WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Big news is brewing in Pasco County this week as HMC Hospitality Group announced plans to bring a brand-new Hooters restaurant to Wesley Chapel, slated to open its doors in summer 2025. The buzz around this development is electric, especially given the rocky financial headlines swirling around the Hooters brand nationally. But here’s the kicker: this new spot at 25245 Wesley Chapel Boulevard, right next to the Harley-Davidson dealership, is pushing forward full steam ahead, and locals are already marking their calendars.
A Fresh Wing in Town
The new Hooters will span 4,500 square feet, complete with an outdoor patio that’s sure to become a go-to hangout for Wesley Chapel residents. It’s the third Hooters location in Pasco County, joining existing spots in Port Richey and New Port Richey, and it’s expected to pump some serious energy into the local economy. HMC Hospitality Group, the folks behind this project, say it’ll create about 60 new jobs—everything from servers to cooks—offering a boost to an area that’s already one of Florida’s fastest-growing hubs. “We’re thrilled to expand in Wesley Chapel,” an HMC spokesperson said. “This is a community that’s ready for something new, and we’re bringing it.”
The timing couldn’t be more intriguing. Just as Hooters of America, LLC, the franchisor behind much of the chain’s U.S. footprint, is reportedly prepping for bankruptcy, HMC is doubling down on growth. The Wesley Chapel location is part of a broader expansion that includes new restaurants in The Villages and even Las Vegas, signaling confidence in their business model despite the corporate storm clouds. “We’re in a strong financial position,” HMC told the Tampa Bay Times in a March 8, 2025, report. “No ties to the parent company’s troubles here.”
Bankruptcy Blues? Not for HMC
Let’s unpack that for a sec. Hooters of America has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons lately—rising food costs, rent hikes, and a post-pandemic slump in foot traffic have pushed the chain to the brink, with Bloomberg reporting a potential bankruptcy filing in the coming months. Last year alone, the company shuttered at least 40 locations nationwide, including four in Florida. But HMC Hospitality Group, led by the original Hooters founders from that first Clearwater spot back in 1983, is a different beast. They operate independently, with 22 locations across Tampa Bay and Chicago, and they’re riding high off record sales in 2024. The Wesley Chapel project, they say, is proof their wings are still soaring.
For Pasco County residents, the contrast is stark. While some might raise an eyebrow at the timing, wondering if the Hooters name could take a hit, locals seem more excited than skeptical. “I don’t care what’s happening up top,” said Mike Torres, a Wesley Chapel regular at the nearby Tampa Premium Outlets. “A new Hooters means wings, beer, and a place to watch the Bucs. I’m in.”
What’s on the Menu for Wesley Chapel?
So, what can folks expect when those doors swing open next summer? Picture this: a sleek, modern setup with that classic Hooters vibe—think orange shorts, cold brews, and a menu stacked with fan favorites like buffalo wings, curly fries, and their signature Daytona Beach-style sauce. The outdoor patio promises to be a game-changer, especially in a town where warm evenings are practically a year-round guarantee. It’s not just about the food, though; HMC’s betting on this spot becoming a community hub, a place where families, friends, and sports fans can kick back and unwind.
The location itself is a smart pick. Wesley Chapel Boulevard is a bustling corridor, and pairing up next to Harley-Davidson adds a gritty, all-American flair that fits Hooters like a glove. With the area’s rapid growth—Pasco County’s been one of Florida’s fastest-expanding counties in recent years—this Hooters could tap into a swelling population hungry for new dining options. Add in nearby developments like a potential Whole Foods and the Legacy Wiregrass Ranch downtown project, and it’s clear Wesley Chapel’s on the cusp of a boom. Hooters wants a front-row seat.
A Taste of What’s Next
HMC’s not stopping at Wesley Chapel, either. They’ve already broken ground on a Hooters in The Villages, set to open around the same time, and they’ve got eyes on Las Vegas for more growth down the line. They’re even dipping their toes into new waters with a licensing deal for Tacos & Tequila Cantina, hinting at a broader vision for the Tampa Bay-based group. For now, though, all eyes are on this Pasco County outpost, which could set the tone for their ambitious plans.
As construction gears up, the excitement’s palpable. “It’s about time we got something fresh around here,” said Sarah Jennings, a Zephyrhills mom who’s already planning a summer outing. “The kids can splash at Hercules Park, and then we’ll hit Hooters for dinner. Win-win.” That’s the kind of vibe HMC’s banking on—tying into the community’s pulse, from new parks to new eats.
The Bottom Line
Come summer 2025, Wesley Chapel’s new Hooters will be more than just another restaurant—it’s a statement. While the Hooters of America saga plays out in boardrooms and bankruptcy courts, HMC’s forging ahead, wings blazing, in Pasco County. Will it fly high or flop? If the chatter around town and HMC’s track record are any clue, this bird’s got some serious lift. Stay tuned, Pasco—those wings are coming in hot.
For more on the story, check out the Tampa Bay Times coverage here.
