BellaOnline Forums Food and Wine Beer & Brewing Hooters Girls - What's YOUR opinion?

Is being a Hooters Girl a dream job or nightmare?

Do you respect Hooters Girls for "selling the sizzle and delivering the steak"? Is this an open door to opportunity or is the corporate world just taking advantage of beautiful women?

i dont eat anywhere that my food is prepared or sereved by half dressed people... i always wonder WHERE the hair in my food REALLY came from!!! yuck... and as for working somewhere like that hey i would kill for the bod but...i could find better ways to use it!!! and they have nothing to do with working as a you know what!!! im married and VERY HAPPY DISPITE MY not so glamrous body!!!

Sex sells...Always has always will.

I think it's ridiculous. I eat out for good food, nice atmosphere and good service. If it doesn't have all 3, then I'm not going. My husband has no desire to go either.

It's as silly as it would be to open a restaurant called Big Packages and have guys running around in tight boxer underwear.

Give me a break.

They're waitresses, so I wouldn't say it's a dream job or a nightmare...although I imagine the tips are probably better when you're some cute young thing in a tank top and shorts versus a middle aged woman in a polyester dress and support hose waiting tables at Denny's. I don't mind a restaurant using sex appeal as a gimmick to make itself stand out; I've never eaten at a Hooters but I wouldn't be leery of going just because my waitress would be showing a little skin. As to whether it's an opportunity or the corporate world taking advantage of beautiful women, again I'd say neither. No one is forcing these women to work there, and they should know what they're getting into � everybody knows about Hooters. And again, it's waitressing, so I don't know how much "opportunity" it offers aside from a paycheck. Unless I'm missing something.

I don't see much difference between this and the casinos using the girls dressed in the even skimpier outfits to serve drinks and such. Or how about the increasingly popular "Coyote Ugly" bars?

I've never eaten at a Hooter's, nor worked at one - and don't plan on dong either (laughing at the thought of me in one of those outfits!) <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> But there are plenty of restaurants where the waitresses wear just as skimpy, they just don't advertise it in their name. I'm not planning on going to a Hooter's because i don't see anything on the menu that I can't get anywhere else! To me a restaurant is about the food, not who's serving it. {shrug}

BTW - Dancing on top of the bar at a Coyote Ugly looks like a lot of fun though! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

...but doesn't atmosphere have a lot to do with the "dining experience"? McDonald's isn't about the food, for instance - it's about convenience with kids, family dining that won't break the bank, or a speedy drive-through.

Hooters is about...well...er..."hooters." Doesn't it give men a chance to laugh at themselves? ...And women a chance to share in the joke?

Unfortunately, the focus on large breasts in this country has caused many women to go in debt and risk their health with breast implants. Some rather ridiculously large, which isn't comfortable.

They obviously haven't lived with C-D boobs before, because it can be a hassle trying to find tops that fit properly.

A woman's worth is no more tied up in her mammary gland size than a man's worth is tied up in his size. Places like this reinforce the concept that beauty (of which boob size is one factor) is more important than kindness, intelligence, and personality.

It is my understanding that some of the servers use it as a springboard for a modeling career. The food is mediocre at best. I went when a male friend invited me to lunch, picked this place and like the immature person that he is, refused to go anywhere else. I observed most of the customers (men) enjoying the attention that they obviously don't normally get. They don't realize that they are only getting attention here because they are paying for it, not because the girls like them. Although I wasn't ignored by the servers, it was clear that they give their attention to the men or whomever they think is paying the bill. A coworker of mine (also female) went to get the wings and said that there were still feathers attached! Bon-appetite!

