A modification to the Hooters uniform in certain locations has led a small number of the restaurant chain’s waiters to voice their complaints on TikTok.
Hooters waitresses model the new black shorts in the films, which have picked up millions of views since they debuted on the site last week. According to others, the shorts are more “underwear-like.”
One server, who requested anonymity for fear of being fired, claimed that when she and other servers were informed about the new uniform last week, some were delighted with the change, while others were less so.
“With more flesh on their bones, it sort of rides right up,” the server explained. “You constantly have a wedgie.”
The films have revived accusations about Hooters for promoting an outmoded idea of sexualizing waitresses’ bodies.
Numerous servers who posted their experiences on TikTok stated that they intend to continue working for the firm, which means they will continue to wear the new shorts. However, the most popular TikTok videos included women who appeared to joke about quitting rather than donning the new attire.
As of Thursday, the TikTok video featuring the Hooters employee who laughs about quitting and claims the new shorts are “like underwear” has more than 1.3 million likes and 14.8 million views.
Another video, submitted by user @ggnguyen, has accumulated over 3 million likes and over 16.8 million views. “How is it meant to fit?!?” she captioned the video.
Several Hooters servers who made TikTok posts regarding the new shorts declined to talk on the record out of concern for their employment. However, their videos stay public on TikTok and continue to grow in popularity.
Hooters establishments are either run by Hooters of America or The Original Hooters organization. Additionally, not all Hooters stores have upgraded their outfits.
According to its website, Hooters of America, LLC runs more than 420 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 29 countries. The Original Hooters Group — which runs 25 restaurants in Chicago, New York, and Tampa Bay, Florida — shares virtually identical branding with Hooters of America but operates independently.
Hooters of America initially put out the shorter shorts at its Texas stores before expanding their distribution. However, locations operated by the Original Hooters franchise require servers to wear longer shorts for more covering.
According to a spokesman for the Original Hooters Group, its restaurants will continue to use the same outfits used by waiters for decades.
“The ‘Original’ Hooters Restaurants situated across Tampa Bay, Chicagoland, and Manhattan… will maintain their distinctive uniforms of orange shorts and white uniform shirts that have made the company globally renowned,” a spokesman stated via email.
Hooters of America stated that it values comments “both good and negative” on a more flexible and inclusive image policy addressing tattoos, jewelry, nails, and haircuts, as well as updated uniforms — including new top designs, shorts, and the inclusion of socks.
Hooters of America claimed in an email statement that the new outfits were the product of a cooperation with Hooters Girls. “These outfits have been used in many Texas areas for months and have gotten an incredible amount of positive feedback from both Hooters Girls and customers.”
Uniforms have long been a point of contention for Hooters, and were even the subject of lawsuit.
In 2010, the restaurant company was sued in a class action lawsuit by around 400 current and former employees in the Sacramento region over uniforms, hours, and compensation. According to NBC News station KCRA3, the action was settled when the restaurant agreed to loosen the uniforms, among other things.
Hooters stated that it will collaborate with employees to ensure that the uniforms are “comfortable while reflecting current trend.”
According to the server who talked with NBC, the shorts have not been an issue for her. She is aware, however, that shorter shorts may be unpleasant for certain women.
When the shorts were originally introduced in numerous Texas locales, they were apparently favorably welcomed, according to the server. However, as the new uniform has spread to more areas around the United States, it appears to be losing popularity, she added.
“One of the girls said, ‘Oh sure, they’re adorable.’ ‘I adore them,’ remarked the server. “And the other girls were all, ‘This is far too brief.’ My privates are exposed.’
Credit: Nbcnews