Hooters Guys?

What would happen if there was a restaurant like Hooters but instead of cute girls in lycra, there was sexy boys in... well, not in shirts?

Well fuck you too, Foam!!!

My second training shift was on bar. Something I was not expecting AT ALL! But I think it went reasonably well... Sort of.

I got to work early enough to do my makeup and get my uniform on. I headed out to sit at the staff table to do jump start (where the girls coming in for the night shift find out all the specials, promos, if we're out of anything and all that jazz...). I expected to be with KJ again on the floor but Doughnut (one of the other managers) told me I would be on bar with Tink. Oh goodness. I've never worked behind a bar and I was sure that pouring beer would be quite an adventure for me.

First, Tink took me behind the bar and showed me what to check for before we can let the day girl leave. Since there weren't very many tables when we came in, she showed me where all the beer, liquor, lemons, limes and oranges were. We made sure that everything was stocked and waited for our first drink order to come in. She also told me the golden rule of working on bar: "No chit, no shit!". Basically, if any of the girls ask for a drink to be made, they need to ring it in first. If they're in the middle of ringing it in, you can get it for them but you need to make sure that they do.

For the most part, we just had to pour beer but there were a few drinks that had to be made. I pretty much sucked at pouring beer. I guess it takes practice but I had a really hard time trying to tilt the glass enough, or not too much. Tink told me not to worry since everyone needs practice and she still has difficulty with it sometimes. By the end of the night I was a little better at it, only having a few glasses overflowing with foamy, beery, yuckiness. 

Halfway through the night, I was pouring a glass of Stella when it decided to spray foam all over my face, hair and shirt. Fanfuckingtastic. I turn around and Tink is standing there laughing at me. She told me that if any of the beer we have on tap runs out, that's its way of telling you. Lovely. She told on of the boys in the kitchen and they got more. I went to the back for a few minutes to get the beer off my face and out of my hair and to fix my makeup.

Other than that, nothing too embarrassing happened. It wasn't very busy so I studied the menu and got Tink to quiz me on it. I think I can handle myself behind the bar now. My first shift alone is going to be a bar shift so I'll find out just how much I know on Thursday!

I've got the beef...

Last night was my first training shift at Hooters and even though I've been sick since Saturday I had so much fun! It was actually the most fun I've ever had while working.

When I got there I noticed that most of the girls weren't wearing their uniforms but I figured that most of them just hadn't changed yet. I was right but when they did change, it wasn't into the orange shorts and Hooters tank top that I was wearing. Unbeknownst to me, each Monday night they have a different theme and last night was "Racer Girl". As in car racing. All the girls were decked out in black and white checked clothing and had flags. One girl even had a race track painted on to a tank top with Hot Wheels cars sewn on! I was already a bit intimidated since all the girls are GORGEOUS!!! so it didn't help that I was the only one actually wearing the uniform.

Fortunately, all the girls assured me that I looked "super cute" and they were amazed that I had somehow evaded the dreaded muffin top that the shorts cause. I'm not even sure how that happened... I guess I got lucky. But all the compliments gave me a much needed confidence boost and by the time I left the change room I didn't feel so ridiculous.

My trainer, KJ, was a tall, thin girl with big, curly, brown hair. She was really friendly and introduced me to all the other girls we were working with that night as well as the guys in the kitchen. 

The football game brought in lots of people and by about 6 o'clock there was hardly any tables left. KJ was running around trying to get everyones' drink orders, show me where everything is and tell me how things work all at the same time. I guess she's used to all the craziness because she seemed totally relaxed the whole time. 

I've never been a waitress before so everything was completely new to me. At first it seemed really confusing but as the night went on, I learned how to put orders into the Squirrel, how to send them to the kitchen and tons of other things I'm trying not to forget between now and my next shift. I think the only thing that I had trouble with was sending the orders to the kitchen. Every time you do, you have to yell "Order in, please!" to the guys in the kitchen and because I never yell and my voice just doesn't carry, this was a bit challenging. With some encouragement from KJ and the other girls, though, I got used to it. 

