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 62 reviews)); "Great people to work with" ((in 39 reviews)); "The pay is good and reliable." ((in 38 reviews)); "Great leadership and systems in place to succeed." ((in 21 reviews)); "Great work life balance" ((in 15 reviews))

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

"Poor management; corner" ((in 35 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 13 reviews)); "Long hours are expected, sometimes no support." ((in 10 reviews)); "Senior management is giving way to many units to over see." ((in 5 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

Jul 25, 2022

Holy Moly

Restaurant server

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

What else can I say but holy moly. I have been working with restaurant associates since 2016 and every day I wake up with a smile on my face knowing I’m going to work with the company that was created for me since the day I was born. What are the pros of working with RA you ask? It’s existence.

Cons

Can’t think of 5 cons.

Restaurant Associates Response

3y

YEAH!! We couldn't be more excited that your are excited with a BIG SMILE! thank you for all that you do and know how much you are appreciated! thank you

5.0

Jul 25, 2022

Management is key

Server/waitress

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The management cares about all of us and make it a positive experience to come to work, they make you feel wanted and appreciated everyday. ALSO, we’re allowed to eat anything from the cafe! It’s a win win!

Cons

Sometimes we can’t sit down between shifts, it’s tiring for a double

Restaurant Associates Response

3y

We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with the R/A Family. 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 R/A's hospitality vision. When we CARE, we Connect, Anticipate, Respect and Exceed. Please continue to let us know how you feel info@restaurantassociates.com

5.0

Jul 25, 2022

Employee satisfaction

Server/waitress

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Management does their best to work with part time schedules to accommodate staff. A work/life balance is very important to me personally. I love the flexibility I have working with restaurant associates.

Cons

Sometimes left feeling a bit burnt out from the long hard days.

Restaurant Associates Response

3y

We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience of 20 years with the R/A Family. Congratulations! We are especially happy to hear of your confidence in Leadership and our Passion around creating an inspired environment not only around food but in promoting 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 166 - 168 of 683 Reviews

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Jobs at Restaurant Associates

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

CATERING ATTENDANT (ON CALL)

FOOD SERVICE UTILITY (FULL TIME)

FOOD SERVICE WORKER (FULL TIME)

CATERING ATTENDANT (FULL TIME)