The line at the Orland Park Hooters was already getting close to the door before the first Sharpie pen clicked open. People showed up early for the 2026 Hooters Calendar signing on Saturday, Nov. 15, and the mix included regulars who knew exactly where to stand, curious first timers, and families who made an afternoon out of it.
Many came specifically to support the two local models from Orland Park featured in this year’s calendar, Grace and Casey. Seeing familiar faces on the pages added a layer of hometown pride to the event.
The excitement made sense. The 2026 edition marks 40 years of the Hooters Calendar, a tradition that has kept growing. This year’s version features more than 200 Hooters Girls from around the world, includes over $100 in coupons, and donates $1 from every calendar sold to support the fight against breast cancer.
For fans, the calendar blends nostalgia, community spirit, and a surprising amount of practical value.
When Stephanie Martinez, the marketing manager for the region, was asked why the calendar still matters, the answer came through in the way she talked about the girls.
“Being in the uniform is like putting on a superhero outfit,” she said. “It gives the girls confidence and helps them express themselves.”
She acknowledged the stereotypes that follow the brand, but she sees something different every day. The girls she works with are balancing school, part-time jobs, families, and long term goals. Some are studying to be nurses or lawyers. Some want careers in aviation. Many use the job to build people skills and confidence that carry over into the rest of their lives.
The calendar gives them a moment to shine and a chance to meet supporters who see them for more than a photo.
Then there is the part that catches people off guard. The coupons. The calendar is packed with more than $100 in deals.
Anyone who considers themselves a coupon queen or king will feel right at home. Fans get more than the legendary classic wings, too. Those wings have a reputation, and while they have not been personally tested here, people in line insisted they are the chef’s kiss of the place.
Martinez also pointed to the community work that often happens quietly behind the scenes. The day before the signing, a handful of calendar girls volunteered at the Outreach House in Lombard. They sorted clothing donations, helped stock the food pantry, and spent the afternoon assisting local families.
Martinez said this type of outreach is one of her favorite parts of her job. Hooters also has a hotline for employees facing hardships and helps provide essentials for staff and their families. It is not the part that usually gets talked about, but it plays a significant role in the company culture.
The afternoon was upbeat, and fans had plenty of chances to chat, get their calendars signed, and even pose for photos with the girls.
Forty years in, the calendar is still going strong. It brings people together, supports a real cause, and remains a cornerstone of opportunity for the girls who take part.
