Kevin Durant and Devin Booker had a lighthearted reaction to the news that Hooters, the popular sports bar chain, is considering filing for bankruptcy. The Phoenix Suns stars took to social media to express their dismay, with Booker tweeting a simple plea, "Plz don't go Hooters," while Durant shared an AI-generated image of the duo dining at the restaurant, both wearing Hooters T-shirts with a plate of wings in front of them.
Kevin Durant’s IG Story. pic.twitter.com/JXRB3801NT
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 23, 2025
Booker’s love for Hooters is no secret. A decade ago, he tweeted about his excitement to visit the restaurant, and now, in 2025, he finds himself trying to save it in spirit. Durant, known for his social media antics, jumped in with his own reaction, and the internet had a field day.
The news of Hooters potentially filing for bankruptcy quickly spread, and fans couldn't resist poking fun at how personally Booker and Durant seemed to take the news.
Even Miami Heat veteran Kevin Love joined in on the fun, posting a throwback photo of himself grinning inside a Hooters location, alongside another picture of Durant and Booker seemingly "mourning" their favorite restaurant. Love captioned the post, further fueling the viral moment:
"If anyone can save it—it’s the two on the next slide. HOOPERS @ HOOTERS."
Hooters, which has long been known for its unique branding centered around its waitstaff and sports-bar atmosphere, has been struggling financially in recent years. The company has been working with the law firm Ropes & Gray to determine its next move, including a potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
With over 300 locations across the U.S., the franchise has faced increasing competition from similar-themed restaurants like Twin Peaks and Tilted Kilt, while also dealing with a decline in customer foot traffic.
Reports indicate that Hooters is grappling with $300 million in debt, despite already closing multiple locations in 2024. States such as Florida, Kentucky, Texas, Rhode Island, and Virginia have seen shutdowns as the company attempts to restructure and survive. However, as Bloomberg reported, the company is expected to make a decision on its future within the next two months.
Fans online reacted to Durant and Booker's involvement with mixed responses. While some found it amusing, others took shots at the Suns' struggles this season. The team is currently 27-30 and sitting outside the playoff picture in the Western Conference.
While Durant and Booker’s love for Hooters won’t be enough to save the restaurant chain from its financial struggles, their social media antics certainly added some humor to an otherwise unfortunate situation. Whether or not Hooters survives its looming financial crisis, one thing is clear—at least two NBA superstars will be very disappointed if it disappears.
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