Longer than expected - Waiter- Olive Garden Restaurant Darden Employee Review

4.0
Apr 6, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

* Management works well with schedule * No side work! * Good benefits: stocks, 401K, medical, dental, personal aid -even for part-time workers * min. plus tips- pretty good tips depending on certain factors... * Advancement available to the willing

Cons

* Very Corporate setting & Regs * Soup, Salad, & breadsticks (need I say more) * Never ending pasta bowl (need I say more) * New tip share system ( Good if you don't like to tip out adequately, bad for bartenders and bussers) * Don't always get recognized for performance * Management takes " customer is always right " to the extreme! ( which is good I guess in this economy. Although many instances they get pissed on by guests)

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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