Is Restaurant Associates a good company to work for?

Restaurant Associates has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5, based on over 712 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has decreased by 14% over the last 12 months. 66% of employees would recommend working at Restaurant Associates to a friend and 69% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about Restaurant Associates have been left by employees working as General Manager , Executive Chef and Assistant General Manager .

Does Restaurant Associates pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Restaurant Associates employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.7 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Restaurant Associates. This rating has decreased by 13% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Restaurant Associates?

66% of Restaurant Associates employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Restaurant Associates 3.7 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.7 for culture and values and 3.9 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Restaurant Associates?

Executive Chef (35) , General Manager (34) , Butler (25) , Cook (21) , Director (20) , Cafe Manager (19) , Manager (19) , Sous Chef (18) , Catering Manager (17) , Line Cook (13) , Chef (12) , Assistant General Manager (11) , Food Service Director (8) , Regional Director of Operations (8) , Catering Attendant (7)

What are the pros of working at Restaurant Associates according to real employee reviews?

"Good benefits when in union unit" ((in 70 reviews)); "Great people to work with" ((in 40 reviews)); "The pay is good and reliable." ((in 37 reviews)); "Great leadership and systems in place to succeed." ((in 21 reviews)); "The dedication to training and development is like none I've witnessed and the" ((in 8 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Restaurant Associates according to real employee reviews?

"Poor management; corner" ((in 33 reviews)); "Managers are horrible, they look for a reason to fire you before you get into the union" ((in 19 reviews)); "Long hours and you pay for parking" ((in 15 reviews)); "Little to no work life balance" ((in 14 reviews)); "Long hours are expected, sometimes no support." ((in 10 reviews))

What are employees saying about Restaurant Associates layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Restaurant Associates layoffs and their outlook for job security at Restaurant Associates in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Restaurant Associates locations?

New York , Washington , Boston , Kennett Square , Cambridge , Philadelphia , Atlanta , Wilmington , McLean , Chicago , Jersey City , Weehawken , Hyde Park , Ann Arbor , Knoxville , Kennet Sq , Richmond , Leesburg , Clifton Park , Los Angeles , Baltimore , Tysons Corner , Bound Brook , Newark , Princeton , Trenton , Blacksburg , Arlington , Lorton , Albany

Restaurant Associates reviews

3.7

66% would recommend to a friend

(683 total reviews)

Ed Brown

68% approve of CEO

69% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (683 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Restaurant Associates has an employee rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 683 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Restaurant Associates employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Restaurants & Food Service industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

683 reviews

3.0

Aug 24, 2020

Good Money, Good People, Weird Managmnet

Butler

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The pay was good, and if you were cute and diligent you could work in some really amazing places across the city. You could also choose how many jobs to pick up.

Cons

Management had favourites and the hours were sometimes overwhelming with bad staff meals. It's also seasonal so, overwork is encouraged during high season. You also have to pay upfront for your uniform. yikes!

Restaurant Associates Response

5y

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience about RA. We also appreciate you taking the time to provide thoughtful advice that can continue to make us a better organization. From the top down our commitment is to our associates. We strive to promote an environment and create a culture where associates feel they are valued and being heard.

4.0

Aug 22, 2020

Bartender for L'avenue at Saks Fifth Avenue

Server/bartender

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Fun atmosphere, Tough Clientele, Wages are solid during peak seasons

Cons

Lack of Growth, Young/Inexperienced Staff, Business dependent on Retail Climate

Restaurant Associates Response

5y

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience about RA. We also appreciate you taking the time to provide thoughtful advice that can continue to make us a better organization. We care very deeply for our associates and always looking for ways to improve. If you have any further feedback please email us info@restaurantassociates.com

4.0

Aug 21, 2020

Pretty good company

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I’ve been with Restaurant Associates for 10+ years and they have taken very good care of me for the most part.

Cons

Most of the locations I’ve worked with have been very good, except for my current location. The management team at Capital One M2 have this feeling that they can say and do whatever they want without any consequences, because they are management.

Restaurant Associates Response

5y

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience about RA. We also appreciate your thoughtful advice that can continue to make us a better organization. RA’s leadership is committed in promoting a collaborative culture that engages our teams through enthusiasm and excitement around the business. And have already shared your feedback with the RA senior leadership at your location so they can help to break down the barriers that seem to exist at your location. Also, please be sure to join us on our weekly Town Hall meetings where you can ask RA leaders anything that is on your mind. And as always continue to let us know how you feel info@restaurantassociates.com

Viewing 382 - 384 of 683 Reviews

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Jobs at Restaurant Associates

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

DISHWASHER (PART TIME)

DISHWASHER (PART TIME)

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)