Oyo Las Vegas Hooters Shuts Down Permanently Amid Financial Struggles

Hooters Location at Oyo Las Vegas Closes

The Hooters restaurant located inside the Oyo Las Vegas hotel, which is positioned just east of the Las Vegas Strip on Tropicana Avenue, has permanently closed its doors. This closure is part of a larger trend following the parent company’s bankruptcy filing earlier this year, which forced the shutdown of numerous outlets across the United States in June.

Background and Financial Challenges

The closure of the Oyo Las Vegas Hooters came unexpectedly on a recent Friday, as there were initial expectations that it would continue operating. The hotel, previously branded as the Hooters Hotel & Casino, was well-known for its $1 minimum blackjack tables. When the property was rebranded in 2019, the Hooters restaurant remained open. However, its revenue took a significant hit, reportedly dropping by nearly 50% due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After selling its Las Vegas casino asset for $135 million in 2019 and closing about 40 underperforming locations in the previous year, the Hooters chain continued to face financial difficulties. The company couldn’t keep up with its $300 million debt and ultimately had to enlist a law firm to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Declining customer visits and persistent financial woes have been cited as primary reasons for the downturn.

Public Reaction to the Closure

The announcement of the Hooters closure at Oyo Las Vegas surprised many, particularly since the company’s CEO, Sal Melilli, had assured patrons that the iconic Hooters restaurants would remain operational. This news prompted a strong reaction from regular visitors and fans on various online forums.

Many customers expressed their disappointment, with one commenting on the loss of their favorite wings and the restaurant’s distinctive atmosphere. Others described the news as disheartening.

Concerns also arose about the potential impact on the Oyo Las Vegas hotel itself. Since Hooters was considered a major attraction for visitors, some predicted the property would experience a decline in guest traffic. Comments questioned how many people chose Oyo specifically for the presence of Hooters, and criticism surfaced regarding the hotel’s appeal without it.

Some forum users speculated that restricted access to the restaurant contributed to its downfall. Others went further to suggest that the entire Oyo property might eventually close and be repurposed for other developments such as employee parking to support new Las Vegas projects.