Six Florida friends with no restaurant experience opened Hooters on April Fools’ Day in 1983. They chose a location known for repeated business failures and expected their venture to be a short-lived joke. Instead, the place filled up fast, and the laughs quickly turned serious. What started as a gag evolved into a global restaurant chain built on wings and bold branding.

The Birth of Hooters

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In 1983, six Florida businessmen—L.D. Stewart, Gil DiGiannantonio, Ed Droste, Billy Ranieri, Ken Wimmer, and Dennis Johnson—launched Hooters in Clearwater, inspired by a Steve Martin bit on Saturday Night Live. The name stuck, and the owl logo sealed the deal. Their beverages, wings, and waitresses in orange shorts put the theme on full display.

Amy Adams' Brief Stint as a Hooters Hostess

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Long before red carpets, Amy Adams earned $7 an hour as a 17-year-old hostess at a Hooters in Atlanta. She was too young for the classic uniform, so she wore a tennis outfit and had no clue what the job entailed—until the short shorts and beer crowd clued her in fast. She lasted just three weeks, saved enough for a car, and moved on.

Foray into Late-Night TV

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In 1987, Hooters took a detour from beer and wings and landed on cable TV. Hooters Nite Owl Theater featured original Hooters Girl Lynne Austin and Doug "365" Vollmer hosting movies with a twist—comedy sketches, parody segments, and just enough weird to stand out. It ran in 13 cities, got rebranded as Hooters Movie of the Week, and lasted until 1995.

A Casino Venture on the Las Vegas Strip

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In 2006, Hooters turned the old Hotel San Remo into a 696-room casino hotel just off the Strip. The space leaned into the brand's familiar style with over 200 Hooters Girls working as servers and dealers. Early financial troubles led to changes, and by 2007, the hotel was back in the black. It was sold in 2019 and rebranded by OYO.

Taking Off... Briefly

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In 2003, Hooters took off with its airline, rebranding Pace Airlines with its colors and mascot. The flight included two Hooters Girls, free meals, and more legroom than most budget carriers. The focus was on golfers headed to Myrtle Beach, but despite its niche appeal, rising fuel prices and intense competition led to its closure in 2006.

The Uniform Change That Sparked Backlash

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In October 2021, Hooters swapped its iconic orange shorts for a much shorter, bikini-style version, and the backlash hit fast. Servers took to TikTok to vent, with one viral clip racking over 14 million views. The reaction was loud enough to spark a quick reversal. Within days, Hooters gave staff the choice between old and new styles.

Hooters' Hiring Policy Challenged

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In 1997, Hooters found itself in hot water after a group of men filed a class-action lawsuit for being denied server jobs. They argued that the all-female hiring rule broke federal anti-discrimination laws. The case settled for $3.75 million, with the company adding gender-neutral roles like hosts and bartenders while keeping its female-only servers.

Mental Health Concerns for Themed Restaurant Workers

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A 2017 University of Tennessee study looked into the mental health of women working in themed restaurants with revealing uniforms and constant customer interaction. Among 252 participants, researchers found increased levels of anxiety and disordered eating, especially in environments that emphasized appearance and performance. While the jobs offered flexible schedules and higher tips, the emotional impact was clear.

Struggle with Declining Popularity and Closures

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Hooters closed more than 40 locations in 2024 as shifting habits and rising costs caught up with the chain. Younger customers are looking for different dining experiences, and the brand's original concept hasn't kept pace. Efforts to update the image, like launching Hoots and changing uniforms, have had limited impact.

Naya Rivera's "Nightmare Fuel"

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There was a time Naya Rivera served tables in tiny shorts, and it felt like a bad dream she couldn't shake. In a 2013 interview, she called it nightmare fuel while sharing how uncomfortable she felt despite being in what many would consider an ideal shape. The job chipped at her confidence rather than building it.

Copycats and the Niche Hooters Created

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As Hooters gained attention, others followed. Show-Me's kept things close, while Bikinis Sports Bar tried to claim the space by trademarking "br*astaurant" in 2012, though the chain shut down by 2018. They put their own spin on the formula and shaped a niche that Hooters first defined.

Controversial Contracts Hooters Employees Sign

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A job at Hooters starts with a contract that sets expectations early. New hires agree that comments and humor based on appearance are part of the setting. While this doesn't allow misconduct, it complicates boundaries. In one case, a former employee accused management of harassment. Hooters tried to block the lawsuit using a signed arbitration clause, but the court ruled the process unfair.

The Truth Behind Hooters' Hiring Justification

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Hooters classifies its servers as "entertainers," a choice that allows more flexibility in hiring based on appearance. The handbook outlines a specific image and favors traits tied to a set aesthetic. The company has faced legal pushback over this policy, but it defends it using an employment exception that links certain traits to business needs.

Shocking Rules About Hooters Girls

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New hires have their photos taken and weight recorded to set a "baseline" look. Even a five-pound shift can trigger a warning and a deadline to return to the original number. In 2010, Cassandra Smith—5'8" and 132 pounds—was put on probation despite solid reviews. Hooters defends this policy by calling servers "entertainers," justifying strict appearance rules tied to their overall image.

Rules of the Hooters Uniform

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At Hooters, the uniform is company property, and it stays that way. Employees aren't allowed to wear it outside the restaurant or walk in or out. Getting caught in public in full gear—or letting someone else borrow it—can get you fired on the spot. The rule is about brand control and staff safety.