Hooters, the infamous restaurant chain known for its waitresses’ busty physiques and skin-tight outfits, is apparently headed for its demise. A report published in Bloomberg says Hooters is preparing to file for bankruptcy within the next few months, bringing an American institution to its end.
But though Hooters was clearly marketed toward straight men, it still left its mark on the gays, and on social media, they’re sharing the unexpected ways the restaurant touched their lives.
One viral story comes courtesy of writer Peter Rothpletz, who shared that as a child he was subjected to a common strategy from men who suspected their younger family members were a bit fruity: a forced trip to Hooters to show them the wonders of boobs.
“My grandfather took me to Hooters once when i was in my tweens and it was becoming increasingly clear i was a 🚬,” Rothpletz began. (For the uninitiated on what the cigarette emoji represents, think British slang.)
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“The waitress picked up on the situation within minutes,” he continued. “Towards the end of the meal, when he stepped away to use the restroom, she sat down & said something along the lines of ‘you’re perfect just the way you are, kid.’”
“Hoooo boy tearing up just reflecting on it. hope you’re doin’ well, ma’am. wish I could remember your name,” Rothpletz concluded, earning oohs, ahhs, and guffaws from across the internet.
peter this made me cry oh my god 😭
— zoë rose bryant (@zoerosebryant) February 23, 2025
The waitress as soon as your dad was gone: pic.twitter.com/wYYPNwF04g
— Tom Zohar (@TomZohar) February 23, 2025
An incredibly sweet story. It's hilarious to imagine the waitress throughout the night thinking "this boy is gay as hell"
— Meis (@Nokidsnomoney5) February 23, 2025
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“I’m 23, and for the first time in my life I feel like I’m actually fully comfortable with another human being,” Allen said in a viral TikTok.
“I watched Call Me By Your Name and felt weirdly seen but convinced myself it was just a really well-made film.”
In the replies to Rothpletz’s post, other gay folks shared their own strangely queer-affirming experiences at Hooters, from getting knowing winks from waitresses to a group of gay guys becoming the wait staff’s favorites.
I was in the Navy and me and a bunch of classmates went to Hooters when I was in A-school after boot camp. Our waitress winked at me, like she knew already.
— JonDee (@jaidee80) February 23, 2025
Used to have a pack of gay friends who loved hooters. Once the staff figured out the situation and we became semi regulars, the waitresses would all angle to serve us. No sexual harassment. Big tippers. Lots of fun to chat with.
— Aaron Meier (@AaronMeier) February 23, 2025
A few other gays’ posts weren’t quite as wholesome, but just as hilarious. “My uncle used to give me a hooters gift card for Christmas every year and the year that I came out he switched it to Olive Garden,” one user posted.
“My dad took me to hooters for my 13th birthday and I got so nervous I threw up in the bathroom,” shared another. Farewell, Hooters — you served the gays well.
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