Let’s be honest with ourselves for a moment – very few of us choose to go to Hooters for the quality of the food. Sure, the wings, fries and onion rings are tasty enough but as far as memorable culinary experiences go… well, that’s not really the point is it?

Image credits: ViralHog

However, what you do expect from any restaurant are cleanliness, food safety and good hygiene. All of these things were called into question recently after a video of a Hooters kitchen, secretly filmed by a customer, went viral for all the wrong reasons.

Image credits: ViralHog

“I proceeded to sit at the far end of the bar next to where servers receive food and drinks from behind the bar,” Kurt Fortner said when sharing the video to ViralHog. “My intentions were to have a few adult beverages and possibly some of their wings. To my surprise, I noticed multiple health and safety violations. Ranging from raw chicken on the floor, dirty drinks left on the counter. Even cleaning out the bottom of the fryer with the same utensils used for food service.”

Image credits: ViralHog

“I witnessed three managers on duty two in the front of the house and one in the back of the house. That is the time I took the video discreetly without being noticed. I end up leaving without ordering any food.”

Image credits: ViralHog

You can’t really blame him for leaving, can you? The video has been viewed almost 75k times since the incident took place back in November 2017 at a Hooters in Hampton, Virginia. We can only hope that steps have been taken to rectify the situation!

Speaking to Bored Panda, Kurt said that he’s never gone back to the restaurant, and doesn’t intend to in the future. “There was too much cross-contamination, food was being cooked with the same utensils used to clean out the bottom of the fryer,” he told us. “They would quickly transition from chicken wing prep to plating with no glove change or washing of their hands.”

“It was disgusting and I worked at Ruby Tuesdays so I have seen shady and understand what service should be. Too many people are focused upon attractive females instead of good work practices, which is unfortunate because Hooters itself has OK food.”

Image credits: ViralHog

Kurt and his wife Lisa run Poseidon Aquatic Services, a swimming pool and hot tub business based in Virginia. He knows what it takes to instill good business practices in order to run a successful team. “Coming from a business owner, problems start at the top,” he said. “If you watch the video the employees are programmed to do bad practices it’s been neglected for so long it’s normal now.”

“Hooters focus is more on the girls and their appearance, they have some of the oldest equipment around, for example, a tennis ball and string with receipts. We have one left in our area and this is it. Before long this will be shutting down.”

“Like I said it starts with leadership, it starts at the top.”

Image credits: ViralHog

Since the very first Hooters opened in Clearwater, Florida in 1983, the chain has gone on to open over 400 ‘breasterants’ in 28 countries. The main feature has always been the scantily clad servers with their low-cut tops and tight orange shorts, who are meant to represent the “All-American Cheerleader” and the “Girl Next Door.”

“Much more than just a pretty face, Hooters girls have game,” the franchise website says. “They’re intelligent and attentive, using their energy, experience and personalities to serve guests everywhere to live in the moment and take a break from the outside world.”

However, the brand has become outdated and increasingly irrelevant in this day and age, with the younger generation less sold on the blatant objectification of women. Business Insider reported that the number of Hooters restaurants have decreased and sales stagnated, forcing the chain to change its marketing strategy. Perhaps they could start by cleaning their kitchens a little better?

Watch the shocking video for yourself below

Image credits: ViralHog

What do you think? Would you still eat at a Hooters? Is the franchise still relevant for the easygoing atmosphere and no-frills fun they provide? Or is it outdated, seedy and increasingly out of touch with the younger generations? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!

Here’s what people had to say about the incident

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