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Wrestling Legend Interested In Purchasing Hooters Restaurant

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated May 16, 2025 5:22 PM ET

At his last major public appearance on WWE's Monday Night RAW, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan took a lot of boos from the crowd. But after his most recent business move, some of those boos may turn into cheers.

In an interview with TMZ, the CEO of Hogan's Real American Brands company said the Hulkster is eyeing a bid on the iconic Hooters restaurant chain, which is currently going through some tough financial times. Per the report, Hogan believes that Hooters represents "freedom, grit and good times" and has been eyeing a bid on the company since at least April.

"Hooters is more than just wings and nostalgia -- it's part of the American story," Real American CEO Terri Francis told TMZ. "We see enormous potential to modernize the brand without losing its bold identity. Under our umbrella, Hooters will return to the spotlight as a symbol of unfiltered Americana -- fun, fearless, and proudly American."

Hulk Hogan's Real American Gunning To Buy Hooters Brand | Click to read more https://t.co/6lsN8g0mc6
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) May 16, 2025

Francis said that Hogan and Real American Brands have a variety of ideas on how to restore the Hooters brand after so many years of struggles. Among the ideas floated were consumer products, digital content and gaming in order to attract younger crowds.

Hogan has been a Hooters patron dating back to his professional wrestling days, often recalling some fun stories of time on the road ending with a trip to Hooters and some shenanigans.

Hooters would probably be happy to embrace anything right about now with the way things have been going for them. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March in order to deal with debts.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 15: Hooters girls on pit lane prior to the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Verizon 200 at the Brickyard on August 15, 2021 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway IN.(Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The company announced on March 31 that it had reached terms to adjust the company and position itself "well into the future."

“Our renowned Hooters restaurants are here to stay. Today’s announcement marks an important milestone in our efforts to reinforce Hooters’ financial foundation and continue delivering the guest-obsessed hospitality experience and delicious food our customers and communities have come to expect,” Hooters of America CEO Sal Melilli said. "I’ve seen firsthand the incredible value and opportunities our brand brings to life, and I look forward to continuing that momentum well into the future. I’m incredibly grateful to our valued customers, partners, and employees for their continued support."

But while they may be confident in the company's future direction, they may still take a golden parachute if it's offered to them.

Or in this case, a yellow-and-red parachute.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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