Inflation and rising supply chain prices continue to threaten the fast food restaurant industry.
Hooters announced Monday that it is closing dozens of underperforming restaurants across the country, for Nation Restaurant News.
“Like many restaurants under pressure from current market conditions, Hooters has made the difficult decision to close a select number of underperforming stores,” the chain confirmed in a statement to the store. “Ensuring the well-being of our staff is our priority in these rare times … We look forward to continuing to serve our guests at home, on the go and in our restaurants here in the US and around the globe.”
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It is estimated that around 40 restaurant locations, from Missouri to Kansas to Texas in the US have already closed as a result of the decision.
The chain also said No that it is still focusing on growth and opening new locations domestically and internationally and is also launching new Hooter's frozen meals in grocery stores across the country.
Now former employees have taken to social media and local media to air their grievances about showing up for work and finding out they were out of a job.
“They didn't let us hang out, nothing, not even say goodbye. Usually when you're an employee, you give two weeks' notice before you leave. So I think it was a little ridiculous that he didn't even give us a week.” Former employee Kate Booker in Witchita Falls, Texas told llocal outlet News 6 after learning she was no longer employed last Sunday. “It was definitely a shock. I came home and I was like, I don't know what to do anymore because we rely on money.”
Others shared videos on TikTok of employees crying and in disarray after finding out they were being let go.
@ufw.nicolee i can't stop crying i love my curvy girls forever #hooters #for you #someone ♬ I Always Remember You – Abbi Sutphen
@dajharainey literally laugh so you don't cry? #unemployed #Unexpected #viralvideo #fyp #hooterstok #charlottenc ♬ original sound – Jayne Claire
@shani.ray Went for a “staff meeting” only to find out they closed our store for good? #hooters ♬ I Always Remember You – Abbi Sutphen
“Went to a 'staff meeting' only to find out they closed our store for good,” a former employee from Missouri captioned her clip along with a notice posted on the restaurant's front door indicating that the restaurant it was closed.
“I can't stop crying,” said another in a clip that has been viewed more than 1.7 million times. “It was so unexpected that a heads up would have been nice.”
Other fast casual chains have recently closed locations or announced price increases. Red lobster suddenly began closing locations and auctioning off equipment last month before finally filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Olive Garden is slowly price increases during the rest of the year as a result of changing market conditions.
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“Consumers in general are concerned about inflation and they're becoming more concerned about the job market. And what we're seeing are some changes in behavior that we were starting to see,” the CEO of parent company Darden Restaurants told investors. of Olive Garden, Rick Cardenas. A call earnings last week. “We've undercut a lot, and that gives us some flexibility.”
According to data cited by Technical IgnitionHooters operated 293 restaurants at the end of 2023, which was down 1.3% from the same time a year ago and down 12% from the same time five years ago.