Low pay even for very experienced servers - Server Darden Employee Review

1.0
Aug 10, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company offers benefits, vacation days for full-time employees, lots of restaurants with a transfer program if you want to change restaurants or move to a different city. Good, thorough training program. Pretty flexible about scheduling.

Cons

Poor management, bad pay (I've worked at 4 different restaurants and the rate of pay and gratuities at Olive Garden was the lowest I EVER experienced in the industry). Excessively critical of your every move...micromanagement in a restaurant which is pretty uncommon.

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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