In a world where dining out can sometimes feel like an unneeded expense, an interesting trend has emerged. Local community groups, including Libertarians, are turning to a unique venue for their events: Hooters. So, it is about more than dining out and beer. It is about something larger.
According to the organizers, it philosophically represents support for businesses that are challenged by cultural trends. Hooters, like other famous franchises, have recently been rocked by sudden announcements of closures of dozens of its franchises. In response, some people are sending a strong message that the success of local companies should be determined more by consumer demand rather than social pressure, or corporate cutbacks issued from outside the community.
For example, Libertarians in Queens, New York (LPQC) convene as a local party organization advocating for free markets, personal freedom and minimal government intervention. They have started holding their meetings at the local Hooters restaurant in Fresh Meadows, and will host a county convention there on November 9.
The group gathers for more than just dining. LPQC Chair and blogger John Clifton notes “the members use their time at Hooters to support local causes and hold fundraising events and charities. Turning the meetups into progressive community events proves the restaurant chain is more than just a place for wings.” But the chain is not just drawing Libertarians for their events. Some community groups have also vouched for the go-to space for hosting meetups and local causes. Here are just some of them:
Kanawha City Hooters Candlelight Vigil Doubles as a Good Cause
In February 2024, a Hooters was set for demolition in Kanawha City, but instead hosted a community fundraiser. The event even shifted focus to support a local family whose daughter is battling a rare disease. This event showed how a mere gathering can surprisingly turn into a meaningful cause.
Port Charlotte and Cape Coral Hooters Support Youth Sports
Port Charlotte Hooters donated $1,500 to the Punta Gorda Youth Baseball and Softball program for their season. Moreover, some Port Charlotte Hooters employees, including Sarah Roos, Mikaela Roos, and Anjolie Santana, volunteered their time in the concession area.
Youth Sports
Meanwhile, Cape Coral Hooters has supported the Cape Coral Little League team for many years. To help the team with the 2024 season run, the restaurant donated a total of $1,000 for the field sponsorship. Several representatives who contributed their time are managing partner James Chaney, Hooters Girls Jessica DeCastro, Kristin Martin, and Harley Glasgow.
Panama City Beach Hooters’ Donation for Local Students
The other shining footprint of this community involvement took place at Hooters of Panama City Beach on 12 August 2024. Hooters participants organized car washes during Spring Break to raise funds for school supplies. The event successfully helped to provide backpacks filled with supplies to local elementary students in need. Miss Bayou Fox Aly Vargas led this event. The organizers sent supplies to Parker Elementary School, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to supporting education.
Since the 1980s, Hooters has been famous for its casual atmosphere, sports or shared T.V. screens, and its hospitable “Hooters Girls” servers. Since the pandemic, some of us have probably known that it might seem like a thing of the past. But for others, this place and its unique concept still has its own charm. And now, it goes further by being a symbol of local solidarity.
Clifton says “the good thing here is that you can also be a member and volunteer for an important role. If you are aware of political issues, or new politics or are interested in the greater good, this is an excellent opportunity to participate. It is an excellent example of how inspiring groups can come together to support a struggling business, and go beyond that cause.”
By attending, these groups suggest they are not only helping the particular franchise stay afloat, but also giving local people a reason to keep their jobs. It is indeed a win-win for everyone involved. When more impactful groups start holding events there, it could help the restaurant chain to reinvent itself. Next time you pass by a Hooters, what you think happens inside might be more than just about burgers and wings. It could be something greater like “Let Freedom Wing.”