Olive Garden: Latest Job Openings, Reviews and Ratings & Profile wise Salary Distribution

Olive Garden Careers & Info

Current CEO: Dan Kiernan

Status: Active

Olive Garden is part of the Darden family of restaurants that also includes Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze, and Seasons 52. Darden Restaurants, Inc. operates more than 1,900 restaurants and employs approximately 180,000 people. Since opening in 1982, the Orlando, Florida, based restaurant chain has opened 750 Olive Garden restaurants in the United States and six in Canada.

Offering Italian-inspired meals that include pasta dishes, steaks and salads, Olive Garden strives to provide a casual atmosphere with an emphasis on value. To enhance the Italian dining experience, Darden created a center to inspire and develop its Olive Garden staff. Founded in 1999, the Olive Garden’s Culinary Institute of Tuscany educates managers and team members about the Italian culture. Team members are expected to educate guests about pairing wine with their meal and be familiar with specific Italian cuisine dishes. Effort to train team members has helped to enhance the Olive Garden culture, increasing employee satisfaction and guest loyalty.

Training is also available through internships for students that are pursuing hospitality degrees. After an interview process, interns and future managers are able to rotate through hourly and management positions in the restaurant. They are also able to interact with individuals and executives of the company. Darden currently has partnerships with Duke University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and the University of Florida. This opportunity allows interns and team members to increase their knowledge of operations and develop leadership skills.

One of the perks of working at Olive Garden is that team members are paid on a weekly basis. In addition, they also receive a 25 percent discount for themselves and up to seven family members or friends when dining at an Olive Garden restaurant. During shift hours, team members receive a 50 percent discount. Some Olive Garden benefits, such as health insurance and disability coverage, begin on the first day of employment. Flexible work schedules are also provided, allowing time for family and school.

No matter what position team members hold, Olive Garden careers allow them the opportunity to be part of a committed team. Support is given to all employees so that they can develop skills and move into leadership roles within the company. Through promoting a superior dining experience for guests and working in a team-oriented environment, they can gain valuable knowledge of the restaurant industry and strengthen career goals.

What jobs pay the most at Olive Garden?

General Manager is the highest paying job at Olive Garden at $64,000 annually.