In a milestone celebration that blended nostalgia, community pride, and generosity, Hooters Fort Myers marked its 40th anniversary on March 28 by presenting a $100,000 donation to Community Cooperative — a powerful contribution aimed at combating food insecurity across Southwest Florida.
For four decades, Hooters Fort Myers has been more than just a destination for wings, cold drinks, and sports — it has become a community cornerstone, consistently supporting local charities and initiatives. Local Hooters restaurants have a long track record of raising significant sums for worthy causes, and this latest donation is among the most impactful yet.
Fighting Hunger Where It’s Needed Most
The funds will directly support Community Cooperative’s mission to provide meals, groceries, and emergency assistance to families throughout the region. With rising food costs and increasing demand for services, the impact of this donation comes at a critical time.
Janelle Olson, Director of Development for Community Cooperative, put it plainly:
“This gift provides hope and dignity for families facing hardship. It ensures children, seniors, veterans, and families have access to nutritious food when they need it most. The need in Southwest Florida remains significant, and this support goes a long way.”
Community Cooperative operates several vital programs, including food pantries, mobile food distributions, and hot meal services — resources that thousands of local residents rely on each year.
A Celebration with Community at Its Heart
The 40th anniversary event brought together customers, community partners, and former employees to celebrate the restaurant’s legacy. Guests signed a “Thank You Wall,” sharing messages of appreciation and memories spanning generations.
Adding to the excitement, several 2026 Hooters Calendar Girls participated in the presentation — including cover model Selena Sanchez, Emily Hagedorn (Miss April), Gracie Williams (Miss July), Ashley Reyes, Kayla Calhoun, and Kiana Mahabir. It’s the kind of community-focused event the Calendar Girls have become known for — earlier this year they traveled to Bimini to deliver school supplies to local students.
Hooters Girl alumni also returned for the celebration, reinforcing the strong sense of family and tradition that has defined the Fort Myers location since it opened in 1986.
Hooters Fort Myers 40th Anniversary — $100,000 presented to Community Cooperative
Decades of Local Impact
Over the years, Hooters Fort Myers has partnered with numerous respected organizations throughout the region. The Fort Myers team has a particular history of showing up for local health and hunger causes — from delivering books to the Lee Regional Cancer Center lending library to supporting youth programs across Lee County.
Their full roster of community partners includes:
Valerie’s House
Golisano Children’s Hospital
Lee Health Cancer Center
Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
Paws Crossed
Community Cooperative
Local schools and youth programs
Kristi Quarles, Director of Marketing for Hooters of South Florida, summed it up:
“Giving back is part of who we are. We’re proud to support Community Cooperative and make a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger.”
A Legacy That Continues
Owned and operated by Hooters of South Florida, which runs 15 locations across the region, Hooters Fort Myers continues to evolve while staying true to its roots — serving great food, creating memorable experiences, and supporting the communities it calls home.
As Southwest Florida continues to grow, so does the need for community-driven support. With this significant donation, Hooters Fort Myers proves that local businesses can play a powerful role in shaping a stronger, more compassionate future.
Location: 4411 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, FL
Learn more: HootersFlorida.com
Social: @SouthFLHooters and @HootersFortMyers
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