F&D's Hooked Fish Camp to Replace Hooters Near Seminole Town Center

F&D Restaurant Concepts announced Jan. 27 that it will convert the former Hooters building near Seminole Town Center into Hooked Fish Camp, a seafood-focused restaurant meant to capture coastal, fish-camp vibes. The location is 550 Towne Center Circle in Sanford, and the operator previewed menu items on its site including crawfish, oysters, fish and chips, seared tuna, and shrimp and grits. The project had been expected to open in late 2025 but was delayed; the company has not provided a firm opening date or a full menu.

The deal restores activity to a standalone property directly adjacent to Seminole Town Center, a shopping hub that depends on consistent restaurant tenants to generate evening foot traffic and support weekday lunch business. For local shoppers and workers, the conversion signals a shift in the center’s mix toward experiential dining that can extend customer visits beyond retail hours. The site’s address and visibility make it a practical reuse of existing retail infrastructure rather than new construction, which can reduce permitting time and build costs.

F&D Restaurant Concepts operates multiple concepts across the region, including F&D Prime, F&D Cantina, and F&D Woodfired Italian Kitchen. That portfolio provides a track record suggesting the operator can mobilize supply chains and staffing for a new concept, though specifics on hiring timelines and expected employment at Hooked Fish Camp were not released. Local officials and economic development stakeholders typically view restaurant openings as multipliers for sales tax revenue and part-time and full-time job creation, while also affecting nearby retail vacancy rates.

Market implications for Seminole County include potential increases in after-hours foot traffic and a modest boost to the dining scene in Sanford. Reusing an existing restaurant shell preserves commercial real estate capacity and can stabilize rents in the immediate area. The seafood concept fits broader consumer trends favoring themed, ingredient-driven casual dining, which can perform well in suburban shopping centers when paired with consistent marketing and local sourcing.

For residents, the change means a new dining option with seafood staples arriving to a familiar spot. Local shoppers and job seekers should watch for follow-ups from the operator and the Seminole Town Center management for an official opening date, hiring announcements, and a full menu release.