Amarillo's Hooters Shuts Down: What Happens To The Iconic Horse?

Earlier this week, we reported that Hooters had closed its doors in Amarillo. Employees were blindsided, learning the news through a text. According to a comment on our Facebook page, the employees thought that someone was coming in and taking over the franchise, not closing it.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the case, and the restaurant is permanently closed. Now that the building is empty, what does that mean for the Hooters horse?

Several people commented on our Facebook post about the closure.

So… since like it’s closed, can I have the cute equestrian outside
My wife wants the horse.
I’ll buy the horse
Is the horse available to buy??
$500 for anyone that brings me the horse and keeps their mouth shut

What Is the Hooters Horse in Amarillo?

The Hooters horse is part of an art installation that started in Amarillo in 2002, called Hoof Prints of the American Quarter Horse. Businesses and individuals can purchase a horse statue for $4000, and an artist is assigned to design a horse that meshes��with their business. Hooters purchased one of these horses and had their horse designed to wear their infamous uniform.

Jordan Richardson/TSM Amarillo

What is Going to Happen to the Hooters Horse?

We reached out to Center City to see what might happen to the Hooters Horse, and according to the FAQ about Hoof Prints, after the installation, it becomes the property and responsibility of the business owner.

According to Center City's Beth Duke, some business owners choose to sell their horses to the new building owner as part of the property. Some will donate the horse back to Center City, and the organization can have it repainted for a new owner

We'd love to have it back and give it a new home.

We also contacted Hooters corporate to see if they could give us any information about what might happen with the Hooters horse. We had not received a response by the time of publication.

UPDATE: Monday, June 30, 2025, 3:20 pm

The owner of the building, Brayden Engler, reached out to us about the fate of the Hooter's Horse.

I am the owner of the land and building, and as we both know, Hooters had closed its doors. But not to worry, we would love nothing more than to preserve the horse and update it to fit in with whoever comes to rent/purchase the property. From my understanding, it is a well-known and beloved item that locals know about. So, to ease the thoughts of it going away, it is there to stay. It may get put into storage to prevent theft. I did talk with Center City, and that was their greatest concern.

Can You Buy a Hoof Prints Horse?

Yes, this is an ongoing art project and fundraiser for Center City. If you are interested in purchasing a horse for your business, you can contact Center City at (806) 372‑6744..

As of now, the fate of the Hooters Horse remains a mystery.

All the Pretty Horses of Amarillo's Hoof Print Project: DOWNTOWN

The Hoof Print project was started in 2002 by the non-profit organization Center City as a way to beautify the city and raise funds.

Gallery Credit: Sarah Clark

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Have you seen all of these horse statues around Amarillo?

Gallery Credit: Jordan Richardson

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Gallery Credit: Sarah Clark