Directories
Quick Searches
Find a Job
Quick Search
For Employers
Yahoo! HotJobs Local Search
Here come the Hooters Girls
By: JOHN HALL - Staff Writer | ∞
New Hooters restaurant employees Kallie Lusk, 20, Linda Nguyen, 21, Krysta Margiotta, 20, Christine Briggs, 19, Shawna Delaney, 22, and Tatum Henson, 18, will be among the 130, or so, `Hooters Girls` ready to serve customers when the place opens for business.
David Carlson
Order a copy of this photo
Visit our Photo Gallery
TEMECULA ---- There's more than meets the eye to a Hooters Girl.
Behind those iconic uniforms ---- the white tank top with the owl on front and short orange shorts ---- are women striving to show there is more to them than what some people may think.
"People think it is degrading to women because of the outfits," said Krysta Margiotta, 20, of Temecula, who will be a Hooters Girl at the soon-to-open restaurant on Jefferson Avenue in Temecula.
"I wanted to show that it isn't degrading to work at Hooters," said Margiotta, the single mother of a 19-month-old son.
"People wear less on the street," added new Hooters Girl Shawna Delaney, 22, of Murrieta.
She used to work at a tanning salon and says what she wore to work there showed more skin.
Another Temecula Hooters Girl, Kallie Lusk, 20, of Lake Elsinore, quickly adds that stomachs don't show and those orange shorts, while short, cover everything.
Hooters Girls must always wear bras and panty hose when in uniform, according to the company.
Mark Keislar, general manager of Hooters of Temecula, scheduled to open July 17 on Jefferson Avenue, had what some may consider the enviable task of hiring 130 female employees for the new restaurant. They will range in age from the 16- and 17-year-old hostesses to one Hooters Girl who is 35, he said.
One of the keys to getting hired at Hooters is personality, Keislar said.
"And they have to be self-confident. Even the prettiest girl in the world, if she's not sure of herself, will have trouble," he said.
That's because much of the "Hooters experience" is the interaction between patrons and the Hooters Girls.
There are contests to see how many different tables the girls can visit, they hula-hoop and often stop what they are doing to break out with the YMCA dance.
Over the last three or four years, Keislar said, the company has taken a fresh look at its focus ---- especially the girls.
"It was a lot about female sex appeal before; now that's more tongue-in-cheek," he said. "Our goal is to get the retired person going to the doctor or the family headed to the mall."
The questions people have about Hooters are usually answered once they walk in the door, Keislar added.
"It's not about how much (the girls) show. We don't allow that," Keislar said. "If we offend one customer, we lose that customer and all their friends."
On its Web site, the company states that it believes the Hooters Girl is as socially acceptable as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model or a Radio City Rockette.
The Hooters Girl has the same right to use their natural sex appeal to earn a living as do "supermodels" such as Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell, the Web site states.
Hooters recognizes that what they offer isn't for everyone. But, Keislar said, that's "their own preconceived notion of Hooters." Once inside, he adds, people more often than not find it's a perfectly acceptable place to bring their whole family.
Contrary to some locations where Hooters opens a restaurant ---- such as Rancho Bernardo in north San Diego County ---- there hasn't been a vocal, organized effort against the chain coming to Temecula.
Hooters of Temecula will be in the building previously occupied by California Grill, south of Winchester Road. It will have about 50 television screens, including 20 flat-screens, Keislar said.
The interior is in the process of being gutted and redone, ultimately to hold about 340 patrons and all those Hooters Girls.
When asked what management looks for in a Hooters Girl, Keislar would only say there are no special requirements in the applicant's appearance, only that "they need to be able to be on their feet all day."
He did say, however, part of "the corporate uniform" is that the applicant can't have visible tattoos.
The applicant and interview process also never involves that signature white and orange uniform. It isn't issued to them until about halfway through their training ---- after they are hired, he said.
So just what is it that drives a woman to want to be a Hooters Girl? Part of it is the notoriety that comes with the title.
