This as-told-to narrative draws from extensive conversations between Business Insider journalists Liz Rowley and Jess Orwig and Lynne Austin, now sixty-four years old, who became a living emblem of the Hooters brand as its very first official Hooters Girl. Austin’s reflections, refined for coherence and concision, reveal not only the origins of an unmistakable American franchise but also the evolution of a personal journey spanning more than four decades.
From the moment she donned the signature orange shorts and white tank top, Lynne Austin embraced a role that would soon transcend its modest beginnings. She has often expressed enduring pride in being the original Hooters Girl from day one — a title that, at the time, meant little more than a fun new opportunity. There was no inkling among those early pioneers that Hooters would grow from a single beachside restaurant into an internationally known cultural phenomenon.
Austin’s entry into the world of Hooters dates back to 1983, when she was a twenty-two-year-old telephone operator supplementing her income by participating in bikini contests along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Her life pivoted dramatically after she won one such event at Clearwater Beach. Shortly after, a secretary for Ed Droste — one of the founders of Hooters — approached her, introducing an idea that would alter her future. The woman suggested Austin would be ideal as the promotional or “billboard” girl for a new restaurant concept that Droste and his partners planned to launch. Unsure what the role entailed, Austin accepted the business card politely and thought little more of it.
Two months later, while driving to another bikini competition, she unexpectedly spotted a construction sign announcing, “Coming soon: Hooters.” Something about that bold orange lettering and the coincidence of timing compelled her to make a sharp turn into the parking lot, an impulsive decision she later described as the moment that reshaped her entire life.
Although the idea of modeling for a restaurant’s image excited her, the notion of leaving her steady job to work as a waitress seemed less appealing. Yet, Ed Droste’s enthusiasm and his promises of possible “world fame” persuaded her to take a leap of faith. Austin decided to take a chance, unaware that she was stepping into a role that would soon define a brand and influence popular culture.
By July 1983, she had resigned from her telecommunications position, anticipating Hooters’ grand opening in early August. However, bureaucratic licensing delays extended the wait, and as weeks turned into months without an opening date or income, Austin’s anxiety grew. When September arrived and the restaurant was still closed, she approached Droste for assistance. He directed her to fellow co-founder Gil DiGiannantonio, who found temporary work for her—scrubbing refrigerators, ovens, and various kitchen fixtures for $5 an hour. Those long, uncertain days spent cleaning equipment represented both a test of commitment and the humble origins of a brand soon to boom.
When the first Hooters restaurant finally opened its doors in October, the atmosphere was markedly different from the polished dining establishments that exist today. No one, staff or patrons alike, truly knew what to expect. Operations were often spontaneous, experimental, and conducted in a spirit of barely managed chaos that somehow only added to the charm. Austin remembered instances such as when Gil nearly fired a waitress named Brenda for using excessive supplies — pulling entire rolls of paper towels across the restaurant to deliver napkins — but Austin argued that this kind of humor and playfulness defined their identity. Brenda stayed, and that spirit of lively entertainment became part of Hooters’ DNA.
Those first months were a whirlwind of trial and error. Business was slow, and Austin worked double or even triple shifts with little financial reward but enormous enthusiasm. The team experimented tirelessly with ways to attract attention and bring in customers. The turning point arrived about six months later, during the spring break of 1984, when demand exploded almost overnight. Lines formed outside the doors, often stretching for hours. What had started as a local joint quickly transformed into a social destination and cultural talking point. Austin described the rapid escalation in popularity as something she had never experienced before or since — a meteoric rise fueled by the perfect blend of marketing audacity and youthful energy.
Central to that success was Hooters’ unconventional approach to publicity. Ed Droste spearheaded creative marketing stunts with fearless determination. At dawn, staff would deliver trays of chicken wings to local radio stations, hoping for a chance at on-air mentions. Though many attempts were met with closed doors initially, persistence paid off. One particularly memorable stunt involved Ed and Brenda painting the word “Hooters” in large orange letters onto a capsized boat visible from the bustling Courtney Campbell Causeway between Tampa and Clearwater. Droste himself even stood outside the restaurant dressed in a chicken costume, cheerfully beckoning passersby to visit.
Meanwhile, Austin’s image featured prominently on billboards showcasing the instantly recognizable outfit — the orange shorts, white tank top, and confident smile. This marketing move, amplified further by her later appearance in Playboy magazine, garnered explosive publicity and cemented both Austin’s and Hooters’ place in the realm of Americana. Before long, her likeness appeared not only on advertisements but also on taxis, delivery trucks, and promotional posters nationwide. It was surreal for Austin to see her photograph traveling alongside the brand’s growth, turning her into an enduring symbol of its identity.
As Hooters flourished, Austin’s role naturally expanded beyond waitressing. She became involved in grand openings of new franchises, contributed to the company’s annual calendar, and participated in corporate events that celebrated the brand’s evolution. Her tenure also intersected with pivotal cultural moments, such as dropping the flag at the historic Hooters 500 NASCAR race and marching on Washington, D.C., in 1995 to protest the sex bias lawsuit against Hooters.
Austin readily acknowledges that sex appeal was a deliberate aspect of Hooters’ appeal, yet she emphasizes that the restaurant and its staff represent far more than aesthetics. For her, the company has always symbolized camaraderie, opportunity, and empowerment. Over forty-two years, the relationships she formed became familial in every sense. Her fellow Hooters Girls were not merely colleagues but lifelong friends and sisters, sharing personal milestones — some stood as bridesmaids at her wedding or held her hand during the births of her children. This sense of enduring unity continues to define her connection to the brand.
After seven years of serving as both waitress and guest bartender, Austin transitioned into broadcasting, securing roles in radio and local television. Even outside the restaurant, she continued to represent and promote Hooters with characteristic enthusiasm. Looking back, she credits her journey as not just a professional adventure but a formative experience that shaped her identity and career. She remains actively engaged with the organization, frequently judging pageants and contributing to calendar selections. To Austin, her time with Hooters has been nothing short of extraordinary — a lifetime ride filled with laughter, growth, and unforgettable moments, second only to the joy of raising her four children.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-lynne-austin-became-original-hooters-girl-no-regrets-2025-12
