Great money, not extremely flexible - - Olive Garden - Server Darden Employee Review

4.0
Jun 18, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

averaged about $20/ hour. Manager's performances are tracked by corporate so they do care how there employees are fairing, and are very willing to train. Managers are serious about helping your fellow servers, so each day you are designated a partner. If you get really busy, you can request your partner to aid you.

Cons

Barely any break betweens shifts when working a double, especially if your the last to get off from the morning shift. The managers will sometimes coerce you into working a double by offering a free meal, but often times there is no time to eat it between lunch and dinner shift, so you end up standing up in the "break" room (it's more of a coat room where they purposely remove the chairs so no one can get too relaxed back there) scarfing down the meal. Depending on the location, its not common that the servers will have time for a break. There is no one to cover your tables, and with people waiting to sit, there's no way your taking a break, which can be tough on the smokers. Required to give a portion of your tips to the bussers and bartenders.

Explore other reviews about Darden

5.0
Jul 9, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Professional development Training Benefits Colleagues

Cons

Hours Holidays No respect for work life balance

3.0
Jul 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The overall pay is good

Cons

Work life balance Leadership not the best on smaller brands Heavy work load

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