Hooters is reportedly preparing to file bankruptcy after a period of financial shortfall and store closures, following their recent uptick in DEI practices in the company.
The problems facing the American fast food chain are multifaceted, however its brand at certain locations has shifted given its commitment to DEI since the 2020 George Floyd protests.
Following this, the company started promoting ‘diverse’ identities and complexions as part of their hiring process.
Most recently, Hooters closed down one of its ‘family friendly’ locations in Chicago, which included male waiters and women dressed in regular clothing without the usual tank top and shorts appearance.
This concept started in 2017 with four locations, abandoning its previous business model of ‘sexy’ restaurant staff.
Another trend captured by Twitter users includes heavy-set female and transgender servers.
Hooters closed around 40 stores in 2024, and owes $300 million in asset-backed bonds.
The restaurant chain currently has four stores in Canada after closing its Edmonton mall location during the pandemic.
