History of Hooters: 5 facts you likely never knew about the restaurant chain

Published: Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 2:00 pm

Hooters: A Look Back at the Restaurant Chain's History

The Hooters restaurant chain, known for its wings and waitresses, is undergoing a brand revitalization. A group of original founders and franchisees are attempting to regain control of the brand, citing a deviation from the original vision. While awaiting court approval, here's a look back at some lesser-known facts about the chain.

The name "Hooters" is a double entendre, playing on a slang term for women's breasts and the owl mascot's "hooting" calls. The restaurant's flagship location opened in October 1983.

Before gracing the pages of the Hooters calendar, the chain's waitresses found fame on television. In 1987, "Hooters Nite Owl Theater" debuted, featuring comedy sketches and political commentary. The show, hosted by the original Hooters calendar girl, Lynne Austin, was syndicated in major markets and became a ratings success. A dating show, "Who Wants to Date a Hooters Girl?", was planned but never aired.

Hooters expanded beyond restaurants, sponsoring a football team in the Arena Football League. The Miami Hooters played from 1993 to 1995 before the sponsorship ended.

In the early 2000s, Hooters even took to the skies with Hooters Air. The airline, operating a Boeing fleet, offered flights to various U.S. destinations. Two Hooters girls were on each flight, providing in-flight entertainment. The airline ceased operations in 2006.

Hooters also ventured into the hospitality industry with the Hooters Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, which opened in 2006. Hooters girls worked in various roles throughout the hotel and casino. The property was later rebranded in 2019.

BNN's Perspective: The Hooters story is a fascinating example of a brand that has evolved over time. While the company's future remains uncertain, the efforts to reclaim the original vision suggest a desire to reconnect with its roots. It will be interesting to see how the brand adapts to the changing landscape of the restaurant industry.

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