Hooters Faces Discrimination Lawsuit Over Racial Bias in Rehiring Practices

Hooters of America is facing a federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) after a Greensboro location allegedly re-hired mostly white or light-skinned servers following COVID-19 layoffs. The lawsuit claims that Black or dark-skinned servers experienced racial discrimination and hostility from managers, including discriminatory comments and preferential treatment given to white or light-skinned servers. The EEOC is seeking equal employment opportunities for all employees, compensation for the affected former employees, and punitive damages for Hooters' alleged willful conduct.