Hooters honcho rolls back skimpy shorts, says there won’t be ‘butt cheeks hanging out’

A Florida Lawyer’s Plan to Revive Bankrupt Hooters

Neil Kiefer, a 73-year-old Florida lawyer, is on a mission to rescue bankrupt Hooters by making some significant changes. He aims to transform the chain back into what he calls “delightfully tacky” family destinations by rolling back skimpy uniforms and banning “butt cheeks hanging out.”

Kiefer, who has been friends with Hooters’ founders since 1992, is fighting in bankruptcy court to take control of 50 shuttered locations and implement his vision for the brand.

Despite efforts to appeal to families, current job postings for “Hooters Girls” still list physical appearance standards alongside serving duties. The chain filed for bankruptcy in March after years of declining sales due to inflation pressures and mounting debt.

Kiefer plans to invest $300,000 worth of upgrades per restaurant and introduce butter sauce slathered on over 70% of menu items, upgrading to Grade A butter across all locations.

While Kiefer aims to maintain the chain’s provocative identity, he also wants to attract families to dine alongside men who come to “flirt” with servers. The plan includes ditching the bikini-style bottoms in favor of traditional orange shorts.

Despite the challenges, Kiefer has seen success at a new location in a senior living community in Florida, suggesting that the brand’s appeal transcends age groups.

Hooters has faced legal and cultural challenges over the years, settling harassment lawsuits and discrimination cases while maintaining its all-female waitstaff.

As Kiefer navigates the path to reviving Hooters, the bankruptcy court decision in Dallas will determine the fate of his vision for the chain in a competitive casual-dining market.

“There’s so much more than the little outfits,” says server Mikayla Flanagan, highlighting the delicate balance Kiefer must strike between sex appeal and family dining.