"This is a famous place. It's exciting to work at someplace this well-known," said Tatum Henson, 18, of Temecula. "I'm proud to put on the uniform. I think it's classy."
There are Hooters restaurants in 46 states, and a number of foreign countries, including Argentina, China, Switzerland and Germany.
There are Hooters Girls calendars, an annual international swimsuit pageant and, earlier this year, the Hooters Casino Hotel opened in Las Vegas.
Hooters Girls do more than just take food orders, serve up wings and interact with patrons. They also participate in numerous charity events and community-related fundraisers throughout the year.
"That's one reason we do these outside events," Henson said, "to let people know that we are different than they might expect. We care about our community."
The charities the company helps raise money for include cancer research, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
For some of those now becoming Hooters Girls in Temecula, the flexibility of the job is also part of the attraction.
"The value they (management) give us as students is so important to me," Christine Briggs, 19, of Wildomar said.
The girls say the company encourages them to go to school and better themselves.
Linda Nguyen, 21, of Murrieta, is strongly considering going to medical school to become a doctor.
Shawna Delaney is a full-time college student and can work around her school hours. She is studying to be a nurse.
"There are real opportunities to move up in the company here," Delaney said.
Keislar said some former Hooters Girls have gone on to become doctors and lawyers. He added that one former Hooters Girl is now general manager of Hooters of Anaheim, one of the company's top 10 or 15 grossing restaurants. She will probably make six figures this year, he adds.
Nguyen said she wanted to become a Hooters Girl so badly that she did significant research before her interview with Keislar.
"I wanted to know what they were looking for," she said.
Nguyen trekked to Hooters of Ontario to observe Hooters Girls there in action.
Once there, "I thought, 'I can do 10 times better than that,'" Nguyen said proudly.
Now she, and more than 100 others, will have the chance to prove they can carry the title of Hooters Girl.
All of the girls interviewed said their families were fine with the new endeavor.
"My dad thought it was a great idea," Delaney said. "He's excited that I have the opportunity to make more money than I ever have before."
-- Contact staff writer John Hall at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2628, or jhall@californian.com.
More Stories
Advertisement
d3039 wrote on Jul 5, 2006 8:30 AM:boy, there really is so little news that we needed an article justifying Hooter Girls? So, "special requirements in an applicant's appearance"???? Hogwash! If an overweight girl showed up, she would be laughed out of town! Good try, but let's just take Hooters for what it is. Just one more thing...the "uniforms are CLASSY"???? Give me a break. Have fun boys!
This is not good for Temecula wrote on Jul 5, 2006 8:55 AM:The bar is not a family place. It will attract single men, and groups of men. No family will want to go to Hooters. We will see if Temecula is really a place where you can raise your family or they will allow this brothel to continue! It is a slippery slope people!
Laura wrote on Jul 5, 2006 10:32 AM:I am taking my family to Hooters, My 3 children aged 8, 5 and 2. I love the food and the kids like the balloons, crayons and music. Have you been to a Hooters? Yes, it attracts men, and groups of them, but tell me ONE thing thats innappropriate there? THe UGLY shorts and tank tops? Spare me.. I am a CHRISTIAN mom, who will be taking my kids to HOOTERS 2 times a month hopefully for the BEST HOT WINGS AND BUFFALO SHRIMP ON THE PLANET.
DWB wrote on Jul 5, 2006 11:03 AM:There are so many other things to consider whether this vally is a good place to raise a family, i.e. rising crime, overcrowded schools, traffic, etc, before I would consider a bar or restaurant to be a factor..and please, a brothel? I'm sure the young lady who is going to school full time to pursue a nursing career hardly has the time to include that in her schedule...
35 yr old female fan of Hooters wrote on Jul 5, 2006 12:11 PM:Great food, excellent service and a lively atmosphere is what you find at a Hooters restaurant. Patrons of all ages and either gender will be pleased. See for yourself!
