time.

Now, after facing a decline in customers and liquidity issues – and shuttering over 40 different locations across the United States – the restaurant chain is preparing to file for bankruptcy in the coming months.

Hooters is reportedly making plans to file for bankruptcy

(via @business) pic.twitter.com/iJ4drnEbZc

— Culture Crave (@CultureCrave) February 21, 2025

According to reports, the chain is expected to attempt to restructure by filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy sooner rather than later. 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 when they enter into 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. Still, when people online hear the phrase “filing for bankruptcy,” they think it’s all she wrote.

Social media users are already mourning the loss of Hooter’s before they’ve even filed for bankruptcy:

thoughts and prayers to all the dads who ‘only went for the food’

— Lala (@hermithick) February 21, 2025

rest in power legend

— Nilo (@nilofalvarado) February 21, 2025

I’m punching the air and throwing up uncontrollably.

— Burt Macklin (@BurtMaclin_FBI) February 21, 2025

Oh no pic.twitter.com/blUGjCZsH1

— rds (@whatisthisrds) February 21, 2025

Divorced dads across America just fell to their knees

— hotlneblng (@hotlneblng_) February 21, 2025

We need a minutes and maybe a full day of silence for this one

— The Bullish Edge (@Simon_Gin7up) February 21, 2025

Me and the boys going to save Hooters pic.twitter.com/sfiEEP7e0g

— Thomas Maxwell (@tomaxwell) February 21, 2025

Don’t take hooters away from us

— Nate (@NateMetaX) February 21, 2025

Ben Franklin is weeping in his presidential grave at this moment

What have we become?

— Three Year Letterman (@3YearLetterman) February 21, 2025

Someone needs to check in on John Daly, by the way.

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.

Help us Paige Spiranac… you’re our only hope:

Not on my watch https://t.co/W9jGEigPV3

— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) February 21, 2025

Others are calling for the President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump to step in and fix it… you know, the way the government bailed out the banks in 2008.

Trump should pull all of the taxpayer funding NPR receives and use it to bail out Hooters. We can't be a proper country if we allow our one of our countries greatest national treasures to go under. https://t.co/O9NYOPVhht

— Thomas Schumacher (@SchumacherTommy) February 21, 2025