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 66 reviews)); "The pay is good and reliable." ((in 40 reviews)); "Great people to work with" ((in 39 reviews)); "Great leadership and systems in place to succeed." ((in 20 reviews)); "staff is great, laid back and easy" ((in 11 reviews))

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

"Poor management; corner" ((in 32 reviews)); "Managers are horrible, they look for a reason to fire you before you get into the union" ((in 18 reviews)); "Long hours and you pay for parking" ((in 14 reviews)); "Little to no work life balance" ((in 13 reviews)); "Long hours are expected, sometimes no support." ((in 9 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

5.0

Dec 15, 2017

Restaurant Associates; tremendous company to work for!! An entire career's worth of opportunity!

Executive chef

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Restaurant Associates is the industry leader in contract food service management. RA has a portfolio filled with a rich history of running some of the most iconic restaurant operations on a local and national scale. They have collaborated with some of the world’s best brands to create award winning café concepts and continue to be industry leaders in food service management.

Cons

I should have joined the organization sooner in my career.

Restaurant Associates Response

8y

Thank you for taking the time to provide such a thoughtful review. We appreciate your input and are so happy to hear how much you are enjoying being part of the RA Family. If you have any further feedback please email us info@restaurantassociates.com .

5.0

Dec 12, 2017

Hospitality excellence

Executive chef

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Restaurant Associates has a lot to offer, from corporate dining, restaurants, museums and catering, it’s truly the ultimate hospitality company to work for. It’s a corporate company run by passionate chefs and hospitality professionals. The exposure and opportunities that await you in this company are endless. I have found that if you work hard, never stop learning and get involved with what’s going on in the company you will find so many doors opening on your career path!

Cons

There are no bad comments I can make.

Restaurant Associates Response

8y

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience about RA. We are excited that your first 3 years with us have been so positive. We strive to provide a culture where associates feel they are valued and have growth opportunities. If you have any further feedback, please email us info@restaurantassociates.com

5.0

Dec 12, 2017

Top notch employer for Culinary and Dining services

Dining services director

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The company embraces development, career advancement, recognizing achievements, opportunity to work in the bast locations in NYC and beyond. Business is growing rapidly.

Cons

I’m am pleased and any suggestions I give to my VP is respectfully acknowledged.

Restaurant Associates Response

8y

We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience of 5 years with the RA Family. We are especially happy to hear that Leadership in your VP, takes the time to listen to your ideas. We strive to promote a collaborative culture that engages our teams through enthusiasm and excitement around the business. If you have any further feedback please email us info@restaurantassociates.com .

Viewing 556 - 558 of 683 Reviews

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Jobs at Restaurant Associates

SETUP SERVER (PART TIME)

EVENT CATERING WAIT STAFF (ON CALL)

HOST/HOSTESS (FULL TIME)

HOST/HOSTESS (FULL TIME)

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)