Hooters is closing several 'underperforming' US locations

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FILE - Hooters Restaurant on December 31, 2015, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

ATLANTA - Hooters is closing several "underperforming" restaurants across the U.S., joining a growing list of dining chains facing tough times thanks to inflation and American consumers changing their spending habits.

The Atlanta-based chain confirmed to FOX Television Stations that it is closing "a select number" of U.S. locations.

"Like many restaurants under pressure from current market conditions, Hooters has made the difficult decision to close a select number of underperforming stores," the company said in a statement. "Ensuring the well-being of our staff is our priority in these rare instances."

Hooters restaurant closing locations

Nation’s Restaurant News on Monday reported that about 40 U.S. locations have been shuttered.

The publication cited several local news reports of abrupt closures, including Louisville, Kentucky, and Bryan, Texas, which began spreading on Sunday evening.

Hooters has seen a 12% decline in the number of restaurants since 2018, Nation’s Restaurant News reported, citing data from restaurant consulting firm Technomic.

Despite the drop in the number of stores, Hooters is optimistic about the future of the restaurant, which features scantily clad women who serve chicken wings, beer and more.

"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 restaurant told the publication. "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."