CHAIN NEWS

Future of Texas chain Twin Peaks uncertain after bankruptcy filing

Twin Peaks has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Bad news for people who need booty shorts and tight shirts to enjoy their buffalo wings with. On Monday, January 26, Twin Hospitality Group, the parent company of the Twin Peaks chain, announced that they were filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The company, founded in Lewisville, Texas in 2005, quickly became a major competitor to Hooters, Bombshells, and other eateries centered on buxom waitstaff. Currently, there are 114 locations nationwide, including four in the Austin area.

The chain has not announced plans for widespread restaurant closures, but the filing comes only a year after the company went public on the stock exchange with a $1 billion estimated value. For now, doors will remain open and staff will be paid, but it's not a sign of strength for most companies to enter Chapter 11.

"Twin Peaks has redefined the sports bar experience and built an iconic and highly profitable business. We are confident that the brand remains positioned for meaningful global expansion in the years to come,” said Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of Twin Hospitality, in a release. “Our focus in this process remains providing quality service to our customers and supporting our franchise partners and the thousands of corporate and franchise employees.”

The news comes at a time of reckoning for "breastaurants.” Last year, the leading name in the industry, Hooters, announced a major brand shift away from its titillating model. Dubbed the “re-Hooterization," the chain plans to return to its original branding of a beach-themed hangout spot.

Multiple locations in Texas have already been bought out or closed in Grapevine, Houston, Lubbock, Bryan, and San Marcos. A spokesperson for Hooters told CultureMap that they are in the process of transferring all Texas liquor licenses from the former ownership.

"We look forward to the completion of the transfers, but it is a process that takes a little bit of time," they said.

Houston-based Bombshells, also underwent restructuring recently, closing two locations in its hometown in 2024. The chain still operates one location in San Antonio.

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SECOND ACT

Aba's Chicago sister restaurant moves into luxe Austin shopping center

Photo by Jeff Marini

Ēma is opening in North Austin at the end of January.

Austin’s Domain Northside is getting a new restaurant from a familiar group. Ēma, a Mediterranean and California-inspired concept by the team behind the famous South Congress restaurant Aba, will open Saturday, January 31. This is the second Austin restaurant from Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants.

Ēma means “mother” in Hebrew, while Aba means “father,” reflecting the complementary but distinct approaches between the two restaurants. While Aba leans toward a lively, evening-driven experience, Ēma is designed to evoke a Mediterranean summer day, with a lighter style of California cooking focused on vegetables, seafood, and mezze-style small plates meant for sharing.

With Ēma’s opening, Austin becomes the second city after Chicago to host both Ēma and Aba. In Austin, both restaurants are led by Chef Partner CJ Jacobson. At Ēma, his approach will emphasize brighter flavors, lighter preparations, and seasonal produce.

Ēma’s menu centers on mezze — small, shareable dishes meant to be ordered across the table — along with spreads, vegetables, and kebabs. Signature dishes named in a press release include sweet corn hummus, smoky whipped feta, crispy maitake mushrooms, octopus carpaccio, and grilled halloumi kebab.

CJ Jacobson of Aba and Ema Chef Partner CJ Jacobson leads both Aba and the newly opened Ēma in Austin.Photo by Jeff Marini

The bar program, overseen by Senior Beverage Manager Nicholas Berggren, follows the same lighter approach, featuring cocktails made with Mediterranean ingredients intended to complement daytime and early evening dining. Highlights include the Don Higo, made with Charanda rum, fig, coconut, Greek mountain tea, honey, and rosemary, along with a tequila yuzu espresso martini and a selection of zero-proof options.

Jacobson began his career as a professional volleyball player. His cooking first gained national attention through his appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef, and he later won Top Chef Duels in 2014. His cooking style emphasizes seasonal produce, balance, and lighter preparations.

Ēma will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with weekend brunch, delivery, and carryout planned for a later date. Reservations open January 28 via OpenTable. The restaurant is located at 3120 Palm Way, Ste. 170.

Other nearby restaurants at Domain Northside include Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, North Italia, and Sixty Vines.

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