It's a sad day in Rhode Island and Southern New England.

Hooters of Warwick, a beloved spot known for its signature chicken wings, has closed its doors indefinitely as of Friday, May 31. The closure was announced on Instagram, where the restaurant shared the unfortunate news with its followers:

Hooters of Warwick via Instagram
Hooters of Warwick via Instagram
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"We regret to inform you that Hooters of Warwick will be closing indefinitely due to the recent bridge collapse. First the roof... now the bridge...!!!"

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While the Washington Bridge on I-195 in Rhode Island hasn't collapsed, it has seen better days since the westbound side was deemed unsafe and closed in December 2023.

This isn't the first time Hooters of Warwick has faced structural challenges. Back in 2015, the restaurant was forced to shut down due to severe roof damage caused by ice buildup from a snowstorm. After extensive repairs, the restaurant triumphantly reopened in November 2020, only to face yet another setback, suggesting traffic problems caused by the bridge have deterred patrons.

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I'll never forget the time my buddy Buck and I ordered 100 chicken wings and a side of curly fries from this location. Its a memory neither one of us will ever forget, now bittersweet.

Hooters, a global brand with over 400 franchises in multiple countries, has built a loyal customer base with its unique combination of casual dining, sports bar atmosphere and waitresses. The closure of the Warwick location is particularly disappointing for local patrons who have enjoyed its offerings over the years.

For those still craving the Hooters experience, the nearest locations are in Dedham and Saugus, Massachusetts. Who knows? Maybe the Warwick location will rise once again once the bridge issues are addressed.

As of Monday, June 3, Warwick of Hooters has disabled its social media.

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