Hooters Organizational Analasis

“DELIGHTFULLY TACKY, YET UNREFINED”

COMPANY OVERVIEW

What if we could gather in one place what men enjoy most: cold beer, good food, and attractive women? That is the question a group of friends asked themselves while enjoying each other’s company in Florida back in the 80s. The light bulb turned on and their entrepreneurial spirits gave birth to one of the most iconic and controversial restaurants in history: Hooters of America.

Hooters of America, LLC is the Atlanta-based operator and franchiser of over 430 locations in 28 countries. The first Hooters opened on October 4, 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. The mission, as outlined on their company website, reads: “We are committed to providing an environment of employee growth and development so that we can provide every guest a unique, entertaining dining experience in a fun and casual atmosphere delivered by attractive, vivacious Hooters Girls while making positive contributions to the communities in which we live (Hooters).”

The amount of service at Hooters is comparable to that of various other chain casual dining restaurants with one exception: this service is to be administered by the world famous Hooters Girls, who fit the profile of attractive females with friendly attitudes and table waiting skills. The outfit, the figure, and the overall image of the girls triggered a trend in the hospitality industry known as “breastaurants”.

PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS

Note the use of the term “Hooter Girl” and not the use of a generic term like “Hooter Employee”. The decision of hiring only girls as servers is the cornerstone of Hooters restaurants. As a matter of fact, this practice catapulted the brand as an American icon and has differentiated the company from its competitors, but it has also brought a lot of controversy to the table. It is unlawful to hire or discriminate against employees based on their gender, age, religion, or origin. However, an exception to this rule is when any of these factors are considered bona fide occupational qualifications (BFOQ).

BFOQ is when an employer is allowed to hire employees based on qualities or attributes that would be discrimination when considered in other contexts. “An employer must prove that the bona fide occupational qualification is reasonably necessary to the operation of the business to avoid liability for potential discrimination. These practices are not illegal if they are necessary (LAWS).”

The servers at these establishments are the epitome of sex appeal. Because of their level of importance, the founders have outlined in specific detail through the Employee Handbook how a Hooters Girl is to act, dress, and maintain themselves in order to retain their status as an employee.

Hooters has been a target of many critics, scrutiny, and legal battles due to its discriminatory