Hooters Bids Farewell to Singapore With Closure of Clarke Quay Location

The iconic American casual dining chain, Hooters, is set to serve its final wings in Singapore on January 31, 2026, marking the restaurant’s complete withdrawal from the region. This comes after nearly three decades of operations, leaving behind a legacy at Clarke Quay that dates back to its establishment in 1996, making it the brand’s first international outpost outside North America and the first in Asia.

Challenges Leading to Closure

Despite its rich history, Hooters has faced significant challenges that have led to this decision. Selena Chua, managing director of the Clarke Quay restaurant, stated that the prolonged shortage of staff and sluggish sales figures were central to the closure. Over the years, increased staff salaries were implemented to keep pace with the rising cost of living; however, this strategy began to strain the restaurant’s finances while still aiming to keep menu prices affordable for customers.

Adding to the challenges, hiring has become increasingly tough, as many younger individuals are less inclined to pursue careers in the food and beverage sector. These staffing woes have compounded the difficulties already faced by the restaurant in an evolving market.

Corporate Struggles and Future Plans

The closure of Hooters’ Clarke Quay location follows a bankruptcy filing by the brand in the United States earlier this year, where it aimed to tackle a substantial debt of $376 million by transferring ownership of all company-operated restaurants to a franchise group associated with the company’s founders. Reports indicate that inflation, rising costs of labor and food, alongside reduced consumer spending, have heavily impacted Hooters in recent years.

Despite the sadness that accompanies this decision, Chua has expressed optimism for the future, sharing plans for a smaller bistro that will not carry the Hooters brand. Most of the current staff are expected to transition to this new establishment, signaling a continuation of their journey in the hospitality sector.

A Fond Farewell

Reflecting on the restaurant’s long history, Chua articulated her mixed feelings: “A restaurant that’s been open for 30 years isn’t just a place to eat; it holds memories, routines, and connections with people who grew up there. There’s often a sense of gratitude for all the moments it created, coupled with the realization that an era has come to an end.”

While Hooters prepares to close its doors, conversations online have indicated sentiments that Clarke Quay has changed significantly, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Yet, there is hope for revitalization; a free night shuttle bus service launched by CapitaLand aims to attract visitors back to the area, connecting Clarke Quay with various hotspots around town.