South Florida Hooters Waitresses Defend Family-Friendly Image as Founders Recast Chain After 2025 Bankruptcy
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 17
South Florida Hooters Waitresses Defend Family-Friendly Image as Founders Recast Chain After 2025 Bankruptcy
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 17
Summary
Gracie Williams, 24, and Micayla Williams, 21, said South Florida Hooters locations have long welcomed families, children and older customers, arguing "nothing is changing" there despite the chain's national image reset.
Their comments push back on a broader strategy launched after the original founders regained control following bankruptcy, with CEO Neil Kiefer saying some corporate-run outlets had become oversexualized "little boys' club stores."
At the two Fort Lauderdale restaurants, the waitresses said daytime crowds already include beachgoing families, teenagers and date-night diners, making the local customer mix broader than Hooters' stereotype suggests.
Those servers also pointed to fundraisers for local charities and youth sports as proof the South Florida formula has centered on community, food and hospitality rather than a sharper brand image.
The contrast gives Hooters a regional example as it tries to win younger customers and families nationwide without fully abandoning the "pretty girls" identity tied to the brand for decades.