Pros
-Your coworkers will mostly be young, outgoing, dynamic people. I made a lot of friends when I worked there, many of which I still have. -You get a 20% discount at all Lettuce places, and a 50% discount for ones in your specific division (! amazing) -If you're good at multi-tasking and you can handle big crowds, all the while staying amicable to your tables, the money can be really good. That said, apply right before the summer months, which is always their busiest time. -The River North division is considerably more collaborative and innovative than other ones in the company, and the partners are approachable and for the most part friendly. -Good reports of company insurance, though I personally never had it -If you show enough interest, there are training opportunities to up your rank in the restaurant, but you have to be persistent
Cons
-Managers (though not all) were far more concerned with their problems than that of their staff, which oftentimes made for a somber, demoralizing environment. -Micro-managing was also a huge problem. It's confusing to be in a heavily-independent atmosphere with someone sporadically breathing down your neck whenever they are in a bad mood. -The money can be good, but the general upkeep involving this job is very expensive. You have to be really, really smart with how you spend and save your money. I spent an unfathomable amount of my tips just paying for cab rides home from work at 4am, take out/delivery (no time to buy groceries, zero energy to cook), constantly buying new work clothes, chiropractic treatments (kills your back), and most of all-- going out with co-workers afterwards and being careless with bar tabs. 'Tis a slippery slope! -The hours are not regular, despite what you may be told-- especially in slower months. You have to be VERY assertive with your scheduling manager(s), as they may have to be reminded 4 or 5 times that you can never work Wednesday nights, or that you absolutely have to be full-time to be eligible for insurance.
