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 13% 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 66 reviews)); "Great people to work with" ((in 38 reviews)); "The pay is good and reliable." ((in 36 reviews)); "Great leadership and systems in place to succeed." ((in 17 reviews)); "Lots of overtime, great team to work with" ((in 10 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)); "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 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

1.0

Feb 8, 2024

Overworked

Runner

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The starting pay is decent.

Cons

No pay raise or annual review. I've been working for RA as a permanent employee for a private business as a food catering for over a year and I haven't gotten any employee review for a raise. They keep adding more and more responsibilities to your existing ones without adjusting their expectations on when you are supposed to finish everything.

Restaurant Associates Response

2y

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. I am sorry your experience with RA did not match with our Culture of CARE promise. We'd like to learn more about your experience and how we can improve. Please email us at info@restaurantassociates.com

5.0

Feb 3, 2024

Great place to work

Event captain

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

There are many opportunities for growth in this field.

Cons

None that I can think of

Restaurant Associates Response

2y

We are so excited that you have chosen Restaurant Associates and took the time to let us know how excited and connected you feel as being part of the R/A Family! We are especially happy to hear that your experience exemplifies our Culture of CARE, Core Values that Caring for our People FIRST are at the heart of what we believe in. Please continue to let us know how you feel info@restaurantassociates.com

5.0

Jan 13, 2024

Great workplace

Food server

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great management and good opportunities.

Cons

schedule can change every week.

Restaurant Associates Response

2y

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience about your time with R/A. 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

Viewing 94 - 96 of 683 Reviews

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Jobs at Restaurant Associates

SERVER ASSISTANT (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

DISHWASHER (FULL AND PART TIME)

CATERING ATTENDANT (ON CALL)

HOST/HOSTESS (FULL TIME)