What It's Like Working At Hooters

Summary

In this candid reflection, a Hooters employee shares her personal journey from starting at the restaurant to pursuing her career in acting and education. She highlights the unique challenges and rewards of the job, from customer interactions to teamwork and dealing with difficult situations, including stalkers. Despite the stereotypes, she emphasizes Hooters as a stepping stone for many, offering opportunities for personal growth and professional development. The narrative also touches on the camaraderie among coworkers and the supportive environment that fosters lifelong friendships and career advancement.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker moved to the city at 21 to pursue an acting career, with Hooters providing a flexible job option.
• 😀 The Hooters uniform is initially tight, but the speaker feels empowered and confident wearing it.
• 😀 Despite the tight uniform, the speaker views it as a symbol of confidence and doesn't see it as 'showing off.'
• 😀 Working at Hooters involves teamwork, with employees needing to work together efficiently for customer satisfaction.
• 😀 The job requires the ability to read customers and manage various interactions, including difficult ones like dealing with stalkers.
• 😀 Hooters can serve as a stepping stone for different career paths, whether for acting, motherhood, or returning to school.
• 😀 The speaker has aspirations to grow within the company, referencing Cat Cole as a role model for career advancement.
• 😀 The work environment at Hooters is described as a 'family' or 'sorority,' with long-lasting friendships formed between employees.
• 😀 The job can be financially rewarding, with tips ranging from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the time of day and season.
• 😀 Some workers at Hooters have developed romantic relationships with customers, although this is viewed as unusual and not the norm.
• 😀 The speaker values the opportunity Hooters has provided, but acknowledges that they are likely to move on in the future, though not yet ready to leave.

Q & A

Why did the speaker decide to work at Hooters?

The speaker decided to work at Hooters after moving to the city at age 21 to pursue a career in acting. Hooters was a job they had experience with, having started with the company in Jersey, and they transferred to the Manhattan location.

How did the speaker feel about wearing the Hooters uniform for the first time?

The speaker felt the uniform was tight but mentioned they felt comfortable and confident in it. They believed that if you had it, you should show it off, though they emphasized it wasn't about showing off too much.

What is the speaker's view on the work culture at Hooters?

The speaker views the work culture at Hooters as one of teamwork and camaraderie. They believe that while employees don't have to be best friends, they must work together as a unit to serve customers effectively.

What challenges does the speaker face while working at Hooters?

The speaker faces challenges such as inappropriate behavior from customers, including stalkers and unwanted physical contact. They also mention dealing with difficult situations involving colleagues, particularly in the kitchen.

How does the speaker describe their relationships with colleagues at Hooters?

The speaker describes the relationships with their colleagues as being like a 'big sorority.' They have formed lifelong friendships through their work at Hooters, which they find to be supportive and valuable.

What financial rewards does the speaker mention about working at Hooters?

The speaker mentions earning between $200 to $500 per shift, depending on the day, with some exceptions. They also recall receiving a $700 tip from a loyal customer, highlighting the financial rewards that come with the job.

How does the speaker balance their job at Hooters with their personal goals?

The speaker balances their job by attending school four days a week while working at Hooters for the remainder of the week. They also aspire to grow within the company and use Hooters as a stepping stone to other career opportunities.

Who is Cat Cole, and what is her significance to the speaker?

Cat Cole is the speaker's trainer and mentor. She started as a Hooters girl and later transitioned into management. Cat's success story, having risen to a prominent position in a multi-billion-dollar company, serves as inspiration for the speaker.

What future aspirations does the speaker have regarding their career at Hooters?

The speaker hopes to continue growing within the company, moving up to more prominent roles. They currently hold multiple roles such as a calendar girl, bartender, and trainer, and are excited about the future opportunities Hooters offers.

What does the speaker appreciate most about working at Hooters?

The speaker appreciates the sense of family and the opportunity to meet lifelong friends. They value the teamwork, the supportive work environment, and the chance to pursue their personal goals while working at Hooters.