Third time’s the charm when it comes to Grace Burchett’s glam look.
A bartender who worked at a Fort Myers Beach Hooters in Florida before Hurricane Ian destroyed the restaurant is Miss March in the 2023 Hooters calendar. Burchett, who currently works at the Naples Hooters, has previously appeared on the dialed-in swimsuit calendar twice.
“It was pretty surreal,” he told Fox News Digital about finding out he’d made it to the 2023 edition. “For a moment I thought I couldn’t make it. But it is very special to me. And it means a lot to me because being the face of the company allows me to be more involved in charity events and fundraising. It gives me a bigger platform to represent the company and do good, which I am proud of.”
The American restaurant chain is inviting customers to purchase a calendar to support Operation Calendar Drop. Hooters collects and ships the calendars to active employees deployed throughout the United States and around the world.
According to Hooters, more than 100,000 calendars have been distributed to troops worldwide since 2013. Since the Clearwater, Florida location opened in 1983, the company has supported veterans, service members and service members by raising thousands of dollars for nonprofit military organizations.
It was also noted that $1 of every calendar sold will support the Kelly Jo Dowd Breast Cancer Research Foundation as part of the Give a Hoot fundraising effort. Dowd, the original Hooters girl, died of breast cancer in 2007. The calendar raised more than $1 million.
How did Burchett get into calendar-ready shape while surrounded by the sights and smells of wings all day? He says it’s surprisingly simple.
“I’m a big StairMaster girl,” she laughed. “We move a lot at work, but the StairMaster has been my main workout for the last five years. I sit there and put my headphones on. It’s crazy, but it gives you a great workout. Until you’re done, how many you won’t feel like you’ve worked. If you want to change up your routine, you can’t go wrong with it. It’s also better for your joints. And for me, it’s easier than running.”
The West Virginia University graduate has been busy in other ways, too. She participated in a fundraiser for Valarie House in Fort Myers, Florida. Non-governmental non-profit organization provides grief support to children and families who have lost loved ones.
“[Hooters] It always gives us opportunities to give back locally and internationally,” she said. “Last year we did a raffle to support Valarie’s House. For Christian Academy, we brought supplies like coloring books, school supplies, and feminine hygiene products.It was special because I want to give back to the community as much as I can.
“We have a colleague, one of the guys in our kitchen,” he continued. “He lived behind where Fort Myers Beach is. His house was washed away. He lived with his father in Naples. He also has two children… the company has done a lot to take good care of this man and his family. We are planning to adopt a family for Christmas, to make sure they get a tree and they get into a nice, big Christmas dinner. We also want to make sure she gets gifts for her kids. Considering a terrible event like Hurricane Ian, good things come out of it. I am grateful that we were able to help him and his family. Losing your job is one thing, but losing your home is another. And yet he was very resilient. “
Hooters was first opened by six entrepreneurs with no restaurant experience. Their goal was to launch an establishment with hot wings, cold beer and a big screen TV. Today, more than 420 restaurants can be found in 42 states and 29 countries. Waiters can still be seen in the company’s orange shorts.
Burchett has participated in many fundraisers.
More than 100,000 Hooters calendars were distributed to US military personnel.
Burchett graduated from West Virginia University before working at Hooters.
Burchett used the StairMaster to stay in shape.
Burchett hopes to change what it means to work at Hooters.
The West Virginia native said he knows there are still misconceptions about his work. Burchett said he hopes to change that narrative.
“I’d say the company has worked very hard to create a more family-friendly environment as we celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2023,” he said. “There will always be people who are critical and may not have seen a family-friendly environment in the places they’ve been. But I’m proud of where I work, which makes it a priority. There are always going to be people who give you a hard time … I feel like we have a really good support system.
“We also have a good relationship with our permanent staff,” he continued. “Over the years, we’ve built a great relationship. Some of these people became lifelong friends. They are really nice people. And being in Florida, it’s beautiful year-round… We have a good work ethic here. I know there are stereotypes about working girls here. But we are all working on our levels. We have girls in nursing school, girls in law school, girls working seven days a week to support their families, and girls just saving for the future. I have a business degree and would like to move into a corporate role. My experience is that these girls are hard workers with big dreams. And they’re changing the negative association that can sometimes be associated with Hooters.
Burchett recently participated in a calendar drive that donated $10,500 to the Children’s Advocacy Center in Collier County, Florida, along with books and stuffed animals.
“I wear my uniform with pride and that’s been my experience,” he said.
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