PK wrote on Jul 5, 2006 12:54 PM:Thank you DWB. You are absolutely correct about there being far worse things in this town. It's people like the person who called it a brothel that are in for a rude awakening one day when they realize that the element is all ready here. It came when the people from San Diego and L.A. moved here looking for cheaper housing and brought thier troubled teenage children with them. Besides that, hasn't anybody been to Texas Loosey's? If Hooters is anywhere close to the quality of food and service, I am so there every week.
Temecula Republican Guy wrote on Jul 5, 2006 1:27 PM:To PK: I have been to Texas Loosey's and in my opinion Texas Loosey's beats Hooters. At Hooters you are paying for the atmosphere. At Texas Loosey's you are paying for the atmosphere plus superior food. I like Hooters and I will probably visit the new one in Temecula eventually. The food at Texas Loosey's is better, period. I would also add that as a patriotic, conservative, straight American guy, by eating out at a restaurant like Hooters or Texas Loosey's you are standing for the American way. The attractive all American girls at these restaurants strike a blow against the radical feminist agenda of groups like Patricia Ireland's NOW and their associated pro-homosexual and pro-socialism faction groups. These restaurants are free enterprise businesses engaging in capitalism, the economic system that has given American the greatest standard of living in human history. Hooters and Texas Loosey's restaurants also strike a blow against the radical Islamic terrorist fanatics who would prefer to see our waitresses wrapped in burquas and whipped like beasts. If a chain restaurant like Hooters was widely accepted throughout the Middle East we wouldn't be having all of the national security problems that we have now. Think about it.
DUDE wrote on Jul 5, 2006 1:54 PM:Hey let's build the Great Wall of Temecula and force those from other places like San Diego, LA and Orange County to leave. We can set up our own Border Patrol and build a hugh freeway toll road around Temecula so no one will come close to our small city of 95K plus and growing. We can adopt the North Korean Flag as our own and shoot missles at anyone who gets close!
Dear Hooters wrote on Jul 5, 2006 2:38 PM:Thank you for picking this location, a family friendly community. Thank you for bringing an unwelcome and undesirable element into our town. Thank you for degrading the value of women and measuring their worth by the size of their "cup". Thank you but no thank you! I wait for your doors to close HOPEFULLY faster the Krispy Kreme's! I encourage every decent person in our community to not patronize this place.
Dear Hooters 2 wrote on Jul 5, 2006 2:40 PM:Temecula residents, just read some of this blog. Do you want to associate with THESE people?
Neuter Hooters Suitors? wrote on Jul 5, 2006 3:16 PM:You paranoid knuckleheads think Temecula is becoming a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah. Would you prefer the ladies to be wearing burkas? Do you panic at the sight of "single men and groups of men", and if so, where exactly do you presently go in Temecula to avoid men?
PK wrote on Jul 5, 2006 4:06 PM:To Dear Hooters and Dear Hooters 2. I AM a Temecula resident and have been for well over 12 years. I am happily married with two teenage children and welcome this endeavor. How dare you claim to speak for all of Temecula and how dare you state that anybody who doesn't agree with you is indecent. I love how those who welcome people living free do not persecute those who would prefer to live supressed, but those who would be suppressed, do not hesitate to suppress others. To Temecula Republican Guy, thanks for the information on the quality of food. Texas Loosey's totally rules and I have never gotten the impression from any of the waitresses that they were exploited. If I had a body like theirs, I would be first in line to fill out an application.
To Neuter from Hooters 2 wrote on Jul 5, 2006 4:31 PM:I rest my case. I don't need to avoid REAL MEN, I'm sorry you don't know the difference. The whole "wear burkas" comment is a little tired by now. I am so sorry to the ladies mentioned in the article who "have the support of their families". My Father, a REAL MAN, would never have approved of my being in that kind of an environment. He raised me to know my true value was in being a smart, well spoken and non-exploited woman. Ladys of Hooters, you have more value than you know. Please remember that years from now when you look back on this episode of your life in embarrasment and regret. P.S. Real Men defend a lady's honor, not use her for his own selfish purposes. You are not a real man.
Neuter to Hooters 2 wrote on Jul 5, 2006 5:41 PM:I gather from your tone that you are someone real men would prefer to see wearing a burka.
