A film about the founding of Hooters aims to begin shooting in the Clearwater area in November 2026. The production would return the chain's origin story to the city where it all started in 1983.

"Hooters: The Movie" will be independently produced by the chain's original founding partners, Deadline reported. Emmy-nominated filmmaker Jon Rosenbaum is directing from a screenplay by co-founder Ed Droste, Phil Olson and Chuck Melcher. Casting is underway through Lisa London and Catherine Stroud of London/Stroud Casting. No cast has been announced, and no release date has been set.

Fictionalized plot follows two friends' road trip to Clearwater Beach

The film follows two fictional friends, Ted and Lenny, from a small Iowa town. Ted spots a woman named Diane in a spring break commercial and talks Lenny into a road trip to Clearwater Beach. That trip leads to the opening of the first Hooters and Diane becoming the chain's first Hooters Girl. The story turns when the federal government threatens to shut the business down.

"It's not at all what people will be expecting ... and it's mostly true!" Rosenbaum told Deadline.

Six Clearwater businessmen incorporated the chain in 1983

The founders are producing the film themselves, and Rosenbaum has acknowledged the story is fictionalized. Six Clearwater businessmen with no restaurant experience incorporated Hooters on April 1, 1983. The first location opened Oct. 4 of that year at 2800 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., according to the chain's official history. That original spot is still operating.

The six founders, known as the "Hooters Six," included Ed Droste, a real estate executive, along with L.D. Stewart, Gil DiGiannantonio, Billy Ranieri, Dennis Johnson and Ken Wimmer.

Droste is also serving as a producer on the film. He co-wrote the screenplay and told Deadline the movie captures "a lot of drama, but a lot of heart and fun too."

Film arrives as founders reclaim brand after bankruptcy sale

The production arrives as the founders reclaim control of the brand. Hooters of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 31, 2025. On Oct. 31, 2025, the Clearwater-based Original Hooters group and Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC finalized their acquisition of about 140 of the chain's 198 domestic locations, according to a press release from the company. The combined domestic and 60 international locations represent roughly $700 million in systemwide sales.

Neil Kiefer, CEO of Hooters Inc., said in that November 2025 announcement that the group's vision centers on rebuilding the brand and returning it to its roots as a neighborhood gathering spot.

Director's résumé includes family comedies; November start not yet locked

Rosenbaum's prior credits include "Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp" and "Benchwarmers 2: Breaking Balls." Production is targeted for November 2026, though the start date has not been formally locked.