March 2, 2026
Long Island's last Hooters at 25 Smith St. in Farmingdale has shut its doors after 16 years. The closure ends the chain's presence on the Island amid national struggles.
As Farmingdale's bustling Main Street sees new eateries like Farmingdale Diner thrive amid rising costs, the village's last Hooters at 25 Smith Street has permanently closed, ending 16 years as Long Island's final outpost of the national chain.[1][2]
The restaurant announced its closure on Facebook Monday, stating, "After much deliberation, we've made the difficult decision to close this location. We are incredibly grateful for the many years of great times, cold beer, hot wings, and unforgettable memories shared here."[1][2][3] Customers like Anthony Cimorelli Jr. reacted with dismay: "Are you serious? I thought you guys were doing well?" while Chris Laurice posted, "Say it ain't so."[4] The 4,400-square-foot spot, listed as permanently closed on Google, drew hundreds of online reactions from game-day regulars.[3]
First opened in 2010, the Farmingdale Hooters closed briefly in 2012 amid a franchise dispute, reopening as Bud's Ale House for four months before franchisee Marc Phaneuf of Hooters of New England/New York revived it in June 2013 with a remodel for a "cleaner and brighter feel."[2][4] It outlasted Islandia (closed 2013) and East Meadow (2012) locations.[1][2] The chain, founded in Clearwater, Florida in 1983, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025 after closing 40 spots in June 2024 and 30 more in 2025.[2][3]
No word yet on employee support or the site's future, leaving a gap for wings fans near Republic Airport and local spots like Broadway Joe's. The nearest Hooters is now in Fresh Meadows, Queens.[3]
Stay updated on Farmingdale business news with LI Daily. Explore more restaurant updates and local Farmingdale news today. For a look at how other Long Island businesses are navigating change, see how Patchogue's small business revival is reshaping the region's dining and retail landscape.
