Hooters waiters take to TikTok to inform customers that their short shorts have become too short.
A change to the Hooters uniform in several locations across the United States has caused a number of the restaurant chain’s waiters to express their dissatisfaction on TikTok.
Hooters waitresses model the new black shorts in the films, which have raked up millions of views since they debuted on the platform last week.
According to some, the shorts are more “underwear-like.”
One server, who requested anonymity for fear of being fired, said that when she and other servers were informed about the new uniform last week, some were thrilled with the change, while others were less so.
“With more meat on their bones, it sort of rides right up,” the server explained.
“You constantly have a wedgie.”
A change to the Hooters uniform in several locations across the United States has caused a number of the restaurant chain’s waiters to express their dissatisfaction on TikTok.
Hooters waitresses model the new black shorts in the films, which have raked up millions of views since they debuted on the platform last week.
According to some, the shorts are more “underwear-like.”
One server, who requested anonymity for fear of being fired, said that when she and other servers were informed about the new uniform last week, some were thrilled with the change, while others were less so.
“With more meat on their bones, it sort of rides right up,” the server explained.
“You constantly have a wedgie.”
The videos have rekindled complaints against Hooters for promoting an outmoded attitude of sexualizing servers’ bodies.
Numerous servers who posted their experiences on TikTok stated that they intend to continue working for the company, which means they will continue to wear the new shorts.
However, the most popular TikTok videos included women who appeared to joke about quitting rather than wearing the new clothing.
As of Thursday, the TikTok video featuring the Hooters employee who laughs about quitting and claims the new shorts are “like underwear” received more than 1.3 million likes and 14.8 million views.
Another video, shared by user @ggnguyen, has accumulated over three million likes and over 16.8 million views.
“How is it meant to fit?!?” she captioned the video.
Several Hooters servers who made TikTok posts regarding the new shorts declined to go on the record out of concern for their employment.
However, their videos stay public on TikTok and continue to grow in popularity.
Hooters sites are either operated by Hooters of America or The Original Hooters organization. Additionally, not all Hooters stores have upgraded their outfits.
According to its website, Hooters of America, LLC runs more than 420 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 29 countries.
The Original Hooters Group — which has 25 restaurants in Chicago, New York, and Tampa Bay, Florida — shares nearly identical branding with Hooters of America but operates independently.
Hooters of America initially brought out the shorter shorts at its Texas outlets before expanding their distribution.
However, locations operated by the Original Hooters franchise require servers to wear longer shorts for additional coverage.
Hooters reacts
According to a spokeswoman for the Original Hooters Group, its establishments will continue to use the same outfits used by waiters for decades.
“The ‘Original’ Hooters Restaurants situated around Tampa Bay, Chicagoland, and Manhattan… will maintain their classic uniforms of orange shorts and white uniform shirts that have made the company globally famous,” a representative said via email.
Hooters of America stated that it values input “both positive and negative” on a more accommodating and inclusive image policy addressing tattoos, jewelry, nails, and haircuts, as well as updated uniforms – including new top styles, shorts, and the addition of socks.
Hooters of America claimed in an email statement that the new uniforms were the result of a partnership with Hooters Girls.
“These uniforms have been used in numerous Texas markets for months and have garnered an amazing amount of positive feedback from both Hooters Girls and customers.”
Hooters’ uniforms have long been a source of contention, and were previously the subject of litigation against the firm.
In 2010, the restaurant franchise was sued in a class action lawsuit by approximately 400 current and former employees in the Sacramento area over uniforms, hours, and compensation.
According to NBC News station KCRA3, the action was settled when the restaurant agreed to modify the uniforms, among other things.
Hooters stated that it will collaborate with employees to ensure that the uniforms are “comfortable while reflecting current trend.”
According to the server who contacted with NBC, the shorts have not been an issue for her. She is aware, however, that shorter shorts may be uncomfortable for certain women.
When the shorts were first introduced in multiple Texas locations, they were apparently warmly welcomed, according to the server. However, as the new uniform has spread to more cities around the United States, it appears to be losing popularity, she said.
“One of the girls said, ‘Oh sure, they’re adorable.’ ‘I adore them,’ said the server.
“And the other girls were all, ‘This is far too brief.’ My privates are exposed.'”
