New York City’s final Hooters restaurant has officially closed, marking the end of the chain’s presence in the city after years of declining sales and industry challenges.
The last remaining location, located in Fresh Meadows, Queens, shut down unexpectedly late last week. The restaurant confirmed the closure in a farewell message on social media, calling the venue a “Queens legend” and thanking customers for years of support. (New York Post)
The sudden shutdown surprised many local residents because the restaurant had recently been promoting upcoming events, including a boxing watch party, just days before it closed. (New York Post)
A Popular Neighborhood Spot Since 2009
The Fresh Meadows Hooters first opened in 2009 and quickly became a familiar hangout for sports fans and locals looking for casual dining and game-day watch parties. Over the years, it hosted gatherings for major sporting events and late-night meetups in the neighborhood plaza. (Hoodline)
At one point the location briefly changed into another restaurant chain, Miller’s Ale House, but strong local demand eventually brought the Hooters brand back to the building. (New York Post)
News of the closure sparked emotional reactions from residents online. Some called it “heartbreaking,” while others said the restaurant’s unique atmosphere and sports-bar culture will be missed in the area. (New York Post)
Workers Left Without Jobs
The Queens closure came shortly after another Hooters restaurant in Farmingdale, Long Island, shut down earlier in February. Both locations were operated by the same franchise group. (Hoodline)
The closures left nearly two dozen employees without jobs, according to local reports, forcing staff to quickly search for new employment. (New York Post)
Managers said the decision came suddenly, with staff informed shortly before the restaurants closed. (New York Post)
Part of a Larger Industry Struggle
The shutdown also reflects broader challenges facing the Hooters brand nationwide.
The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2025 as it struggled with rising costs, changing customer tastes, and declining sales across the casual dining industry. (KSAT)
Following the bankruptcy filing, more than 30 company-owned Hooters locations across the United States closed, as the company attempted to restructure its business and shift toward a franchise-focused model. (Nation’s Restaurant News)
Overall revenue for the chain also fell significantly in recent years, reflecting broader difficulties for traditional casual dining brands competing with newer restaurant concepts and delivery-focused businesses. (Wikipedia)
Mixed Reactions From the Community
While many locals expressed sadness over the closure, the restaurant had also faced criticism in the past. Some residents previously complained about its location near several schools and the crowds it attracted. (New York Post)
Still, for many longtime customers, the restaurant represented a piece of neighborhood history and a familiar spot for wings, sports, and social gatherings.
With the Fresh Meadows location now closed, New York City no longer has a Hooters restaurant, ending a decades-long presence of the brand in one of the world’s largest cities. (New York Post)