What It Was Like to Work at Hooters

With Hooters recently filing for bankruptcy, I felt compelled to share my story. While headlines focus on their financial troubles and declining foot traffic, I want to tell a different story - one of determination, hard work, and the American dream. As a new immigrant from Brazil trying to put myself through engineering school, I faced the classic catch-22 in the restaurant industry. I applied everywhere and got interviews in most places, including Outback, but without prior restaurant experience, they would only offer hostess positions. I knew a hostess' salary wouldn't cover my bills. I needed a server position where I could earn more money through tips. After being rejected by other restaurants, I applied to Hooters. During the interview, the manager sat me down at a corner table during a slow period and threw me into an unexpected roleplay scenario. "Walk away," he instructed, "then come back and serve me. And remember, you must offer an appetizer." Nervous and inexperienced, I walked up and blurted out, "Hello, would you like an appetizer?" He burst out laughing. "Aren't you going to introduce yourself? Aren't you going to offer drinks?" Despite my awkward performance, he saw something in me and took a chance. Then came the infamous employee handbook – a tome filled with recipes, procedures, and the sacred "16 steps of service." While others might have been intimidated, I treated it like another school textbook. By the next few days, I had memorized every single detail, including every ingredient for everything served. This dedication paid off immediately. During my first day of training, I was following another server. A guest asked how many pieces came in a pretzel order, the trainer didn't know. I confidently answered "16", my server confirmed with the kitchen and it was right. She asked, "How do you know that?" Small victories like these built my confidence. When it was my first day on my own, my manager gave me advice that changed everything: "Look at these tables, this is YOUR section, treat this like it's your own business." And I did. Every table became my pride, kept spotless, every customer treated like a guest in my own restaurant. I wasn't just serving anymore, in my mind, I was running my first business. That mindset made all the difference. Following their 16 steps religiously and working with unstoppable drive, I rose from rookie to trainer in just six months. I also won every sales competition during the time I was working there, once selling more desserts and buffalo platters than all other servers combined (both shifts included). Winning these competitions meant extra cash, hotel stays, etc. Customers would often call my managers over to compliment my service. All I did was follow the steps, they work! :) Some might raise eyebrows at Hooters, but for me, it was where I learned the value of systems, processes, great service, dedication, and going all-in. Not to mention, it was also where I improved my English. I had to interact with people from all over (I worked at the Orlando Airport location), which helped me understand different accents. Our location also offered some tuition reimbursement, which was nice! Every extra shift, every early arrival, every late stay – it all added up to success. A year later, I got an internship opportunity at Siemens. I told my manager I was quitting. He was incredibly sad and asked if I could stay a little longer. So I stayed for another semester. Taking classes, taking an engineering internship, and working at Hooters. That wasn't sustainable and that's why I had to finally quit, also so I could focus on my engineering career. My managers were always very supportive and gave me that chance no other restaurant would, and I'm very grateful for that. I also can't forget to mention that I made friendships that have lasted up to this day. It's been almost a decade since I worked there. Some of our regulars became true friends – like @cory, who still stays in touch today. That's the thing about treating your work like your own business – you build real connections that go far beyond the uniform or the wings. The place that took a chance on an inexperienced immigrant became my launching pad. Sometimes the best opportunities come in unexpected packages. You just have to be bold enough to seize them and determined enough to make them count.

**Title: What It Was Like to Work at Hooters** Eduarda Ferreira, a determined immigrant from Brazil, embarked on her journey in the restaurant industry amidst Hooters' bankruptcy news. Struggling to finance her engineering education, she faced the common catch-22 of requiring experience for higher-paying server positions. After several rejections, a chance interview at Hooters changed everything. Despite an awkward initial roleplay, the manager recognized her potential and hired her. Eduarda embraced the extensive training, treating the employee handbook like a textbook, and quickly memorized the menu details. On her first day, she confidently answered questions, building her confidence with small victories. Her manager's advice to treat her section as her own business transformed her approach to customer service, leading to exceptional results. In just six months, she advanced from rookie to trainer, excelling in sales competitions and earning praise from guests. Hooters became a platform for her personal growth, enhancing her English skills and providing tuition reimbursement. Balancing her job with classes and an engineering internship at Siemens, she ultimately left Hooters to focus on her career. Eduarda's story highlights the immigrant experience, showcasing determination and personal growth through hard work in the restaurant industry. Hooters, despite its challenges, became a vital stepping stone in her journey towards success in engineering.

By Eduarda Ferreira