Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile6 entries
2022
Hooters faces backlash over employee uniform costs
Public backlash
In February 2022, Hooters faced criticism and backlash following reports that employees were required to purchase their own uniforms, including tights, from machines located in the store. The reports prompted public criticism of the company over the uniform costs borne by employees. The controversy centered on the requirement that staff buy uniform items, including tights, through in-store machines rather than being provided with them.
Hooters faced criticism and backlash over reports that employees were required to purchase their own uniforms, including tights, from machines in the store.
Source excerpt
The cost of the tights being tax deductible as a work expense, but the requirement for employees to purchase their own uniforms has sparked controversy and backlash.
Hooters is facing criticism for reportedly requiring employees to purchase their own company uniforms, including spandex shorts, a trademark shirt or tank top, and regulation tights, from a machine in the store.
2021
Hooters restaurant addresses prolonged air-conditioning failure after employee walkout
Issue disclosure
Employees at a Houston-area Hooters restaurant said the dining room had been without air conditioning for over a month and staged a walkout. A repairman was on-site Wednesday to fix the issue, and employees said they planned to return to work later that evening.
Source excerpt
On Wednesday, several frustrated employees staged a walkout at the restaurant after they said the dining room of a local Hooters had been without A/C for over a month.
A restaurant employee said Thursday that a repairman was on-site to fix the issue, and they planned to return to work later that evening.
2019
Lawsuit over Hooters gift cards lacking Braille
Lawsuit filed
A news report stated that Marcos Calcano sued Hooters because its gift cards did not include Braille, and that he asked the court to order the brand to add Braille to the cards. The same report noted that he was also suing Dominoes over the same issue. The report did not describe any court ruling, settlement, or other outcome in the Hooters matter, and it did not provide further details about the claims beyond the absence of Braille on the gift cards and the requested order.
Marcos Calcano sued Hooters over its gift cards not having Braille and asked the court to order the brand to add it. The article also says he is suing Dominoes over the same issue.
Source excerpt
His class-action suit doesn't specify how much money he wants but it does say that he wants the court to order Hooters to add Braille to its gift cards.
Marcos Calcano is from New York City and he just sued Hooters because their gift cards don't have Braille on them, and they told him they don't have any plans to add it.
He's also suing Dominoes for the same thing.
2010
National Organization for Women complaint
The Orange County National Organization for Women and other California chapters criticized Hooters for presenting itself as a family restaurant while defending sex-specific hiring and emphasizing female sex appeal.
1997
Employment discrimination lawsuit by male applicants
Three men sued after being denied server positions at an Illinois restaurant. The case challenged Hooters' argument that female appearance was an essential part of its restaurant concept.
Criticism of objectification and workplace conditions
Hooters has faced sustained criticism that its uniforms, branding, and service model objectify women. Public discussion has also addressed the psychological effects of appearance-based hospitality work, while supporters argue that employees should be able to choose the occupation and benefit economically from it.