
By Good Morning Gwinnett News Team
July 24, 2025
Hooters Closes Duluth Georgia Location Amid National Restructuring
Hooters of America has officially closed its Duluth, Georgia location on Gwinnett Drive as part of a larger wave of shutdowns across the country. The closure is tied to the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring and affects at least 23 locations in 12 states. For Duluth, the news marks the end of an era for one of its longtime restaurants—but also underscores how much the city is changing.
👉 Read the full Hooters announcement on USA Today
Duluth Georgia: A City on the Rise
The closure of Hooters isn’t a sign of decline—it’s actually the opposite. Duluth, Georgia is booming, and businesses are evolving to keep up with the city’s rapid transformation. With its thriving downtown, growing arts scene, and influx of high-income residents, Duluth has been consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Metro Atlanta.
Over the last decade, the population of Duluth has steadily increased, and developers have taken notice. New restaurants, retail shops, and tech startups are replacing dated chains as the city modernizes.
And Duluth isn’t alone.
Gwinnett County’s Growth Continues
Gwinnett County, where Duluth is located, is experiencing record-breaking growth, now home to nearly 1 million residents. According to recent census estimates, Gwinnett has become one of the most diverse counties in the Southeastern U.S., with steady population growth year after year.
The demand for new housing, entertainment, and local experiences has spiked, shifting consumer interest away from traditional chains like Hooters and toward locally-owned dining spots and experience-driven brands.
Hooters Restructures for the Future
In a statement to USA Today, Hooters of America acknowledged the “difficult decision” to close the Duluth location and others around the country. The closures are part of a strategic shift to focus on licensing and franchise ownership rather than company-operated stores.
“As part of the company’s broader business transformation and planning, Hooters is evaluating its operational footprint to invest resources in its strongest assets moving forward,” the company said.
This move echoes a broader trend in the restaurant industry, where rising labor costs, inflation, and shifting dining habits are forcing many chains to rethink brick-and-mortar operations.
What’s Next for Duluth Georgia?
With the Hooters in Duluth now closed, residents and visitors alike can expect to see new development opportunities emerge. The commercial real estate market in Duluth is hot, and the now-vacant location on Gwinnett Drive could soon be home to a new local restaurant, café, or retail concept that aligns with Duluth’s evolving identity.
From revitalized parks to luxury housing and smart city initiatives, Duluth Georgia continues to move forward—and fast. While some longtime businesses fade away, a new generation of local entrepreneurs and brands are stepping in to meet the demands of a growing, vibrant community.
📌 TL;DR:
- Hooters in Duluth Georgia has permanently closed.
- Part of Hooters of America’s bankruptcy restructuring, impacting 23+ stores.
- Duluth is growing rapidly and evolving past older chain models.
- Gwinnett County’s population boom is reshaping the business landscape.
- The future of Duluth is looking local, upscale, and experience-driven.
👉 Learn more about Hooters’ restructuring strategy on Fast Company.
Stay tuned to Good Morning Gwinnett for updates on new openings, closures, and economic shifts across Duluth Georgia and the entire county.
