Hooters releases 2027 bikini calendar featuring Ohio cover model

Hooters has released its 2027 bikini calendar, selecting Sophia Zullo, an Ohio woman, as the cover model. The announcement was highlighted by OutKick journalist Joe Kinsey, who described the choice as one of the biggest upsets in the brand's history.

Kinsey, who has tracked Hooters for nearly 20 years, noted that the company has been retreating to its Florida roots in recent months. He expected the brand to name a Florida woman to the top honor given its operational focus. Instead, the selection came from the Buckeye state, where only two Hooters locations remain: one in Dayton and one in Mason.

The calendar news arrives alongside mixed developments for the chain's Florida presence. Earlier this month, Hooters closed a store in Panama City Beach that had been open for 30 years. Kinsey characterized the closure as a flop, citing the brand's ongoing adjustments to its footprint.

In unrelated consumer news, Chili's is reviving its iconic red booths and classic design in a nationwide restaurant overhaul. The move signals a return to the chain's traditional aesthetic. Meanwhile, OutKick reader John from Milford, Michigan, shared his perspective on smartphone upgrades, stating that he uses devices until they fail and only purchases a new iPhone every four years. He currently owns an iPhone 18 and questioned why manufacturers do not include screen protection in the initial hardware, comparing the practice to buying shoes without laces. Kinsey agreed with the frustration, noting that he avoids buying phone deals at Verizon stores and plans to use an AI bot to negotiate future rates.

The weekly newsletter also covered sports developments, including the Atlanta Falcons' 35-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The loss saw the Packers booed off the field at halftime. Kinsey mentioned plans to visit a pumpkin patch with his son, Screencaps Jr., predicting the trip would likely turn into an apple-picking outing. He also addressed a bet from a San Diego reader regarding SDSU's performance and local San Diego merchandise. The column closed with Kinsey looking forward to October, which he described as a month filled with football, cross country, soccer, and autumn activities.