Is Hulk Hogan's Restaurant's Dress Code Racist?
WWE superstar Hulk Hogan has found himself on the defensive after critics slammed his restaurant's strict dress code as "racist." Hogan's Beach—Hulk Hogan's restaurant and nightclub that opened in Tampa, Florida, has been criticized for its dress code, that many say are meant to alienate or exclude certain races, or people who dress in an urban fashion. The list includes, no oversized t-shirts, no excessively baggy attire, no high top sneakers, no hats or visors worn sideways or backward, etc. At the bottom of the long list, there's a final message: "this is a beach party and beach attire is required!" Meaning that baggy jeans or forbidden, but bikinis are encouraged.
Hogan has responded to these claims saying, "I'm no racist!" and told TMZ that he personally put in a call to the restaurant, insisting that the sign be taken down. Although Hogan's name is attached to the restaurant, he claims he had no idea about the sign. The dress code was actually meant to mirror the pool parties/clubs of Florida. In fact, Hulk's restaurant is listed as a restaurant/club, so that makes sense.
At the very least, the list is hypocritical. It bans do-rags and bandanas, but the wrestler is pictured on the front of the restaurant wearing a do-rag.
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Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter@JoannaFantozzi