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 67 reviews)); "The pay is good and reliable." ((in 46 reviews)); "Great people to work with" ((in 41 reviews)); "Great leadership and systems in place to succeed." ((in 21 reviews)); "Great support and training!" ((in 9 reviews))

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

"Poor management; corner" ((in 36 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 15 reviews)); "Little to no work life balance" ((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

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Restaurant Associates

Part of Compass Group USA

Restaurant Associates reviews

3.7

66% would recommend to a friend

(118 total reviews)

Ed Brown

68% approve of CEO

69% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

4.1

Diversity & inclusion

3.9

Career opportunities

3.7

Culture & values

3.7

Work/Life balance

3.7

Compensation and benefits

3.3

Senior management

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

118 reviews

Reviews about "Compensation"

Return to all reviews

2.0

Oct 8, 2020

A lot of work no significant pay.

Catering manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good food in most units and good 401 k Match

Cons

They constantly do contracts knowing that they can't meet clients expectations by offering high quality services but unable to afford the services. After they get the contract and open a unit they start firing staff and overworking the staff that they keep. They constantly add responsibilities to staff with no pay raise, its all take it or leave it.

Restaurant Associates Response

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 and to provide a competitive salary. We encourage you to provide further feedback, so that we can better understand your individual concerns, please email us info@restaurantassociates.com

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

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

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

Viewing 64 - 66 of 118 Reviews

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Jobs at Restaurant Associates

RECEPTIONIST - HOURLY (FULL TIME)

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

RECEPTIONIST - HOURLY (PART TIME)

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

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Ratings by category

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Reviews about "Compensation"

A lot of work no significant pay.

Good Money, Good People, Weird Managmnet

Bartender for L'avenue at Saks Fifth Avenue

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