Pretty good company - Waiter/Bartender/Certified Trainer Darden Employee Review

4.0
Sep 29, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

All full time employees are eligible for benefits from day one. This is rare in the restaurant industry as you are lucky to even receive benefits as a waiter at most restaurants, much less the good benefits offered by Darden. They offer 401K, Medical, Vision, Dental, savings plans etc. All full time employees automatically get a weeks vacation. They are good about making sure you get desired time off as long as it is submitted in a reasonable amount of time. Darden also does a good job of making sure you have time off for taking care of sensitive family issues.

Cons

It is hard to advance from waiter to manager and you often feel as if you are being strung along. Once you receive the promotion you are typically transferred to a small town.

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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