Wings MIA: Illinois Hooters Checks Out of the Nest

No wings, beer, or girls were found at this abandoned Hooters restaurant in Gurnee, Illinois, the only thing left behind were broken hearts.

The History Of Hooters

Hooters is a very popular restaurant chain, especially with men. It was started in Florida in the 80s. Now, the business is worldwide. It's famous for its wings and waitresses. No wonder guys love the place.

According to hooters.com,

Back in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida, six businessmen with no restaurant experience whatsoever got together to open a place they couldn’t get kicked out of.

 

When Did Hooters Come To Illinois?

The first Hooters came to Illinois in 1993. It was opened in the River North neighborhood of Chicago.

According to originalhooters.com,

Hooters on Wells Street was the first Hooters Restaurant in the Chicagoland area when it opened in 1993, at the corner of Erie and Wells Street, in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.

 

When Did Hooters Come To Rockford?

Hooters came to Rockford in 2000. I remember it was a huge deal. Fans waited for hours to be one of the first customers.

According to loopnet.com,

Hooters signed a 20-year lease in 2000.

 

When Did The Hooters In Gurnee Open And Close?

The Hooters in Gurnee opened in 2016. I searched all over the internet but I couldn't find out any information about when it exactly went out of business. From what I saw, it looks like it happened in 2022.

Abandoned Hooters In Gurnee

It's such a popular restaurant, one closing down doesn't happen very often. I found a video of an abandoned Hooters in Gurnee. Check out these photos to see what it looks like.

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.