LM wrote on Jul 5, 2006 5:58 PM:Give me a break! Is it really that big of a deal? Geez, you see more skin on the television in your own living room! Guess I won't see you there!
Neuter to Hooters 2 wrote on Jul 5, 2006 6:34 PM:Furthermore, the "exploitation of women" argument has been tired since the 60's, whereas the "burka" comment may be tired, but about 40 years less tired. By the way, Ms. "Smart and Well-Spoken", the plural of "Lady" is "Ladies", "embarrassment" has another "s", and "well-spoken" has a hyphen. We won't tell your Father.
Exploitation Schmexploitation! wrote on Jul 5, 2006 8:09 PM:I can't believe I'm reading all of this about exploitation of women!! Excuse me, but I was around when the "sexual revolution" first came into being. It all comes down to this: These women have the RIGHT, and intelligence, whether you agree with their decision or not, to earn an honest living any way they see fit. They, and any woman, also have the RIGHT to say "No." So, just because a woman is working at a place such as Hooters, doesn't mean ANYTHING - don't be reading so much into all this - either side!! Get a life!
Things that make you go Hmmmm........... wrote on Jul 5, 2006 10:07 PM:Thank you for providing more evidence that this society is dumbing down more and more day by day. People in America don't need to worry that an outside force is going to destroy this country. This country is going to destroy itself from within.
Truth Be Told wrote on Jul 6, 2006 2:32 AM:I wonder how many of the women who have made comments against the new Hooters restaraunt are really just angry because physically, they cannot measure up to the waitresses that work at Hooters? Angry ladies, you need to keep that green envy monster in check. Jenny Craig and the local gym can help you out with this...
John wrote on Jul 6, 2006 4:14 AM:Ever beem to a Hooters?Not a bad place to watch a ballgame and have lunch.Whats wrong with some of you prudes?Its not like someones putting in a toppless bar next door.or is that just your mind at work?Maby your town needs many topless bars to give you a reference point.
John wrote on Jul 6, 2006 4:17 AM:You Talaban folks out there need to get a life.Or did you forget how life is created?
To the Arsenio Hall Wannabe wrote on Jul 6, 2006 5:49 AM:Nah, it's the paranoid knuckleheads who lack originality who are at the front of the pack to destroy the world. We'll be enjoying life eating wings served by some hard-working women, while you stay home and cower on your couch in front of the TV to get more material.
Jon wrote on Jul 6, 2006 8:11 AM:If you don't like Hooters, THEN DON'T GO!!! Plain and simple! I go to the one in Oceanside with my girlfriend all the time! I see women and children in there all the time. There's no need to whine and complain about a place where women voluntarily apply for employment. Complain when they start serving chicken and beer in a thong and a wet t-shirt!
PK wrote on Jul 6, 2006 9:01 AM:How are these women being exploited? None of them are being forced to work there, they are choosing to work there. Just as none of you are being forced to eat there. It's just like TV, if you don't like what you are seeing, turn the TV off. If you don't want to see girl's breasts bulging out, don't leave your house, because this is Southern California and they are everywhere.
kat wrote on Jul 6, 2006 2:40 PM:Get over it people. There is nothing wrong with Hooter's. I'll go if the food is as good as they say. I have never been to one. The women probably wear more than the ones in public just going to the store you see a lot more than short shorts.
Hawaiinei wrote on Jul 6, 2006 3:07 PM:The argument is NOT what the clothing is like, its the fact that there are only female waitresses. Why do you think that is, huh? It is NOT a "family" place. "Hey kids, lets all learn how to gawk at women". The atmosphere fosters that, no one can argue that, whether their wearing jeans and parkas! It is just as oppressive if they were all wearing burkas! As for Laura and her earlier comment... you can "say" your a Christian all you want, only your actions make you one. Thus far, it does not seem so.
