America's cheekiest wings chain is staging a major comeback — and this time, the vision is more wings, more butter, and less cheeky controversy.

The original founders of Hooters are taking back full ownership of the brand, after acquiring Hooters of America and and the bulk of its US restaurants. 

The deal quietly went through on October 14 and will be made public this week.

Hooters of America — the company that ran most of the chain's US restaurants — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year to restructure $376 million in debt and shed underperforming locations. 

Neil Kiefer, CEO of Hooters Inc and a longtime friend of the founders, has been at the forefront of the revival. His company previously ran 20 Hooters locations and their partners will now will own and run around 130. 

Key to the resurgence is a return to the chain's throwback look: classic orange shorts and white crop tops for Hooters Girls, abandoning some of the newer, tighter bikini-style bottoms. 

'We're not just acquiring restaurants — we're taking back the Hooters name to show the world who we really are,' Kiefer said. 

'Our vision is about more than great food and service. It's about bringing people together, making memories, and ensuring that Hooters remains a place where everyone feels welcome.'

He added: 'We've done this successfully for over forty years and are beyond excited to rebuild trust one wing, customer, and one family at a time.'

The founders said the updated uniforms are part of a 'renewed commitment to family and community,' alongside fresher ingredients, cleaner menus, and restaurant renovations.

More than 70 percent of the food sold in Kiefer's 20 restaurants is smothered in a butter-based sauce. Kiefer wants to expand the sauce to more dishes across all Hooters locations. 

The menu, which will now feature the legendary hand-breaded wing recipe, Grade AA butter sauces, fresh salads, and wild-caught fish, reflects a streamlined approach to food without sacrificing the indulgence Hooters is known for. 

Hooters of America won bankruptcy court approval last month to reorganize, resolving a long-standing royalty dispute with creditor Lags Equipment LLC and pivoting the chain to a pure franchise model.