One individual shared their experience of being taken to a Hooters in Atlantic City at a young age, where their family may have already been aware of their homosexuality. The family encouraged the child to flirt with the waitress, asking if they would want to date someone as pretty as her in the future. The individual, now an adult, reflects back on this experience with a mix of nostalgia and discomfort, noting that the waitress had taken a moment to check on them before they left. Many Hooters employees have witnessed similar situations, with queer employee Lucy Wilkinson making it a point to welcome young boys who may be struggling with their sexuality or lack of conformity to traditional masculinity.
The connection between Hooters waitresses and young gay men may be rooted in the shared experience of being judged or stigmatized by society. These waitresses, often unfairly viewed as almost like sex workers, may see a reflection of themselves in boys who don’t fit society’s narrow definition of masculinity. Alternatively, it could simply be a waitress’s innate ability to read a room and show kindness and understanding to those who need it the most. Regardless of the reason, the bond between these waitresses and young gay men is a unique and unexpected aspect of the Hooters experience.
Author of the article, revisited a Hooters location for the first time since a childhood visit with their grandfather. Despite the passage of time, nothing had changed – from the food, to the music, to the servers, everything was as familiar as before. The notable difference was the prevalence of families dining at the restaurant, with multiple parents and children present during the author’s visit. Some parents even had to distract their young children with iPads to keep them seated. This juxtaposition of family-friendly atmosphere with the restaurant’s reputation for objectifying women added an interesting layer to the author’s experience.
The author’s return to Hooters prompted a reflection on the unique environment of the restaurant and the complex dynamics at play. While Hooters is often criticized for its overt sexualization of women, there is also a softer, more compassionate side that emerges in interactions between waitresses and young patrons. The author’s observations shed light on the nuanced relationships that can develop in unexpected places. The diverse range of experiences and perspectives within Hooters, from employees to customers, highlights the complexity of human connection and the potential for understanding and empathy in unlikely settings.
