Hooters Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Hooters is a casual dining restaurant known for its wings, burgers, and sports bar atmosphere, offering a fun and lively dining experience.

Hooters, a renowned restaurant franchise, was founded in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida, by six entrepreneurs seeking to create a lively, laid-back dining experience. The concept blended delicious food, refreshing beer, sports on large screens, and welcoming service led by the iconic Hooters Girls.

Today, Hooters stands as a global phenomenon with over 435 locations spanning 44 states and 28 countries. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the franchise has successfully expanded its footprint both domestically and internationally, balancing corporate operations with franchised locations.

Known for its signature combination of consistently great food and a vibrant atmosphere, Hooters sets itself apart with a strong commitment to community engagement. The brand actively supports causes like cancer research and other charitable initiatives, solidifying its reputation as more than just a dining destination.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount (Conversion) Amount (New Construction)
Systems $25,000 - $95,000 $25,000 - $95,000
Initial Inventory $25,000 - $95,000 $25,000 - $95,000
Initial Labor and Training $75,000 - $150,000 $75,000 - $150,000
Grand Opening Expenses $10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000
Insurance $45,000 - $80,000 $45,000 - $80,000
Professional Fees, Licenses, Deposits, and Other Prepaid Expenses $8,000 - $25,000 $8,000 - $25,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $40,000 - $135,000 $40,000 - $135,000
Estimated Total $1,258,300 - $2,820,000 $2,748,300 - $4,100,000
Type of Expenditure Amount (Conversion) Amount (New Construction)
Systems $25,000 - $95,000 $25,000 - $95,000
Initial Inventory $25,000 - $95,000 $25,000 - $95,000
Initial Labor and Training $75,000 - $150,000 $75,000 - $150,000
Grand Opening Expenses $10,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $50,000
Insurance $45,000 - $80,000 $45,000 - $80,000
Professional Fees, Licenses, Deposits, and Other Prepaid Expenses $8,000 - $25,000 $8,000 - $25,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $40,000 - $135,000 $40,000 - $135,000
Estimated Total $1,258,300 - $2,820,000 $2,748,300 - $4,100,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Hooters provides comprehensive training programs to ensure franchisees and their personnel are well-prepared to operate their businesses. The franchisor offers several types of training, including:

  1. Management Training Program: This program is mandatory for the Operating Principal, General Manager, and any other designated personnel. The training involves both online and in-person components, covering essential aspects of managing a Hooters franchise. Attendees are responsible for all associated costs, such as travel, lodging, and their salaries.
  2. On-the-Job Training: Hooters periodically conducts on-the-job training programs at various locations, including corporate headquarters and franchise-operated sites. Space for these programs is limited, and the franchisor reserves the right to modify or discontinue this training as needed.
  3. On-Site Training During Openings: The franchisor provides up to two Opening Training Coordinators to assist with the launch of new franchises for up to 14 days. Franchisees must reimburse the franchisor for the associated travel and accommodation expenses.
  4. Additional Training Programs: Hooters also offers refresher courses and additional training as necessary, which can take place at various locations, including the franchisee's restaurant or a designated venue. These programs are provided at the franchisee's expense.

Territory Protection

Hooters provides franchisees with a Protected Market Area as part of its franchise agreements. Within this area, Hooters will not open or license another Hooters restaurant, ensuring operational exclusivity for the franchisee.

However, the Protected Market Area is determined solely by the franchisor, considering various factors such as demographics and local market potential.

Despite the Protected Market Area, the franchisor retains broad rights to operate or license other Hooters-related businesses, such as hoots® wings restaurants, within or outside the designated area.

Competitors

Below are some of

Hooters

key competitors in the

Chicken

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

101

New
+
-8%
-8%

$75,000

$2,748,000

$4,100,000

n.a.

$3,575,000

$xxx,xxx

72.8%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Duff's Famous Wings

Duff's Famous Wings is a casual restaurant franchise offering Buffalo-style wings, sauces, and pub fare, serving sports fans and families, and known for authentic heat levels, hometown heritage, and a lively, welcoming environment.

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$535,000 - $1,155,000

Champs Chicken

Champs Chicken is a hot food franchise offering fried chicken, tenders, sides, and sauces, serving convenience stores and quick-serve customers, and known for turnkey programs, branded merchandising, and consistent, craveable comfort food.

Franchisees

?

415
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$9,000 - $349,000

Cowboy Chicken

Cowboy Chicken is a fast-casual franchise offering wood-fire rotisserie chicken, hearty sides, and salads, serving families and takeout guests, and known for mesquite flavor, wholesome meals, and a warm, rustic dining atmosphere.

Franchisees

?

11
+
10%
10%
Investment

?

$582,000 - $1,422,000

POLLO CAMPERO

POLLO CAMPERO is a fast-casual restaurant franchise offering Latin-style grilled and fried chicken meals with sides and wraps, serving families and quick-service diners, and known for its Cuban heritage, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors.

Franchisees

?

15
+
-12%
-12%
Investment

?

$1,455,000 - $3,751,000

Chuck's Hot Chicken

Chuck's Hot Chicken is a quick-service restaurant franchise specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken. It offers a menu centered around spicy fried chicken, catering to customers seeking bold flavors.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$478,000 - $834,000

Angry Chickz

Angry Chickz is a quick-service restaurant franchise specializing in Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and tenders, known for its bold flavors and spice levels.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$603,000 - $1,323,000