My opinion on all this is that it is a dress code like anywhere else. It may be different but it is a dress code still. Being a "Hooters Girl" does in fact open doors. Hooters has an annual International Swimsuit Competition which exposes women to international media attention and if you win you get to be in ads, magazines, etc. It opens doors for other modeling opportunities that may be small but is an opportunity nonetheless. I do also believe that the corporate world tries to take advantage of "beautiful women" but lets get serious here! This is NOTHING new! The fashion industry is the PERFECT example of this. If women (and some men) are going to complain about women using their bodies to sell a product they should complain about the fashion industry that has promoted a look far beyond a typical woman's reach. Models are EXPECTED to be 5'8" size 2. Everywhere on magazines you see photoshopped and airbrushed models who look fabulous and girls everywhere want to look like that (but little do they realize that even those models on that Maxim cover aren't that smooth and their breasts aren't that perky...it's called computer technology). If a Hooters Girl has breast implants it is because that one girl has probably always wanted it and not because she came to Hooters and realized suddenty 'HEY! I need bigger breasts!' Most of these girls work at Hooters because they know that here they can make quick, easy, and GOOD money. On a bad day my tips for one shift will be about $100. That is why I did it. Yes, I have the choice of working at other restaurants but why? There is more work involved with tips clearly not as good. I am a college student and I need fast cash. I plan on doing more with my life obviously but most of these girls are in college so give them a break. And for those women out there who refuse to shut up about the topic why don't you talk to these girls. These girls have dreams and aspirations. These are some of the most fun and intelligent girls I have met. We aren't stupid and "plastic" as I've heard. This is a job and we are doing it. And by the way, the food IS good.

What about your co-workers, PinkPrada86? Do they have any comments? Do they all feel as positive as you do?

Is it true all Hooters Girls (besides showing great skills at service) have to have the ability to Hula Hoop?

I figure that anyone who wants to degrade themselves is more than welcome to, it's their choice. I won't eat there because I don't want my daughters to be hooters girls, but I dont have a problem with anyone else (even my hubby) going there.

Places like this reinforce the concept that beauty (of which boob size is one factor) is more important than kindness, intelligence, and personality.

And don't forget "if you don't dress/act this way, you're not good enough." How dare some of us women wear proper clothing.

Doesn't it give men a chance to laugh at themselves?

Somehow I doubt laughing is what they're doing...

I have been to hooters and I don't care for the food. I also don't care for TGIFridays or Ruby Tuesday which are the boobless clones IMO. I can't stand eating wings either, ewwww, there's like a bone in there!

meg

Well my 2 cents worth, I am one of those people who really don't care what they look like, just have good food and good service. I am so glad Pinkprada86 brought up the fact that these girls have goals in mind and I also agree it is no different than a casino or a bar. I was never a playboy bunny or a hooters girl but I was a size 4/5 for years and I can tell you it meant alot of nonsense comments from people who were certainly "so surprised" when they found out I do have a brain because of this I never try and judge someone by looks but by their actions.

Im blonde i can relate!!!!

Hmm, I made more than $100 a day while in college and working a part-time night job as an assistant to a psychologist. And that was over 10 years ago.

If a person wants to find an open door to a modeling career, why not work a car show? At least there you just stand there and you make well over $100 a day. Some of those girls get $1000 for one 2-day car show.

Men will always look at beauty, but fawning over someone because my boss told me I had to? Nuh-uh.

Yes, the other girls feel exactly the same as I do. This is a job they love doing and there is NOTHING wrong with that. If one particular woman feels offended then she doesn't have to apply to work or eat there. It is each woman's own choice. The women's rights movement guarenteed my right to choose whatever job I want whether it be working in a law office (which I've done many times before) or working at Hooters. Other women should not get so angry over what is worn because the girls that work at Hooters aren't necessarily AGAINST wearing them either. When they apply they know what they are doing. And no, you don't have to know how to use the hula hoop. I'm not very good at it. :-p

To Meg_Homeschooling - Yes, anyone CAN do what they please but I don't think being a Hooters Girl DEGRADES them. It is actually insulting that another woman would feel that way because I don't think my value is lowered at all for being a working student. The women's rights movement gave me the right to choose my job and I chose Hooters. I am not better or worse than you for choosing this job. And it ESPECIALLY doesn't degrade me. It's a shame to think some women would say that about me, a hooters girl, without knowing me. I attend one of the best schools in the nation, currently have a 3.67 gpa, was a college cheerleader, help my parents with expenses with my job, organize and participant in MANY community service events such as raising money for breast cancer and leukemia...yet I am automatically deprived of self-worth because I happen to wear mini shorts and a tight tank top to work.