At half-time, everyone at the restaurant has the opportunity to play a game to win a prize. Last night people got to do the football toss for the chance to win a Dolphins jersey. I got to demonstrate how to play (all you do is throw a football and try to get it through the hole in a tire) and I got it in the tire! All the girls, including me, lined up along the side to watch everyone have their turn. While we were watching, some older man standing behind us tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and smiled and said "Hey! Why aren't you lined up to play?" His response? "My boxers say I've got the beef if you've got the buns. And it looks like you have the buns!"

Um... What the fuck?

The girl beside me had obviously heard what he said and she grabbed my hand and twirled me around to her other side. She told me not to worry about it and she would have a chat with him. Apparently he's a regular and would never say anything like that to one of the girls who's been working there for a while. I know I'm going to have to get used to comments similar to that and I'm sure I will I just wasn't expecting it at all! 

Other than that, the night went really well. I didn't spill anything or drop anything which is always a concern since I'm extremely clumsy. All the girls told me I did great and that they were sure I would be an awesome waitress. I hope they're right! 

I had such a good time and I can't wait until my next shift on Thursday. KJ is going to be training me again and I get my black uniform on Thursday which I'm so excited about!

Ooooohhh boy.

As I mentioned before, I wasn't exactly sure how my parents would react when I told them I got hired as a Hooters Girl and so this made the whole actually telling them part slightly challenging. But since I still live with them it was inevitable that they would find out and that I should probably tell them before they saw my orange hot pant clad ass scurrying across the hallway to the bathroom to fix my makeup.

Now that I'm thinking about it, my approach probably wasn't the most tactful or gentle way to let them know. But at least I did it, right? 

After I stared at myself in my mirror for about 45 minutes the first time I tried on my uniform I heard my parents come in the front door. My first thought was to rip everything off and put sweatpants and a t-shirt on before they had a chance to see me. First of all I think its impossible to take that uniform off in less that 5 minutes seeing as the shirt doesn't like to go up and over my boobs without putting up a fight. And Second of all neither my mom or my step dad have x-ray vision. They can't see through my walls or my door so how would they possibly see me unless I actually went out of my room? Realizing this, I thought that maybe I should step out of my room. In my uniform. In front of my parents. Somehow I came to the conclusion that this was the perfect way to tell them about my new job. It was not.

I opened my door and peeked around it to see if they were in the hallway. They weren't. So I tried to be as quiet as possible going down the stairs to find them. (Again, completely ridiculous because I'm pretty sure nobody wants to be the victim of a sneak-attack from a girl wearing orange lycra) Eventually I could hear them in the front room. The one with the giant window looking on to the street and where the curtains are rarely actually being put to use. I tiptoed up and stuck my head around the corner, keeping my body completely out of my parents line of vision. My mom looked at me and my step dad (RM) turned around to see what she was looking at. 

Mom: Are we playing hide and seek? What the hell are you doing?

Me: Hahaha oh you're funny. I just wanted to see who was home.

Mom: Okay...

Me: I have to tell you something... or show you. Both I guess.

Mom: Jesus did you get a tattoo? You know I told you I would kill you. And I will.

Me: No! No tattoo.

Mom: Well good it can't be bad then what are you still hiding for?

I came out from around the corner. My mom and RM looked at me for about a millisecond and both started laughing. Not the reaction I was expecting.

Mom: For a second I thought maybe you worked there or something! HA! Wouldn't that be hilarious!

RM: Halloween is like a month and a half away... You and your friends are always trying to get stuff together at the last second. Looks like you're prepared.

Mom: It looks exactly like the actual uniform. Where did you find them?

I wasn't sure how to explain that I did work there and this is not my Halloween costume and this is the actual uniform. I stayed silent for a couple seconds thinking about how to go about doing this. I looked at the ground and looked back up at them. My mom's face slowly registered that I might not be in my Halloween costume and turned from amusement to shock to complete and utter disapproval. I couldn't look her in the eyes. My step dad looked extremely embarrassed and wouldn't look me in the eye. So we were all avoiding looking directly at each other which made for a very awkward moment.

