History of Hooters in Timeline

Hooters is an international restaurant chain based in Clearwater, Florida, known for its distinctive name and branding. The name "Hooters" is a double entendre, referencing both an owl (represented in the logo) and a slang term for women's breasts. The restaurant chain is operated by Hooters, Inc., and its associated franchise group, Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC.

May 2010: Lawsuit Filed Over Employee Review

In May 2010, a lawsuit was filed against Hooters in Michigan after an employee was told her shirt and short size could use some improvement. The employee was allegedly offered a free gym membership with a threat of termination if she didn't improve within 30 days. The company denied the threat, and the suit was settled out of court.

2011: Hooters Executives Leave to Start Twin Peaks Franchise

In 2011, a number of former Hooters executives left to start the Twin Peaks franchise group. Hooters filed suit, alleging that these executives stole trade secrets and management documents.

2012: Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Filed

In 2012, Kisuk Cha, a Korean American, sued Hooters in Queens, New York, for racial discrimination after a racial slur was printed on his receipt. The hostess responsible confessed and resigned.

2012: Former Employee Files Suit After Catching Tuberculosis

In 2012, former employee Jheri Stratton filed suit against Hooters after contracting tuberculosis from one of her managers.

August 2013: Farryn Johnson's Termination

In August 2013, Farryn Johnson, a Hooters employee, was terminated for having blonde highlights in her hair, leading to a racial discrimination complaint.

2013: Racial Discrimination Case Dismissed

In 2013, the racial discrimination case filed by Kisuk Cha against Hooters was dismissed.

April 2, 2015: Farryn Johnson Awarded $250,000 in Discrimination Case

On April 2, 2015, Farryn Johnson, a former Hooters employee, was awarded $250,000 after an arbitrator determined that racial discrimination contributed to her termination. She was fired in August 2013 for having blonde highlights in her hair, which the store manager deemed unacceptable.

May 2017: Paul Cagnina Obtains Settlement

In May 2017, Paul "PJ" Cagnina, who also alleged sexual harassment by a male boss while working at Hooters, obtained a settlement.

September 11, 2017: Lawsuit Filed Alleging Workplace Sexual Assault

On September 11, 2017, Jade Velez, a former Hooters waitress, filed a lawsuit alleging workplace sexual assault by a former kitchen employee. The suit named the employee, managers, and Hooters of America as defendants.

July 16, 2019: Scott Peterson Reaches Settlement in Harassment Case

On July 16, 2019, Scott Peterson, who alleged sexual harassment by a male boss while working at Hooters, reached a settlement with the restaurant chain in the Los Angeles Superior Court. The terms of the settlement were not publicly revealed.

July 2020: Sexual Assault Case Outcome Still Pending

As of July 2020, the outcome of the sexual assault case filed by Jade Velez against Hooters was still pending.

August 22, 2024: Hendrick Motorsports Sues Hooters for $1.705 Million

On August 22, 2024, Hendrick Motorsports of NASCAR announced that they would sue Hooters for $1.705 million plus unpaid sponsorship fees.

October 22, 2024: Hooters Settles EEOC Claim Regarding Black Employees

On October 22, 2024, Hooters of America settled a claim from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The claim stated that black employees were not recalled back to work after the COVID-19 pandemic at the same levels as white employees. Hooters paid $250,000 and agreed to not use standards that allow for discrimination.