'Bankrupt - Hooters' by Bright Sun Films, a tale of the Retail Apocalypse

Last year, I wrote, "No bankrupt company's story seems to be complete without videos from both Company Man and Bright Sun Films." Company Man already asked "The Decline of Hooters...What Happened?" The other shoe has now dropped as Jake Williams of Bright Sun Films uploaded Bankrupt - Hooters on Boxing Day, when I last posted about the Retail Apocalypse.

Since its 1983 debut in Florida as a casual sports bar, Hooters grew exponentially through the 1980's and 90's, growing to become a massive brand across the world with hundreds of restaurants, tens of thousands of employees and a very controversial brand name which created a whole new segment in the industry. However despite all of this success and notoriety, the chain has struggled recently, ultimately filing for bankruptcy in 2025. Join me today as we find out what happened.

Jake Williams added to the story Company Man Mike told with Hooters Air and Hooters Casino, both of which failed because of issues with the brand, which didn't appeal to women, families, and upscale travelers. In addition, Millennials grew up with a poor perception of the brand. Also, Jake made a bigger deal of private equity's role in the story, noting that the same private equity firm owned both Hooters and TGI Fridays. As Jake joked, that ended well — not.

Speaking of endings, I closed my reaction to Company Man Mike's video by writing, "As for Hooters' identity crisis, I wish the chain good luck; they'll need it." That seems to be Jake's take, too.