Me: Um... I actually do work there now? I got hired a couple days ago and...

Mom: I know I told you to get a job but I didn't mean THIS.

RM: Shit. What if the boys ask me where my daughter works?

Mom: ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME??? Did you really just say that? That's what you're worried about?

RM: (realizing his mistake) Well I mean.. I just don't want them going there and you know...

Mom: So wait.. you go to Hooters with the guys? That's your restaurant of choice?

RM: Well they have really good wings and it's a good place to go watch the games and that.

I was happy since I seemed to be out of the line of fire. My mom (as you can probably tell) is one of those people who has never set foot in Hooters and makes crazy assumptions about the girls who work there and the men who are customers there. After she was done with RM she turned back to me and said her (quite lengthy) piece about what she thought of me working there. I told her that, to be honest, I didn't really care and maybe she should come visit me while I'm working some time and then make her judgments. I don't think she expected me to talk back to her so that shut her up. 

I didn't think it was fair of her to make generalizations about a bunch of people she's never met or talked to or anything. Maybe Hooters does have girls who aren't the most intelligent, or who aren't the most conservative. But how is that different from any other restaurant? I'm going to college like a lot of other girls who work there and I'm not one to open my legs for any guy who looks my way which I'm absolutely sure is the case for almost, if not all the girls I'll be working with. And sure, some of the guys who come in might just be there to ogle pretty girls but what restaurant doesn't get those kinds of customers? I know that people might pass judgement on me now that I work there but to be honest those people are completely inconsequential because they have no idea who I am. 

Sorry for ranting but I've been reading blogs and articles and all these things about Hooters and I find that a lot of them are biased and ill informed.

Since I first told my mom, she's been asking me questions about it and I showed her the handbook as well as the Hooters Girl Image Magazine. I think she's coming around to the idea and once I start and can tell her about what it's like working there from my point of view she'll be more comfortable with it. I also told her about the strict rules they have about harassment which was her biggest concern. Hopefully she'll get used to it so she can come in and visit me one day!

Oh and also I'm not sure if this was just me (and if any of you other Hooters Girls out there noticed this, tell me what happened!) but I told some of my girlfriends about my new job and a couple days after I swear every guy I've ever known (whether I still talk to them or not) either texted me, messaged me on Facebook or e-mailed me with something to say about it. Even this guy who I haven't talked to since the fourth grade tracked me down on Facebook! I thought it was funny that they all thought it was so cool. I'm still the same girl! It's just a job guys! Jeez... Men! Haha

Paperwork and Air Way Restriction

I know I said I would probably post about telling my parents that I'm now a Hooters Girl but I chickened out yesterday so there was nothing to tell. I did, however, let them in on it today in a rather interesting way. But more about that later.

I had school this morning and I was going to do some reading after my last class before I drove over to Hooters for my orientation. Turns out there was some event going on out by the pond at school that involved bouncy castles, free cotton candy and those awesome sumo wrestling games where you dress up in a giant fat suit and jump on other fat suit wearing students and profs. Needless to say, no reading got done. The festivities also made me lose track of time and I hoped there wouldn't be too much traffic.

I got to Hooters 5 minutes before my orientation was supposed to start and saw GM F near the back sitting at a table with a bunch of papers and another girl. He waved me over and introduced me to the girl sitting with him. She was tall and blonde with a piercing on each side of her bottom lip which I thought weren't allowed at Hooters. I have absolutely no recollection of what her name is but she kind of reminded me of Avril Lavigne for some reason so let's call her Avril. She was super friendly and talkative so all the paperwork we had to fill out wasn't quite as boring as it usually is. 

I am now contractually obliged to have my hair and makeup done at all times during my shift and to "appear to be having fun" during my shifts. I'm not allowed to speak ill of my coworkers or managers and although I hope they're all great to work with and really nice people I have a feeling I might have some things to say about some of the people I'll be working with. You can't put a bunch of girls in pantyhose and orange hot pants and expect everyone to be pleasant to each other all the time. It just won't happen. 

