Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer Steps in to Potentially Save Hooters
Hulk Hogan is making headlines once again, but this time it’s not for his wrestling prowess. The iconic wrestler’s brand, Real American Beer, is reportedly considering a bid to acquire the Hooters intellectual property, potentially saving the restaurant chain from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy woes.
Hooters, known for its wings and waitresses in orange shorts, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year. However, the restaurant chain made it clear that it was not planning to shut down for good. In a press release, Hooters announced that it had entered into a restructuring support agreement with key stakeholders to continue operating while restructuring its debts.
If Real American Beer’s bid is successful, the brand plans to relaunch Hooters across various platforms, including consumer products, digital content, gaming, and experiential formats. The goal is to revitalize the brand for today’s generation while staying true to its roots.
Hooters holds a special place in Hulk Hogan’s heart as it was founded in his hometown of Clearwater, Florida. The restaurant chain was also one of the first to carry Real American Beer after its launch. Despite the bankruptcy filing, Hooters has managed to keep its doors open.
CEO of Hooters, Sal Melilli, expressed optimism about the potential acquisition, stating, "Today’s announcement marks an important milestone in our efforts to reinforce Hooters’ financial foundation and continue delivering the guest-obsessed hospitality experience and delicious food our customers and communities have come to expect."
Real American Beer, which recently made its debut in Walmart stores in eight states, has quickly gained popularity. It is the official beer of WWE and is the second-most popular light beer after Samuel Adams. The brand’s name pays homage to Hogan’s iconic entrance music, "Real American."
With Hulk Hogan’s star power and Real American Beer’s growing success, the potential acquisition of Hooters could be a game-changer for both brands. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
FOX Business’ Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.