PK wrote on Jul 6, 2006 3:57 PM:To Hawaiinei, I agree with you completely as far as your comment to Laura about not being Christian. She is not showing the "True Christian" way of passing judgement on others. Although I do believe the Bible reserves judgement for only One. Besides that, how can you say it is a bad place if you have never been there? As far as it fostering teaching children to gawk at women, good luck finding any place in this society that doesn't foster that behavior. If you truly believe that it is bad, throw away your make-up, shampoo, hair products, clothes and anything else that you own that makes you feel pretty because it all encourages people to gawk at you.
John wrote on Jul 7, 2006 5:39 AM:Geeze sinful,First a Hooters,next will be adult book stores.WWJD? probably go to hooters and order a great big pile of chicken wings and a beer or two.The food isnt too bad.If you dont want to go to Hooters,dont go.Or is there a deeper reason for the complaining? Maby you dont want your daughters to work there.Ive heard they pay pretty well and the tips are great.You Talaban folks need to get a life.
Jon wrote on Jul 7, 2006 8:45 AM:To Hawaiinei: so your complaining that only women are waitresses at Hooters. Why don't you go to Alberto's and complain that there are only mexican cooks there! Hooters does not teach children how to gawk! People only gawk at things that they have been deprived of or have never seen before. And to Truth Be Told, thats funny!!! Lets keep america beautiful with these two words...Jenny Craig!LOL!!!
Gawker wrote on Jul 8, 2006 7:19 AM:I've been to Hooters at least four times and will be going there again, and again, and again. I just love their burgers and buns.
To People complaining wrote on Jul 8, 2006 1:11 PM:Have you been to Hooters? Don't just see the name as something bad. I have no problem with my family being there. Why such anger....you don't have to go. It seems they have made it without your money.
stacey wrote on Jul 10, 2006 7:34 AM:Simple: Is it appropriate for you to have women who are purposely hired to be sexy (while toned down) for a "family-restaurant" or is is better for mostly adults? They most definately want to spark boys/men's fantasies and are marketed somewhat as game-show-host model types/cleaned-up playgirls. Is that appropriate and a message you want to send to your kids while you're eating with them and Pops is checking out the server's buns/breasts (inevidable)? Are you cool with your teen having been reinforced with the imagery of the play on words, "hooters"? While on the outside it seems harmless (most servers are attractive) it's a bit edgy (been there). Explain to your kids why the men get most of the waitresses' attention (went on a date there and got very little). Bigger tips cuz they are afternoon eye candy. Reminded me of a brothel. Sexy is part of society. Discression is just something to consider. Wouldn't take my little brother there.
To stacey wrote on Jul 10, 2006 8:29 AM:Cry me a river while I eat my hot wings with my girlfriend who loves Hooters more than me!
PK wrote on Jul 10, 2006 10:39 AM:Stacey, congratulations on making the choice to not take your little brother to Hooters. Fortunately, we live in a free country where I can make the decision TO take my family to Hooters. We live in a free country, nobody is being forced to work there, nor are they being forced to eat there. So all of you who are 'better' than the rest of us, stop shoving your 'Holyer than the rest' attitudes down our throats and go some place where you feel comfortable while the rest of us enjoy our food.
To stacey wrote on Jul 10, 2006 12:06 PM:Another wannabe turned down because she lacked the...personality.
FYI wrote on Jul 10, 2006 2:03 PM:Everyone in town seems to be a bit preoccupied with Hooters to notice that Texas Loosey's is featuring lunchtime lingerie shows giving away raffle tickets to win sexually explicit prizes.
Like it! wrote on Jul 10, 2006 5:19 PM:Most people who have the most negative things to say about Hooters have never stepped foot in one. The let their pre-conceived ideas lead them to believe it's some sort of den of evil, when it's just a restaurant with girls in a non-traditional uniform. If you don't like it, don't go. But don't judge without being educated. I'd rather go to Hooters than Applebees anytime. Why? Because I've been to Applebees numerous times and the food was mediocre and overpriced, I felt ripped off. Hooters at least has a lively atmosphere, regardless of who it is targeted at.
oldad wrote on Jul 10, 2006 8:48 PM:Took my family; wife and two teen-aged daughters to Hooters and they absolutely loved it. The food and the atmosphere was great. My two girls even struck up a conversation with a Hooter gal and asked for an application. What did Dad say?...."GO FOR IT."