After all the paperwork was done, we got a tour of the back and GM F showed us where we would find the alcohol, where the schedule was posted and where his office was. He introduced us to all the girls and everyone seemed happy and bubbly and nice. It made me excited to start (which will happen Monday by the way). We went over the sexual harassment policy and GM F made it very clear that if anyone makes us uncomfortable, whether it be a customer, cook, manager or even another Hooters Girl, that we should let him know so he can make sure the situation is resolved. I feel completely confident that him and R3 will be there for me 100% if I ever need anything and that's a great feeling to have.

Orientation also brought with it the Hooters Girl UNIFORM!!! Yup they busted out the shorts, tank tops, pantyhose and, of course, the slouch socks! Unfortunately, we didn't get to try it all on there and GM F guessed what sizes we would need. I couldn't wait to get home and try it all on! Both my shorts and my shirt were an XXS. This didn't worry me too much because I know that Hooters sizes are a (more than) a little skewed. Once I got home I ran to my bedroom and took my uniform out of my bag so I could try it on. The pantyhose were the most ridiculously tricky things to get on. If you have ever tried to put a wetsuit on that was still damp it was a lot like that. I got the shorts on and pulled the shirt over my head. I could tell that I was going to have a hard time pulling it over my boobs (which aren't even that big!) but with a little effort and lots of holding my breath I got it pulled down. The effect that the shirt had on my boobs was not flattering. They were squished in so much that from the side it looked like I was almost completely flat except for over the neck line of the shirt and it made it impossible for me to breathe normally. Also when I looked in the mirror I noticed that the shorts were quite loose. So it looks like I'm going to have to get a size bigger for the top and a size smaller for the bottom. At least it's not the other way around right? I mean I'm working for Hooters...

I'm gonna save my story about telling my parents for the later this week since I won't have any other stories until my first shift on Monday. Which, by the way, is football night so I am a little nervous about it since I'm working at night. Oh well. It'll be fun to see what it's like on a busy night!

Interview #2

So today was my second interview at Hooters. I don't think I've ever worked anywhere that took 2 interviews to get in the door but I was pretty eager to get this job so I dressed to impress a second time, jumped in my car and headed down there. This time I wore a black pencil skirt (short, but not obnoxiously so) with a v-neck underneath and a pair of heels.

I was about 10 minutes early this time and I was told that GM F was just finishing up a couple things before he would be able to come talk to me but he wouldn't be long. It was pretty busy since it's Monday (FOOTBALL WOOOO!) so when I was still waiting 20 minutes later I wasn't too concerned. I like watching football anyways. But the time kept ticking by and I was starting to think that maybe he forgot about me. I struck up a conversation with the girl working behind the bar and she said she would remind him since he tends to get distracted especially when it's busy. She seemed really nice so I was a little bit relieved to know that I wouldn't be shunned from all the girls if I were to get hired.

All of a sudden I heard someone yell my name from across the restaurant. I looked over and saw GM F waving at me and holding up 2 fingers (give him 2 minutes!). I smiled and shouted "Don't worry about it" back at him. Sure enough a couple minutes later he was standing beside me apologizing for making me wait and offering me something to drink. I assured him it was no problem and got some water. A couple shots of tequila probably would have relaxed me but I think that's frowned upon when you're at an interview.

The second interview was much like the first: relaxed, fun and not nearly as scary as I had imagined. We talked about my availability, the uniform and the Hooters "look", why I thought I would be good at being a Hooters Girl and if I knew anything about football, hockey or UFC fighting (yes, no and sort of). He showed me the change room, complete with straightener, curling iron, blow dryer, hair spray, lotion and anything else a girl might need to maintain her appearance during her shift. After my little tour we sat back down and he told me that he thought I would be a great addition to their family (and I totally got the sense of all the staff being like a family there) and I could go for my orientation on Wednesday. Yup, that's right! I GOT THE JOB!!!

