Hooters, the American restaurant chain renowned for its chicken wings and distinctive service style, has recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This development marks a significant chapter in the brand’s storied history, reflecting broader shifts in the casual dining landscape.
Table of Hooters Girls
The Birth and Rise of Hooters
Before Instagram models and influencer culture dominated our feeds, there was the original girl-next-door turned glam icon — the Hooters Girls. Known for their bubbly charm, signature uniforms, and calendar-worthy looks, many of these women went far beyond the restaurant floor.
With Hooters recently filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2025 — marking the end of an era for many — it’s the perfect time to look back and celebrate the top 10 Hooters Girls who built empires, owned their image, and became icons in their own right.
🎥 Want the full visual rundown?
We turned this list into a short, cinematic video — complete with rare photos, celebrity flashbacks, and the ultimate Hooters glow-ups.
👑 1. Amy Adams
Yes, that Amy Adams. Before her red carpet glow-ups and six Academy Award nominations, Amy was rocking orange shorts and serving wings at just 18. She once joked that she took the job just to save up for a car — but we’re sure she could buy a whole fleet now.
🌟 2. Holly Madison
The original Girl Next Door, Holly worked at a Santa Monica Hooters while chasing her Hollywood dreams. From Playboy Mansion fame to bestselling author, she’s the definition of glow-up.
🥋 3. The Bella Twins (Brie & Nikki)
WWE powerhouses and total TV queens, these fierce sisters slayed the Hooters scene before body-slamming stereotypes in the ring. Talk about tag team ambition!
📸 4. Chrissy Teigen
Before becoming a Sports Illustrated darling and kitchen goddess, Chrissy was behind a Hooters bar, mastering customer charm long before Twitter fame.
🎤 5. Leeann Tweeden
From modeling in Hooters calendars to hosting Fox Sports Net, Leeann brought her sports savvy and glamour to screens across America.
🔥 6. Jerri Manthey
Before sparking Survivor drama, Jerri was featured in Hooters Magazine with country star Vince Gill. Her Hooters-to-reality-TV path is pure 2000s gold.
🎶 7. Katrina Darrell
Known as “Bikini Girl” from American Idol, Katrina knew how to make an entrance. But her confidence was sharpened long before the stage — at Hooters, of course.
💍 8. Anna Burns
The 2005 Miss Hooters International, Anna went from cover star to NFL wife after marrying Wes Welker. Pageant queen with a sporty twist.
🍼 9. Samantha Burke
Before making headlines for her daughter with actor Jude Law, Samantha was working tables in Florida’s sun-soaked Hooters scene.
🏆 10. Janet Layug
The 2014 Miss Hooters International didn’t stop at glam — she slayed the fitness world too, becoming an elite IFBB Pro and global fitness icon.
🧡 End of Hooters Girls?
As Hooters restructures during bankruptcy, many locations are closing or changing hands — a nostalgic blow for fans of the iconic chain. But while the brand may be in flux, its influence — and the unforgettable women who made it shine — is here to stay.
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The full Hooters Girls gallery is available Fotium, featuring rare photos, retro ads, and a bonus mini-interview with a former Hooters Girls.
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💌 Got a favorite Hooters memory or model? Tell us in the comments or DM us on Instagram!
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