By james art 
All Hooters restaurants will remain open during bankruptcy production.
Atlanta-Hooters of America, the iconic wing restaurant chain, known for its scarce lined entirely iron, has applied for the protection against bankruptcy of Chapter 11 as part of a plan to sell its places owned by a group of a group of franchisees.
The buyers’ group consists of two existing franchisers, including Hooters Inc., the original founders who collectively operate over 30% of Hoots franchise locations. Hooters was purchased in 2019 by Nord Bay Capital and Trirtisan Capital Advisors.
“Our famous Hooters restaurants are here to stay,” Sal Melilli, CEO of Hooters of America, said in a statement. “Today’s message marks an important stage in our efforts to strengthen the Hooters Finance Foundation.”
The company expects to complete the bankruptcy process within 90-120 days. All Hooters restaurants will remain open during the restructuring, although the company said it was reviewing its “operational print” forward, which could mean closing the location of the restaurant in the future.
Hooters joins other major restaurant chains such as Red Lobster, TGI Friday and at the border that have applied for bankruptcy in recent months.
Related: After sharply closing dozens of restaurants, red lobsters for bankruptcy of chapter 11
Franchising operations, including international places, have not been affected by bankruptcy.
Neil Keyfer, CEO of Hooters Inc., representing the buyers’ group, said they were “engaged to restore the Hooters brand back into their roots” by accepting a clean franchise model. Upon completion of the Chapter 11 process, all Hooters seats will be owned by franchisees.
The filing was made in the bankruptcy court of the United States for the northern district of Texas.
Related: TEX-Mex Chain of Border Files for Bankruptcy Protection