• by Barbie Romero , June 24, 2025

Introduced in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida and known for its signature wings, can you name the restaurant brand instantly recognized by its trademark uniform of orange shorts and a white logo tank?

• Founded in 1983
  Hooters opened its first restaurant on April 1, 1983, in Clearwater, Florida, founded by a group of six businessmen who called themselves the “Hooters Six.” The date was chosen as a prank, but the concept quickly took off. Lynne Austin was the first Hooters Girl hired by one of the chain founders after he had spotted her at a bikini contest.

• Beachy Vibe Meets Hospitality
  The brand was built around a laid-back, fun-loving atmosphere featuring wings, cold beer, and sports — all served up by the iconic Hooters Girls, a symbol of hospitality and energy.

• A Global Phenomenon
  Hooters expanded from a single store in 1983 to over 400 locations worldwide, operating in more than a dozen countries and becoming a recognizable name in casual dining and pop culture.

• Trademark Orange Shorts
  The original Hooters Girl uniform — orange shorts and a white logo tank — is a registered trademark and remains one of the most recognizable outfits in the restaurant industry.

• Hooters Calendar Legacy
  First released in 1986, the Hooters Calendar became a brand staple, showcasing Hooters Girls from across the country. It’s accompanied by national tours, signing events, and themed promotions.

• Pageantry & Empowerment
  The Miss Hooters International Pageant began in the 1990s and has grown into a celebrated annual event. Since 2009, Melissa Fry has been directing and choreographing the pageant, playing a vital role in its production, branding, and the empowerment of Hooters Girls on a global stage.

• Wings with a Following
  Hooters’ signature wings — available breaded, naked, smoked, or roasted — are at the heart of the menu, with sauces like Daytona Beach, 3 Mile Island, and Honey Thai keeping fans coming back.

• Culture & Community
  Hooters has long been committed to community involvement and philanthropy, including raising over $9 million through its partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, focused on breast cancer awareness.

If you’re interested in submitting content for future editions, please reach out to our Managing Editor, Barbie Romero at Barbie@MediaPost.com.