Lubbock business news includes restaurant closure, openings

Hello A-J readers!

From the unexpected closure of Hooters to a new Hawaiian restaurant and even a trip to a place that grows mushrooms, it has been an interesting week.

Last weekend, Hooters at 4950 S. Loop 289 closed. It was one of 40 locations across the company to close in a decision to shutter "underperforming" restaurants. Other Texas locations that closed included Bryan, McAllen, San Angelo, Seabrook and Wichita Falls.

With one place closing, another opens. In this case, we are talking about the Hawaiian Bros Island Grill at the former Fuddruckers, 5501 Slide Road. The official opening date is Monday, July 1, but people were able to get a preview over the weekend.

The first 100 customers on July 1 will receive a free T-shirt and a restaurant gift card ranging from $25-500 with purchase, and one customer will win free Hawaiian Bros for a year, according to a company news release issued on Wednesday.

Joining the openings from the week, Vallarta Taqueria opened at the former Heff's burger restaurant at 5727 82nd St. Heff's closed in December 2023 due to rises in rent and food costs.

Going into next week, the June business roundup of closures, openings and announcements will be out on Monday. For June there were at least six closures, including Burklee Hill Vineyards and Chez Sami. Openings included Splatter 806, a splatter painting room, and Candy Girl, 4618 50th St., a storefront for the mobile truck of the same name.

I'm also looking forward to the next part of our agricultural coverage. Next week, be prepared to learn about a Wolfforth farm that takes innovation to the next level.

As always, thank you for reading and supporting the A-J.