Latest news with #PhilliesPhanatic
USA Today
02-04-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Is Hooters closing? Restaurants are ‘here to stay' after chain files for bankruptcy
Is Hooters closing? Restaurants are 'here to stay' after chain files for bankruptcy Show Caption Hide Caption Phillie Phanatic joins Elphaba for 'Wicked' opening day performance Mascot for the Philadelphia Phillies, the Phillies Phanatic, surprised the crowd on opening day at Citizen Bank Park dressed as Glinda from Wicked. Hooters of America has become the latest major restaurant chain to file for bankruptcy. The sports bar and grill chain submitted a bankruptcy filing in Texas on Monday after accumulating $376 million in debt. Through the protection, the Atlanta-based company aims to sell 151 of its corporate-owned restaurants to a buyer group that already operates 30 of its U.S. locations, Reuters reported. Before the proceedings are finalized, a U.S. bankruptcy judge must approve the transaction. "With over 30 years of hands-on experience across the Hooters ecosystem, we have a profound understanding of our customers and what it takes to not only meet, but consistently exceed their expectations," said buyer group member Neil Kiefer, who is also the CEO of the original Hooters' restaurant in Clearwater, Florida. The company joins casual dining chains from Buca di Beppo to Red Lobster to grapple with inflation, high labor costs and fewer customers. Hooters also shares a private equity owner with TGI Fridays, which also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November, citing several business challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what to know about how the filing will impact the restaurant chain, known for its chicken wings and servers wearing orange shorts and low-cut tank tops. Are Hooters restaurants closing? No, Hooters restaurants are not closing as a result of the bankruptcy filing. "Hooters is here to stay, and with a stronger financial foundation and streamlined operations on the other side of this process, we will be well-positioned to continue delivering the guest-obsessed hospitality experience and delicious food our valued customers and communities have come to expect well into the future," the company wrote on its website. When will Hooters exit bankruptcy? Hooters said it plans to exit bankruptcy in about three to four months after completing its transaction deal with a a buyer group. How many Hooters locations are there? There are 305 Hooters locations, including 151 owned and operated by the company itself and a separate 154 operated by franchisees. Is Hooters changing its menu? Hooters does not plan to change its product offerings as a result of the bankruptcy proceedings. The company promises to "continue providing customers with the guest-obsessed hospitality experience and delicious food they have come to expect over the past 40 years." Contributing: Reuters
CBS News
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Bryce Harper's new tattoo makes love for Phillie Phanatic permanent
Bryce Harper has made his bromance with the Phillies Phanatic permanent, literally. Utah-based tattoo artist Hannah Matthews shared photos on social media of Harper's new Phanatic ink, located on his right forearm. The tattoo depicts the Phanatic on his four-wheeler. In her Instagram post, Matthews explained the joy she had tattooing the Phillies' first baseman. "I would tell you how the game of baseball has taught me some of my favorite life lessons. About how my fondest memories growing up are playing catch with my dad, playing wiffle ball in the front yard and using the garden hose as bases," Matthews wrote. "I'd try to express the feeling of happiness, calling my dad when I was 14 to tell him I hit my first home run. Center field. The park lights were humming. She didn't even feel the ball hit the bat. I'll never know why I got this opportunity of a lifetime — but I could not be more grateful to Bryce for asking me to do this @philliephanatic piece." Harper and the Phanatics have a history dating back to 2019 when the superstar signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies. Harper wasted no time pandering to Phillies fans — and perhaps even the mascot — by wearing Phanatic-inspired cleats in his first-ever regular-season game with the club. It wasn't the only time he's worn Phanatic cleats, either. He also wore a Phanatic headband and a "Clearwooder" T-shirt featuring the Phanatic. The 2021 NL MVP has also gifted the Phanatic a customized birthday gift. During the 2023 Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Harper used a Phanatic-themed bat. Spring training is underway, and Phillies baseball begins Saturday — meaning there won't be another weekend in Philadelphia without baseball until at least the end of September.
