‘Hooters: The Movie’ Is In Development With A Wild True Story Behind It

Few restaurant chains have established such a unique spot in American pop culture as Hooters, the iconic orange-shorts-and-chicken-wings establishment that has been part of the national dialogue since the early 1980s. With its instantly recognizable branding and reputation as a cultural punchline turned beloved comfort-food destination, the chain has long appeared to be ripe for a Hollywood origin story.

That origin story is finally making its way to the big screen, coming directly from those who experienced it firsthand. This project arrives at a significant time for the brand, following a phase where its founding group sought to regain greater control over the company’s trajectory and reconnect with its original roots.

‘Hooters: The Movie’ is officially in development, independently produced by the chain’s original founding partners. Emmy-nominated filmmaker Jon Rosenbaum, known for ‘Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp’ and ‘Benchwarmers 2: Breaking Balls,’ will direct from a screenplay co-written by co-founder Ed Droste along with Phil Olson and Chuck Melcher.

The film is based on the true events surrounding Hooters’ inception, focusing on Ted and Lenny, two lifelong friends from a small Iowa town who inadvertently create a national restaurant empire, only to face challenges from the federal government along the way. The adventure begins when Ted becomes enamored with a woman named Diane after seeing her in a spring break commercial, prompting him to persuade a reluctant Lenny to join him on a road trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida, in search of her. Diane eventually becomes the very first Hooters Girl.

Ed Droste, who is both co-writer and producer of the project, shared with Deadline, “I think people are going to enjoy watching how we were really just some guys who didn’t know what we were doing, but had a great time doing it.” He emphasized that alongside the humor and drama, the Hooters Girls are the true stars of the narrative, framing the brand’s four-decade history as one built on heart and hospitality as much as its famous menu.

Rosenbaum has described the project as a perfect mix of buddy comedy and inspiring biopic, centered around two friends willing to risk everything on a wild idea that blossomed into something far more significant than they could have envisioned. According to the filmmaker, the final film will not unfold in the way audiences might anticipate, while still remaining largely grounded in actual events.

Casting for the film is currently in progress, led by casting directors Lisa London and Catherine Stroud of London/Stroud Casting. Production is anticipated to begin in November, with filming primarily taking place in the Tampa and Clearwater, Florida area, the same region where the very first Hooters restaurant opened its doors back in 1983.

Rosenbaum is represented by Ross Fineman of Fineman Entertainment and Brent Jordan Sherman of the Characters Talent Agency as the project moves closer to production. With filming still months away and casting just beginning, more details about the actors portraying Ted, Lenny, and Diane are expected to emerge in the coming months.

Given how personally significant this project is for those involved, ‘Hooters: The Movie’ has the potential to provide a genuinely surprising insight into one of America’s most recognizable restaurant brands.

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