The Original Hooters, founded in Clearwater in 1983, has taken back full ownership of the global Hooters brand.
The deal gives the Clearwater-based group control of 140 of 198 U.S. locations, marking a return to its Florida roots and community-first values.
For Tampa Bay’s business community, the move is more than a milestone.
It brings one of the region’s most recognizable brands back under local control and highlights a growing trend in hospitality as companies find success by returning to authenticity.
What happened
On October 14, 2025, the Original Hooters finalized its acquisition of Hooters of America in partnership with Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC. Together, they now operate about 200 restaurants with an estimated $700 million in systemwide sales.
The relaunch includes restaurant upgrades, higher quality ingredients, and a simplified menu featuring fresh cut salads, house-made sauces and the original hand-breaded wings.
Chief executive officer Neil Kiefer said the plan reflects both tradition and renewal. “We’re taking back the Hooters name to show the world who we really are,” he said. “It’s about bringing people together, making memories, and ensuring that Hooters remains a place where everyone feels welcome.”
What’s next
Restaurant updates are underway across Florida. The rollout includes equipment upgrades, refreshed uniforms inspired by the brand’s original beach look and new community programs built around local partnerships and events.
As operations consolidate, leadership is focused on restoring trust and consistency. The company’s goal is to modernize without losing the casual and friendly atmosphere that made the concept famous.
More announcements are expected as the transition continues through 2026.
What this means for you
For Tampa Bay business leaders, the reacquisition demonstrates the enduring impact of brand authenticity.
Consumers continue to support companies that know their roots and stay connected to the community. By returning to Clearwater-based ownership, Hooters is reclaiming not only its restaurants but also its identity.
The move also shows how local ownership can drive national success. Hooters once symbolized the globalization of a Florida-born idea. Its return now marks a reversal of that trend.
For companies across Tampa Bay, the message is clear: Growth can be strong, but purpose and place still define staying power.
Takeaway
The Hooters’ story has come full circle. A brand that began on Gulf to Bay Boulevard has again placed Clearwater at the center of its global operations.
For the region, it is another sign that Tampa Bay remains a hub for entrepreneurial beginnings and brand renewal.
Authenticity is not nostalgia. It is a business strategy that lasts.
