9 Secrets Hooters Servers Want You to Know
When you're going to dine at a chain restaurant with a name like "Hooters," you should be very aware of what you're getting yourself into. Famously staffed by scantily clad servers in orange booty shorts, Hooters prides itself on customer satisfaction… and good wings.
What else should you know about the chain? Well, consider the following secrets that have been revealed by former and current Hooters waitresses, who have a ton to say about the iconic chain.
The next time you step into a Hooters location, you can use your newfound intel to treat your server right, have the best possible dining experience, and use the lingo that only true Hooters fans know. Keep reading for all the secrets, and next, don't miss the 8 Worst Fast-Food Burgers to Stay Away From Right Now.
Hooters employees are entertainers, not servers
Well, OK, they are servers, but that's their job description, not their job title. Technically, Hooters servers are referred to as entertainers, per VT, but that's just so the chain can assert bona fide occupational qualification restrictions and be selective in their hiring. Which, yes, means they can limit hiring to fit young women. Does the company want you to know that? Probably not. But the "servers" will appreciate you know what they have to deal with.
For more food news, sign up for our newsletter!
Most are using the job as a stepping stone
Contrary to popular misconception, most Hooters entertainers are anything but shallow, superficial, or simple; according to Hello Bombshell and other sources, most of the staff have much higher aspirations in life and are using the job as a way to make quite a decent amount of money. Chances are, your server is earning a degree, studying for the bar or MCAT, or saving up to start a business.
"Hi! Welcome to Hooters!"
The servers are genuinely happy to see customers, most of whom are respectful and pleasant, but they aren't allowed to come up with an original way to express those sentiments. Instead, servers at Hooters (or entertainers, that is) are required to greet you with a: "Hi! Welcome to Hooters!" per Quizlet. After that, they can chat freely.
They want to know if it's your first time
If you're going to a Hooters for the first time, don't be embarrassed, be upfront about it. The employees love showering so-called "Hooters virgins" with attention, per VT, and will surround you, sing to you, and generally try to make you feel welcome (if perhaps a bit embarrassed).
They go out of their way to be nice to women
If you've ever felt like a Hooters entertainer was showing extra attention and deference to a female patron, you were right. The staff is directed to interact extra warmly with women when any party has both men and women, especially when it's a couple. In fact, they are supposed to show even less interest in the man or men present than that given to any woman.
No, there is no breast size requirement
While it's an image the chain may enjoy, bustiness is not a requirement for employment, according to a self-professed smaller-chested former employee who spoke to Business Insider.
The employees get along great
You might think a workplace in which scantily-clad women vie for the attention of male customers would create a competitive environment, but according to Business Insider, that's far from the case. The servers tended to form a sorority sister-like bond, getting along well at work and socializing outside of their shifts as well.
Name tag colors have meaning
If your Hooters entertainer has on a white name tag, you should know that means she is under 21 years old. An orange tag indicates the server is 21 or older, and a gold name tag shows she's a trainer and has the most experience.
You will be kicked out for inappropriate comments or behavior
Yes, there is a whole different kind of nature to the Hooters experience, and employees are seldom surprised by the innuendos or comments that far too many customers make. But, according to a server who spoke to the New York Post, there is very much a line and, if you cross it with comments or behavior (or any touching) that is genuinely offensive or inappropriate, you will be asked to leave the restaurant and may not be welcomed back.
