Is Hooters Family Friendly? A Comprehensive Guide to Dining, Changes, and What to Expect

By Benjamin ClarkeLast Updated May 9, 2025

Understanding Hooters’ Reputation and Historical Image

Since its founding in 1983, Hooters has been recognized for its signature chicken wings, sports-centric atmosphere, and the distinctive uniforms worn by its female waitstaff. The brand’s original appeal targeted mostly adult male diners, with a focus on a lively, high-energy environment filled with TVs showing sports, extensive beer selections, and a theme that celebrated irreverent fun. The uniforms-bright orange shorts and white tank tops-became an iconic, albeit controversial, part of American pop culture. For decades, this approach successfully attracted a loyal customer base but also led to the perception that Hooters was not a suitable venue for families, particularly those with young children [1] .

Recent Shifts: Moving Toward a Family-Friendly Experience

Facing changing consumer expectations and declining sales, Hooters has recently initiated a significant rebranding effort. Dubbed “Re-Hooterization” by the company’s leadership, the goal is to transition from an “R-rated” to a “PG-13” experience. This includes eliminating certain promotions such as “Bikini Days” and making specific operational changes to appeal to a broader demographic. One notable change is encouraging staff to greet women first at tables, aiming to make mothers and children feel more welcome. The company’s leadership has emphasized their commitment to evolving the brand so that families can feel comfortable dining at Hooters [1] . Industry experts recognize, however, that overcoming the brand’s established image may be challenging and could take time [1] .

Menu Offerings and Accommodations for Kids

Hooters has offered kid-friendly options for years, including a dedicated children’s menu at many locations. This includes classic favorites such as chicken tenders, fries, and soft drinks. Many families have reported visiting Hooters without issue, and children are welcomed by staff. Families can expect a lively sports bar setting, but most locations strive to ensure an environment that does not cross into inappropriate territory for children. The presence of a kids menu and accommodations for families have been corroborated by diners over the years, indicating that Hooters does make efforts to be inclusive [2] .

Introduction of Hoots: The Family-Oriented Offshoot

In response to evolving consumer demands, Hooters launched a new fast-casual chain called Hoots . This concept is explicitly designed to be family-friendly and targets a much broader audience, including families, millennials, and diners who prefer a casual dining experience without the traditional Hooters uniforms. Hoots locations employ both male and female staff in modest uniforms-t-shirts and khakis-removing the suggestive attire that defined the parent brand. The menu features popular Hooters offerings such as their classic wings, chicken sandwiches, and seafood, but in a more streamlined, quick-service format. Hoots has been expanding steadily since its initial launch near Chicago in 2017, and the company’s leadership continues to promote it as a logical, inclusive extension of the original brand [3] [5] .

Atmosphere, Service, and Real-World Experiences

In practice, the Hooters dining experience can vary by location. While some families feel comfortable bringing children for a meal and to watch sports, others may still prefer alternative restaurants. It’s common to find televisions broadcasting various sporting events, and the general atmosphere remains lively and energetic. The company has made efforts to ensure that the environment is not inappropriate for children by refining staff behavior, reducing over-sexualized promotions, and focusing more on food and sports. As part of the rebrand, staff training now includes approaches to make all guests feel welcome, such as greeting women and families first. These steps are intended to shift perceptions and create a more inclusive dining room [4] .

Step-by-Step Guidance for Families Considering Hooters

If you are considering visiting Hooters with your family, here are practical steps to help ensure a positive experience:

1. Research Your Local Hooters Location: Use established restaurant review sites such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, or Google Reviews to search for recent family-focused feedback about your local Hooters. Look for comments mentioning the atmosphere, service, and any accommodations for children.

2. Review the Menu Online: Visit the official Hooters website and search for the menu of your intended location. Check for a kids menu and note any family meal deals or promotions. If you do not see these options listed, you can call the location directly to inquire about children’s selections and seating arrangements.

3. Consider Visiting Hoots Locations: If you prefer a guaranteed family-friendly environment, search for nearby Hoots restaurants. These locations are specifically designed for families and remove the suggestive elements of the original brand. You can find Hoots locations and menus by searching for “Hoots restaurant” in your preferred search engine or by visiting the official Hooters or Hoots websites.

4. Prepare for the Restaurant Atmosphere: If your family is sensitive to loud environments or sports bar settings, consider visiting during non-peak hours, such as weekdays or early evenings. This can provide a more relaxed, quieter experience.

5. Directly Contact the Restaurant: For location-specific questions, call ahead and ask about seating options, noise levels, and how they accommodate families with young children. Staff can also clarify any ongoing promotions or changes related to their new family-friendly initiatives.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Despite the brand’s efforts, some families may still feel uncomfortable due to Hooters’ longstanding reputation and the presence of revealing uniforms at traditional locations. If this is a concern, Hoots offers a clear alternative. For those wishing to try the original Hooters, visiting during off-peak hours or at locations in family-friendly neighborhoods may provide a more comfortable introduction. If you encounter any discomfort, feedback can be provided directly to management, who are reportedly receptive to suggestions as part of the rebranding process [4] .

Alternative Approaches for Family Dining

Families seeking a similar sports bar and grill experience without concerns about the environment have many alternatives. National chains such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Applebee’s, and Chili’s provide casual dining with varied menus, kids options, and a focus on sports, but with a more neutral atmosphere. These restaurants typically provide detailed kids menus, family seating, and may offer special events for children. Searching for “family sports bar restaurants” in your area can yield numerous options, each with their own approach to family dining. For those who want the Hooters food experience without the traditional environment, Hoots is positioned to meet those needs.

Key Takeaways

Hooters is actively working to become more family-friendly through changes in its traditional restaurants and the launch of its Hoots chain. Most locations welcome children and offer kids menus, but the experience can vary depending on the branch. Families are encouraged to research and call ahead to ensure the environment meets their expectations. For those seeking a fully family-oriented experience, Hoots provides a modern, inclusive alternative. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, Hooters’ rebranding efforts and new offerings aim to attract a broader audience-including families-while maintaining the food and sports-centric atmosphere that made it famous.

References

[1] FOX 2 Detroit (2025). Hooters looks to rebrand as sales sag, making the experience more family-friendly.

[2] TripAdvisor (2006). Family experiences and kids menu at Hooters discussed in Orlando forum.

[3] InsideHook (2019). Hooters expands into family-friendly dining with the Hoots chain.

[4] KISS El Paso (2025). Analysis of Hooters’ family-friendly makeover and business strategy.

[5] FOX 29 (2019). Hooters expands Hoots, a family-friendly restaurant concept without revealing uniforms.