The Door, the lifestyle and hospitality communications arm of Dolphin Entertainment, has secured a strategic communications contract with Hooters, the iconic American sports‑bar chain that emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2025. The agreement, announced on December 30, 2025, positions The Door to shape Hooters’ public narrative, secure earned media coverage, and activate the brand across contemporary culture as it transitions to a franchise‑driven model under new ownership.
The deal follows Hooters’ exit from bankruptcy, when the company’s original founders and a group of franchisees acquired all company‑owned restaurants and restructured the brand’s operations. The new owners are focused on simplifying the menu, updating server uniforms, and repositioning Hooters for a “next phase of growth.” The Door’s expertise in lifestyle, culinary, and hospitality public‑relations will be critical in managing the brand’s image during this transformation and in communicating the new value proposition to consumers and investors.
Dolphin Entertainment’s Q3 2025 results provide context for the significance of the contract. The company reported revenue of $14.8 million, up 16.7% year‑over‑year, and a narrowed net loss, reflecting disciplined cost management and organic growth from recent acquisitions such as Elle Communications. The Hooters contract is expected to add a new revenue stream to Dolphin’s marketing services division, reinforcing the firm’s strategy to expand its footprint in the hospitality sector and to leverage cross‑selling opportunities across its portfolio of agencies.
The strategic importance of the deal is amplified by Hooters’ high brand recognition and the timing of its restructuring. By aligning with The Door, Dolphin positions itself to capture a share of the hospitality communications market that is likely to expand as more legacy brands undergo similar transformations. The partnership also signals Dolphin’s confidence in its ability to deliver integrated marketing solutions to high‑profile clients, potentially attracting additional business in the sector.
While the contract’s financial terms are not disclosed, the announcement underscores Dolphin’s continued focus on high‑growth, high‑margin service lines. Management has highlighted the value of cross‑selling within the group and the opportunity to deepen relationships with clients that are undergoing significant operational changes. The Hooters engagement is a tangible example of this strategy in action, illustrating how Dolphin’s agencies can drive brand revitalization and media success for clients in transition.
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