Hoots Wings plans East Coast expansion with 4 NJ units

Hoots Wings, owned and operated by HOA Brands, also the parent company to Hooters, said May 11 it signed a six-unit deal for franchise locations across the East Coast. This agreement will add to the growth that it has planned nationwide.

The fast-casual wing concept said it will bring 50 locations to key markets across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island in the next five years. The agreement sets the brand up to expect six locations in those states, with the New Jersey specific locations open by 2023.

Those will be located in Newark, Hoboken, Atlantic City, and Jersey City–the first location which is slated to open this September.

Behind this agreement is Phillip Moran, a 40-year restaurant industry veteran with a combined 37 years spent with Hooters and HOA Brands. Moran has owned and operated Hooters restaurants on the East Coast for 21 years. He was the first franchise partner for the brand in 1990, starting out with four locations and growing to 30 restaurants before he moved efforts to the East Coast.

“Hooters put wings on the map – it has a 35-plus year history of the best wings on the planet,” said Moran in a prepared statement. “With Hooters backing and a fast, easily prepared and delivered best-selling product as its base, Hoots Wings is set up for success – this deal is a natural progression for me to help accelerate hoots’ growth efforts on the East Coast.”

“Phillip is an industry veteran who understands not only the brand but also the excitement that surrounds Hoots Wings,” said HOA Brands Chief Executive Officer Sal Melilli. “He knows the value of Hoots’ diverse menu and is ready to bring it to East Coast communities where he has spent over 20 years growing Hooters’ presence. Northern New Jersey has a large population of loyal Hooters customers and wing enthusiasts, and we’re excited to bring Hoots Wings to this community.”