I Can't Stop Thinking About Hooters

Not the ones on your body - the restaurant. There is something there to appeal to every single man on earth. Whether it’s the food, the cold beer, the multiple televisions, the loud music or the pretty girls, it’s a place that makes men happy, and going on a date there should be Nirvana. While the prospect of being buried alive may seem less threatening, I'll tell you what you need to know to charge through the door with confidence and experience this popular eatery.

I suggest you enjoy lunch at Hooters with a male friend or a girl friend well in advance of suggesting it as a destination for a date. This will demystify the experience and put to bed the myths surrounding the restaurant- because, after all, it is a restaurant and not a brothel or a gentleman’s club.

You will be greeted upon entering and smoking or non-smoking areas will be pointed out, if relevant. Count on this being a sensorial adventure from this moment. Pretty faces, smiles and figures of all sizes and shape abound. The music, traditionally 50s, blares from a Wurlitzer or contemporary pumped from surround sound. Some restaurants even turn up the volume on the multitude of televisions during major sporting events. Given the number of televisions and the sporting event options, it can be a pleasant cacophony almost drowning out the banter between the kitchen staff and the all-female wait staff.

Seat yourself at the bar, a high-boy table, a booth or a low table with chairs, depending on your preference, and take a moment to absorb. The uniform is not nearly as revealing as a bathing suit, and because personalities come in all forms, some Hooters Girls will look better than others in the famous orange athletic shorts and white tank top. Don’t be surprised to find Hooters girls run the gamut on empirical attractiveness, physical fitness and personality type. This in itself should be vastly reassuring to women.

In the past decade, Hooters has overcome their reputation and become appealing to families and women for the fun atmosphere and great food. While healthier options are available, Hooters is known first and foremost for wings and beer.

The wings can be ordered in a number of different ways. Unlike most establishments featuring wings- Hooters are breaded automatically, and if you want them “naked” (without breading), you must specify. You are able to order all drums (for an up charge) or all wings (flappers), extra crispy and the sauce in temperatures mild, medium, hot, 3-Mile Island and a specialty hot named In House. If you like spicy food, 3 Mile Island is a great bet- lots of flavor and heat. Celery and carrots, ranch and blue cheese are traditional accompaniments. If you are not into bones, you can get Buffalo-style chicken breast sandwiches, boneless wings, chicken strips or even shrimp prepared in your favorite manner.

With a menu growing broader and more regional each year, you can find mainstay items such as burgers, chicken, and ham and cheese in addition to more unique options such as Philly cheesesteaks and pulled pork barbecue sandwiches. Count on chili and usually clam chowder and several different salads. As with most eateries, an attempt is being made to offer lower-fat and -calorie items (none of which I suggest on a date). If you are looking for lighter fare, peel-and-eat shrimp, grilled fish and crab legs are always available.

Imagine him almost breaking his neck when you suggest Hooters to catch a game and some beers. If you simply can’t stomach beer, you are in luck. Many areas have allowed for full bars, so you can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine. If he declines out of politeness, push the issue- letting him know you are fearless and not easily intimidated. If he genuinely doesn’t want to go, ask him where he’d like to go.

Hooters can be used as a weeding method. If your date spends more time ogling Hooter girl cleavage than yours, he might not be the one for you. Don’t make a scene, it will only humiliate you. Play out the evening and don’t accept a second date if you have been made to feel uncomfortable or minimized in anyway.

WhileT&A is not an absolute, you should be prepared for a fair amount of it. The concept of the Hooters gwas built upon the image of a lovely girl next door named Lynne Austin. The uniform is designed to be sexy and athletic. While dazzling on some, it's an unfortunate occupational hazard for others. The uniform is shed when Hooters girls pose for Magazine, the Hooters calendar (featured and available in stores) and even for the Hooters pageant held yearly.

Not just a restaurant anymore, Hooters has expanded its concept into a pageant, racing team, hotel and casino and, for a short time, an airline. They have for decades been so very Clever in their marketing and advertising- using merchandise to do so instead of making the customer foot the bill for expensive ad campaigns. Nothing says "I am a confident and cool guy's girl" like a date at Hooters. Enjoy, Clever Girls. You can bet he will.

x

CG