I agree with PinkPrada. I do not work at hooters. And i am not a supermodel either. But women do not have to go there to eat if they do not want to. It is your choice to go there or not. Everyone woman has beauty about her. Some more then others. Sometimes it is hard to find the beauty about someone else because they are so damn proud and doesn't get the chance to know the person. And no one should judge a person unless we want to be judge for what we do. That IMO:)

I agree with PinkPrada. Being a Hooters Girl, in my opinion, is the easiest waitressing job you can have. Where else can you sit, chill and have a conversation with so many different people? Its very interesting. Granted we do have those crazies that come in occasionally, and those men who think that its a place to take our waitress home, but that doesnt take away from the numerous benefits. Yes, as Hooter girls we DO get presented with opportunities that others do not. It is a way for many women to get started in modeling. Most people can't just walk into a car show and model for them... its not that easy. And its not just that. For example... today I went on a promotion and got to hang with Aaron Tippin for a little bit. It was casual, no more than 20 people, but it was fun. Honestly, does Applebees or Zaxbys offer this? No... We make friends not only with the girls but with our customers as well. We arent what most people make us out to be. We sing, dance, serve food and make sure our guests have a good time. So the food may not be all that great... but we try to make the experience that much better.

And just to add... Hooters does not discriminate against breast size. Its how close you come to embodying the 'All American Cheerleader' look. I have a small chest.. so? I still work at Hooters with no problem

But you dont weigh over 200 pounds and have small breast or under 5 feet 4 inches either they do descemenate in some ways you have to admet tho...

I only know one girl who worked at Hooters, she now works with me in the advertising dept. She is by far the sharpest, quickest person we have ever hired, and we have TONS to learn. She has picked it up faster than anybody I have ever trained before. She is also a great mother and a fun new friend.

Big boobs? Not even close.

I don't know what the big deal is, they don't harm anyone, they're not poking anyone's eye out, and if they do well, the guy is probably enjoying it!

One of my best friends, before she got married, was dating her now-husband who insisted that he "only went to Hooter's for the wings". So she gets laid off from her job and applies at their local Hooters. She gets hired and when he comes in and finds her working at the Hooters, he has an absolute fit about it. In order to preserve the relationship, they cut a deal. She found another job and he doesn't go to Hooter's any more.

Just my 2 cents....

If they discriminate it is only the fault of that particular manager. But this happens everyday in many other jobs, not just Hooters. So to pick at just Hooters for it is not too bright. Other places such as Abercrombie & Fitch you might say discriminate as well but again, it is not the company's fault. Just the fault of those few managers who do the hiring. I am no big girl (not tall either - 4'10", 95 lbs.)but I know there were girls who worked at Hooters who were no stick skinny supermodel either.

I had to reply to this forum. Hooters has always been quite controversial. I have worked for Hooters since 1998 and I am a corporate trainer. I am proud to say that at 30 I still wear the shorts proudly even though I have a grown-up career by day. I do it for fun and the extra cash isn't too shabby. My breasts are a size "A" so I didn't get the job for my boobs. I got it because I have a great personality. I keep it because I am a good waitress and keep a good attitude. I am a nice girl...a "girl-next-door" type....not a "bleach-blonde big-boobed bimbo" (say that 3 times fast). Hooters has never intended for their girls to be stripper-like. We fire girls like that. I completely understand why some women do not want to cross the threshold of Hooters and I respect that. I also understand the ones that are Regulars because they love the food and the atmosphere. If those that hate us spent a day in the life, they'd have a different outlook.

Don't worry, I'm not the greatest hula-hooper either <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hello, I stumbled upon this forum while looking for info on brewing beer!!
I think Hooters Gals are great.
I worked in a strip joint 20 years ago. It was a great experience. I learned more about people and psychology of humans more than any class ever could have taught. 3 cheers to woman the woman of Hooters!! May you earn money and go on to show the world you did it becaues you wanted to!!