I think I thanked him about a million times. I've honestly never been so excited about getting a job and I think my enthusiasm about it will help me if I have a rough time with any of the training or with any of the girls. I'm determined to succeed at this job. Not that I've failed at other jobs. I've done the best I can everywhere I've worked... except maybe when I worked in a deli but really? Slicing meat isn't something to get excited about.

But my orientation is in 2 days so I'll definitely be making a post about that! And I might have one tomorrow when I break the news to my parents... We'll see how that goes.

The Application and Interview #1

I've never blogged before and I'm not an amazing writer so I won't guarantee the quality of my posts... But here's the first one anyways...

I moved to a new city about 2 weeks ago and I've had a hard time finding a job. Granted I didn't really devote copious amounts of time to it but still... Last time I had to find a job I got the first one I applied for. Very telling of these troubled economic times. 

Anyways... I was perusing wanted ads on the internet when I came across one for Hooters. I had always been pretty intrigued by the idea of working somewhere that microscopic shorts and in-your-face cleavage isn't frowned upon. My last job was at a children's store. A far cry from Hooters. I was never really one of those girls who thought "Oh my god the girls that work there must be skanks!" which seems to be the common opinion. I was always jealous, though, of the care-free attitude and confidence that the girls who work there exuded. I'm not super self-conscious but the idea of having men stare at my boobs and ass all day is kind of daunting.

Putting my fears aside, I applied for the job as a server at my local Hooters restaurant. I copied the e-mail address in the ad into the "To:" line, wrote a quick paragraph telling a little bit about myself, attached my resume and a recent picture of myself, took a deep breath and clicked send. I had a moment of panic right after. WHAT AM I DOING??? I calmed myself down. Okay think about it... great tips, meeting girls around my own age to hang out with and I would be a Hooters Girl... The last one was probably the most exciting to me. Those girls are HOT!

Not even 2 hours after I sent in my application I got a call from the manager... let's call him R3. Anyways R3 said that he had received my application and wanted me to come in for an interview the next day. I was surprised that he had called so quickly after I sent my application. I was definitely not expecting that but I quashed my nervousness and pretended to be brave. The next day I would go at noon for my interview with him.

I wasn't really sure what to wear. I didn't want to look trashy but I needed to make sure they saw that I wouldn't look too bad in the unforgiving hot pants and tank top combo. I decided on my favorite dark jeans and a fairly low cut black silk top belted at the waist. I probably should have worn heels but those are all in a box somewhere and I really didn't have time to find them. So black flats it was.

       I left pretty early hoping to be there about 5 or 10 minutes before I was supposed to have my interview. I have the worst luck though so there was construction and traffic pretty much the whole way there. If I knew my way around better I would have taken a different route but I think that would have made my situation much worse.

        I got there pretty much right on time which irked me because I always like to be a bit early. I'm often over-prepared so this kind of situation stressed me out. R3 didn't seem to notice and was super friendly and welcoming. I was immediately comfortable around him which made the whole interview much easier.

       I'm a pretty outgoing person and I'm not usually shy but in interviews I tend to be a bit more reserved than what I'm typically like. My greatest fear going in to this interview was that this would happen. Being shy doesn't cut it at Hooters. I have never seen a girl there who wasn't super outgoing and bubbly so I knew that, if anything, I had to be much more exuberant than I actually am. Thankfully, because of  R3's friendliness, I was able to relax and become a slightly more smiley and bubbly version of myself. 

      He asked a few questions that I've never gotten before in an interview but are completely relevant to the job like if I had anyone in my life (parent, sibling, boy/girlfriend) who would object to me working there, if I was comfortable with wearing the uniform or if I would cry the second I tried it on and also if I was aware that most peoples' preconceived notions of Hooters wasn't accurate. Other than that the interview felt more like a conversation than a Q&A period. I was relieved. And apparently I did fairly well because I'm headed back tomorrow for a second interview. Wish me luck!