Hooters® International Stride with New Openings

Hooters®, the original American wing joint, opens four international locations year-to-date, and with two more in development set to open by the end of the year.

Kicking off a momentous year for international franchise development, Hooters opened a location in Coacalco, Mexico in January which is just outside of Mexico City. Shortly to follow were openings in Durban, South Africa, an additional location in Mexico City, and one in Guatemala.

“We have more than 27 years of international experience,” said Michael Arrowsmith, Chief Development Officer of HOA Brands, parent company to Hooters & Hoots Wings.

With 18% of the Hooters brand being international, global growth will remain a fundamental piece of the overall franchise development strategy. Looking at its next era of growth, company leadership has identified Europe, Southeast Asia, and India as prime target markets, in addition to other worldwide regions that have a strong demand for iconic restaurant brands.

Many of Hooters’ international franchisees are multi-unit owners, as they see the benefits that come with a widely recognized name and the backing of a 40-year proven franchise system. For example, spearheading the growth in South Africa is multi-unit franchisee Gordon Jestin, who owns six locations throughout the country.

“South Africa needed something special, a brand that would stand out against the rest, and that was Hooters,” shared Jestin. “There isn’t a person in the world who doesn’t know what Hooters is. It’s been a winning formula since 1983.”