USS wrote on Jul 11, 2006 4:44 AM:I went to a Hooters once. Yeah, I recall the tight-shirted girls, but I DO remember the food! A family place?...maybe not. It MIGHT give a young girl the notion that looks are everything, ogling is 'the way it is'...As I understand it, The girls are NOT to be pawed at, so unless someone gets 'out-of-hand' AND in front of kids...pssssssh...Enjoy the food, it's really good!
John wrote on Jul 11, 2006 5:45 PM:Quoting the words of Mic Jagger,"You say that your a Christian,I say that your a Hipocrate".Shall I go on.If Christ were here today,He would be pissed.And whats wrong with being served lunch by a beautiful young woman?
um...hello wrote on Jul 11, 2006 8:32 PM:I have been "gawked" at most of my life...and I've never been in hooters. Men will gawk anywhere, so what's the big deal? it's not a learned behavior, it's called testosterone and y-chromosome. Seriously, it's just a restaurant, a rather successful one at that, I'm sure you boycotting it will really hurt their profits...
To Perri wrote on Jul 13, 2006 3:58 PM:What is immoral about eating? Where in the Bible does it say that women must be dressed from head to toe? Where does it say it is wrong to appreciate beauty? Where does it say Hot Wings are a sin?
blondy wrote on Jul 16, 2006 2:55 PM:i want to work there. i think it would be a fun and exciting place to work. The uniforms show no more than a cheerleading uniform shows.
jodyfishalot wrote on Jul 16, 2006 6:20 PM:I here Hooters is opening tomorrow and I am trying to get my husband to take my son for the grand opening. Does anyone know what time it opens?
Laura wrote on Jul 17, 2006 9:05 AM:I can't believe there are so many people who have a problem with hot chicks! I think it's either they aren't one, or can't get one. My boys are going to like girls when they grow up. They will gawk, and fantasize about them. That's normal. Are we supposed to teach them some other way? Are we supposed to explain that women are equals and should be admired for their brains alone? BS!!!! That's a bunch of unrealistic crap. We spend hundreds of dollars for men (and women) to look at our pretty hair, our long nails, our toned body from the gym, our botox, makeup, tattoos, all that so that we can get some attention. Women need attention!! We want to be looked at, admired and fantasized about...thats why we do what we do!! Because one day these HOOTERS girls, will be the housewives of tommorow and they should enjoy their cute figures and attention now while they still have it. You can be a christian and go to Hooters....ya know...what sin am I committing,? Thou shalt not enjoy wings? The buffalo shrimp 911 style is Jesus secret recipe...He had to have a hand in that..:) Lighten up.
Proud2beA Temecula Hooters girl wrote on Sep 26, 2006 4:36 PM:Thank You all for your comments and concern on our restaurant. I have been working there since opening day and have enjoyed making every dollar. I am a full time student and am able to make more than enough to support myself working part-time. Hooters is an amazing company to work for, they care about every girl and make sure that we are safe and taken care of. Our uniforms are like 80's workout outfits and the socks with high-top shoes are anything but sexy! I think that everyone should shun away their stereotypes for a day and come try us out.
Rhonda wrote on Feb 5, 2007 8:21 AM:Hooters is no different from your average scum boob bar. If the girls didn't behave/dress the way they do, the "boys" wouldn't be there. Lets be honest,the food is average, wings are wings! All the boys want is the eye candy, all the hooters girls want is the stripper dollar bills. They dont like you, they like the money. A Peep show for $$.
- Burst pipe causes 70-foot-deep sink hole in Carlsbad (2422)
- REGION: State green power plan will cost consumers billions (1419)
- HOUSING: Fraud victims struggle to regain cash, credit (1367)
- VISTA: Grocer brothers suspected of threatening former butcher (1009)
- REGION: Talk of new immigration bill gets mixed reaction (974)
Advertisement