Darden Employer Reviews

I am a server and my job is it serve the guest meaning I provide them with whatever they need to insure that their experience is excellent.

Darden is in every market and now only has room to grow INTL. This means for all you servers, bussers, hosts and cooks that they will now find a way to become more efficient and grow sales in each of their existing locations. In states that the server min wage is low, managers will cut more expensive kitchen staff, and bussers and ask servers to do – more... more side work in the kitchen and at your tables. Out of the three restaurants that I have worked for (California Pizza Kitchen, Outback Steakhouse & Red Lobster) you will be better off going to CPK or Outback. They provide a positive fun environment and FANTASTIC management. – less

Red Lobster has been around for over 40 years. They have tried about every approach to casual dining. The company has owned multiple other chains. They have got it down to a science.

the hardest part of job was the beverages as a server you have to wait on bar tender the best part was the satifieing the guest

Darden has grown considerably in the last 10 years. Even during the recession they still were opening restuarants. There is a variety of areas you can work within this company. They are becoming very "corporate" so with that there is a lot of politics and over management.

I would not recommend anyone to start entry level for this company due to lack of inconsitency with mangement team and lacadasical wait and kitchen staff.

successfully fulfilling our guest needs and orders. Helping team member through out the shift.

This was a contract position. Overall there was decent pay, but no benefits and the position was repetitive.

Good place for a single man with no home life. very difficult for a woman with children and a husband.

Professional environment with everything a staff member needs to succeed.
Bill Darden is a pro in his commercial development field. Extremely detailed.
Learned that Southern courtesy does not mean slow responsive action
Hardest part of the job was staying glued to phones - live voice to always answer them - no recorded phone system
Most enjoyable part – more... of day was touring a completed project of Darden & Company – less

Company in a whole is great to work for. There are people who do not always have your back and hang you out to dry.

very decent job but dont depend on it being a career unless you are in management.

I was a cetified Trainer and I was under a manager but over the other employees. I had to make sure that all of the host side work and duties were up tp par. It was very hard because no one did side work so I ended up doing it all my my self.

Beautiful office building and large work spaces. Friendly co-workers. Found work responsibilities to be lacking and lack of direction from management. Would of liked to of had more project related work.

Although serving is often hectic the management and other employee's I had the opportunity to work with made it a positive experience.I learned teamwork in a work place environment and how beneficial it is for the advancement of the company and members. I learned how to deal with all types of individuals (happy, angry, difficult etc.)
The most difficult – more... part of the job was dealing with unhappy patrons.
The part I liked most about being a server was being able to interact with all different types of individuals, and helping them have an enjoyable experience.
My co-workers and I were like a big family.
Management was understanding and flexible with schedules because most of the staff were college students. They were very active and helpful with any problems in and outside of work. – less

Great company, great benefits, but not personal. It is a large corporation, so do not expect to advance quickly or be treated as an individual.

I would go in and check my section and prepare to give customers 100% satisfaction. I learned a lot about wine and how to open a bottle of wine. The management was very knowledgeable and helpful. The hardest part of the job was learning the wine. But im very thankful to been apart of the Darden team.

The best part about being a server for me is meeting new people and walking out with cash in hand every day or night. Also, the idea of not knowing if it is going to be a busy or slow night. Many chain restaurants stay busy constantly and never slow down throughout the year. The worst part of the job is probably the wage - 2.43 hr. It is awful, but – more... you almost always make more than enough throughout the week in tips. The job can be very challenging on busy days to very lax during morning/lunch shifts and easy. I have been serving tables for 8+ years now and i've pretty much turned it into a career. I'm looking forward to management in the near future. There is almost always opportunity for growth in the restaurant business as long as your willing, motivated, and hard working. – less

I learned that it takes everyone to do a great job, and that it's not enough to want to good yourself, you have to want everyone to do well to succeed.

Your income is based on your performance. Be a good server and make good money.