For one longtime server, moving from a Virginia Hooters to the “original” location in Florida came with a few surprises.
TikTok creator Delaney (@dlanezzz1) recently posted a video documenting her orientation at the original Hooters restaurant, located in Clearwater, Florida, the same place where the chain first opened in 1983.
Her clip has more than 58,500 views, and it’s giving viewers a peek at what it’s like to start working for the company today.
In the video, she begins in her car before heading in. “Hi guys,” she says. “I normally don’t post videos like this, but I’m about to go in for my orientation at Hooters.”
What Does Orientation At Hooters Look Like?
When she comes back after orientation, she’s all smiles. “Okay, so I just finished my orientation,” she says. “The general manager was super, super sweet. I really like her.”
Delaney explains that this isn’t her first time working for the company; she previously spent five years at a Virginia Hooters before moving to Florida.
“So this isn’t really new to me,” she says. “But it’s the original Hooters, so it’s kind of a different company, and it’s corporate.”
She says another girl did orientation with her, and both received goodie bags that included two pairs of shorts, a pouch, and three shirts—two long-sleeve and one short-sleeve.
“This restaurant is super air-conditioned,” she adds. “So it was actually kind of cold.”
Before ending the clip, she says she met all three managers and a few coworkers. “I’m super excited to start,” she says. “Everyone was so nice.”
Why The Hooters Uniforms Are Changing
Hooters has had a tough year. Since 2024, the company has closed at least 40 locations, including another 30 this past June as part of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings.
But this fall, the brand announced a major shift and a bit of a return to its roots.
On November 3, Hooters’ founding group, Hooters Inc., finalized its acquisition of Hooters of America, taking full ownership of the brand. The move is part of what executives are calling a “re-Hooterization” effort, which includes reviving the chain’s original menu, culture, and image.
That means uniforms are changing too. The company said all servers will return to the classic orange shorts and white crop tops that defined the brand in the 1980s, describing it as a nod to Hooters’ “beachy heritage.”
In a statement, Hooters Inc. said the change reflects a “renewed commitment to family and community.” CEO Neil Kiefer told The Daily Mail that the updated uniforms will still have the same energy as before but with a more modest approach. “I don’t think you’re going to see a bunch of butt cheeks hanging out,” he said.
Fans Weigh In On Her Post
Some users congratulated Delaney and wished her luck, while others reminded her to be cautious about sharing her experience online.
“Be careful what you post employees are getting terminated for putting stuff on social media,” one person warned.
Delaney replied, “I know!! My GM told us what we can and can’t post. I am being mindful, I appreciate this.”
Others reminisced about how much they used to enjoy eating there. “When one was closer, I used to pick up chicken garden salads for the wife and I,” one commenter wrote. “The food in the ’90s was great. Not sure how they are now. Good luck with your job!”
Another person brought up the company’s recent financial struggles, writing, “Hooters went bankrupt right? I’d be curious to hear what stories the old guard have there about all the changes since it’s corporate and the OG store.”
Delaney replied that she’d noticed some differences since moving. “I know most of them did and got new owners, like the store I worked at in VA,” she wrote. “They changed the menu back to the original and made some uniform changes but not much! Here since it’s the original, I don’t think the bankruptcy affected us much, but I could be wrong!”
BroBible has reached out to Hooters via email and Delaney via Instagram messages for comment.