Wintzell's Oyster House to Open in Former Hooters Space in Downtown Memphis

Alabama-based seafood restaurant chain expands to Tennessee with new Downtown Memphis location.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A high-end studio still life photograph featuring a polished oyster shell, lemon wedge, and stainless steel oyster forks, conceptually representing the premium seafood and hospitality of the new Wintzell's Oyster House restaurant in Downtown Memphis.Wintzell's Oyster House brings its signature seafood and Southern charm to a prominent Downtown Memphis location, revitalizing the former Hooters space.Memphis Today

Wintzell's Oyster House, an Alabama-based seafood restaurant chain, has signed a lease to open a new location in the former Hooters space at 250 Peabody Place in Downtown Memphis. The move comes as the area seeks to attract new, economically viable businesses to revitalize the neighborhood.

Why it matters

The arrival of Wintzell's Oyster House represents an opportunity to breathe new life into the Downtown Memphis area, which has struggled with high retail vacancy rates in recent years following the closure of major chains like Hooters. The new restaurant is expected to draw more foot traffic and economic activity to the neighborhood.

The details

Wintzell's Oyster House, founded in 1938 in Mobile, Alabama, is known for its fresh seafood dishes and Southern-inspired cuisine. The company has over 20 locations across the Southeast, and the new Memphis outpost will mark its first foray into Tennessee. The 250 Peabody Place site was previously occupied by Hooters, which closed its doors in 2024 after a decade-long run.

  • Hooters closed its Downtown Memphis location in 2024 after a 10-year run.
  • Wintzell's Oyster House has signed a lease to open a new restaurant in the former Hooters space in 2026.

The players

Wintzell's Oyster House

An Alabama-based seafood restaurant chain founded in 1938, known for its fresh seafood dishes and Southern-inspired cuisine. The company has over 20 locations across the Southeast and is expanding to Tennessee with this new Downtown Memphis outpost.

John Elkington

A real estate developer with Elkington Real Estate Group, which owns the 250 Peabody Place property where the new Wintzell's Oyster House will open.

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What they’re saying

“The area needs new, vibrant businesses that make sense economically.”

— John Elkington, Real Estate Developer, Elkington Real Estate Group

The takeaway

The arrival of Wintzell's Oyster House in the former Hooters space represents an opportunity for Downtown Memphis to attract new, economically viable businesses that can help revitalize the neighborhood and draw more foot traffic to the area.