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?

"Great benefits and the company encourages growth from within." ((in 64 reviews)); "Great people to work with" ((in 41 reviews)); "The pay is good and reliable." ((in 40 reviews)); "Great leadership and systems in place to succeed." ((in 20 reviews)); "Staff are friendly." ((in 9 reviews))

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

"Poor management; corner" ((in 34 reviews)); "Managers are horrible, they look for a reason to fire you before you get into the union" ((in 18 reviews)); "Little to no work life balance" ((in 14 reviews)); "Long hours and you pay for parking" ((in 14 reviews)); "Long hours are expected, sometimes no support." ((in 11 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

4.0

Aug 27, 2019

Quality organization

Executive chef

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The leadership of RA is positive and respectful. They demonstrate they care and take pride in the company. I always had a positive experience when dealing with the CEO, Senior Leaders, and Culinary Leadership from corporate. Great people.

Cons

Unit leadership was not supportive for managers, created and pushed a toxic environment. Development on site was not supportive of growth. Promotions based on friendships rather than qualifications. Unit leadership supported a "do as I say, not as I do" direction.

Restaurant Associates Response

6y

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. Because taking care of associates is at the heart of our core values, we strive to ensure our associates have equal access to growth and development opportunities. I am disappointed to hear your individual experience was not part of what we promote and encourage you to provide further feedback, please email us info@restaurantassociates.com

4.0

Aug 26, 2019

Just another worker bee

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Brilliant visions and energy. There is no doubt about the longevity and success of RA’s future.

Cons

Work/life balance is a challenge for those in a higher position.

Restaurant Associates Response

6y

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.

5.0

Aug 23, 2019

Amazing!

Senior catering manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

There are always so many opportunities to go within the company, they truly look to promote from within!

Cons

The HR help desk can be very frustrating!

Restaurant Associates Response

6y

Thank you for rating RA a 5! We appreciate your input and are so happy to hear how much you are enjoying being part of the RA Family. Our leadership strives to promote our CARE Culture. If you have any further feedback we should better understand about the HR Help desk, please email us info@restaurantassociates.com thank you!!

Viewing 475 - 477 of 683 Reviews

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Jobs at Restaurant Associates

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

DISHWASHER (PART TIME)

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)