Hooters to close Clarke Quay outlet on 31 January 2026, ending brand’s presence in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Hooters will serve its last wings at Clarke Quay on 31 January 2026, bringing an end to the American casual dining chain’s nearly three-decade presence in Singapore.

The Clarke Quay outlet, which opened in 1996, was Hooters’ first international franchise outside North America and its inaugural location in Asia. Its closure marks the brand’s complete exit from the local market.

Managing director of the Clarke Quay restaurant, Selena Chua, told local news outlets that the decision followed years of manpower challenges and persistently slow sales.

She said the restaurant had steadily raised staff salaries to match Singapore’s rising cost of living, while attempting to keep menu prices affordable for customers.

However, these efforts placed sustained pressure on the business’ margins, making operations increasingly unsustainable, according to Ms Chua.

Hiring difficulties also intensified over time, she added, noting that many younger workers were reluctant to join the food and beverage sector.

Landlord response and future plans

A spokesperson for CQ @ Clarke Quay confirmed the closure and thanked Hooters for its “longstanding partnership” and for contributing to the precinct’s “vibrant landscape over the past 30 years”.

The spokesperson told the state media The Straits Times that CQ @ Clarke Quay would continue to refresh its tenant mix to offer “a diverse and exciting range of experiences” for visitors.

Hooters is globally recognised for its American casual dining concept and its distinctive wait staff uniforms.

While iconic, the brand has faced changing social attitudes and competitive pressures in several markets.

Two other Hooters outlets had previously opened in Singapore under different franchisees, but both have since shut, leaving Clarke Quay as the chain’s final outpost in the city-state.

According to online news outlet Mothership, plans are underway to open a smaller bistro concept after the closure.

Most of the restaurant’s 10 current employees are expected to be retained, though the new outlet will not operate under the Hooters brand.

Link to US bankruptcy filing

The local closure follows financial troubles at the parent company in the United States. According to CNN, Hooters filed for bankruptcy protection in Texas in March 2025.

The Atlanta-based chain sought to address approximately US$376 million in debt by selling all company-owned restaurants to a franchise group backed by the company’s founders, Reuters reported.

The filing came amid rising operating costs, higher wages and weakening consumer spending in the US casual dining sector, according to news reports cited by Reuters.

The company currently directly owns and operates 151 locations, with a further 154 restaurants run by franchisees, primarily in the US.

Part of a wider F&B shakeout

In Singapore, Hooters’ exit reflects a wider pattern of strain across the food and beverage industry.

From private members’ clubs and Michelin-starred establishments to long-standing heritage eateries, closures have occurred across all market segments this year.

Operators have been grappling with soaring rental costs, persistent manpower shortages and evolving consumer tastes, continuing a difficult trend seen in 2024.

Last year alone recorded 3,047 food and beverage closures, underscoring the intensity of competition and cost pressures in the sector.

Official figures presented in Parliament on 5 November 2025 highlighted the scale of the challenge facing newer establishments.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong said that between 1 January and 23 October 2025, 2,431 retail food establishments closed, while 3,357 new outlets were registered.

Among those that ceased operations, 63 per cent had been registered for five years or less, according to data from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

More than four-fifths of these younger businesses had never declared a profit in any of their annual tax filings, the ministry said.

The figures point to a high-risk operating environment, where even well-known international brands struggle to sustain long-term profitability.