Darden Restaurants

Darden Restaurants, Inc. is a leading full-service restaurant company headquartered in Orlando, Florida, operating over 2,100 restaurants across North America. The company serves more than 440 million guests annually through a diverse portfolio of well-known brands including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy's, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, and Bahama Breeze.

With nearly 191,000 employees, Darden Restaurants generated an annual revenue of US$9.63 billion and net income of US$1.03 billion in 2024. It has a significant presence in Miami, Florida, among other major U.S. cities, offering extensive employment opportunities ranging from entry-level roles to senior management positions in the hospitality industry.

This article outlines the job opportunities, employee benefits, work culture, and career advancement paths at Darden Restaurants, with a focus on their Miami job market and overall company profile.

Darden Restaurants Job Opportunities & Positions

Explore the wide range of careers available at Darden Restaurants.

Entry-Level Hospitality Positions

These roles are ideal for individuals starting their hospitality career or seeking flexible job opportunities.

Server

• Starting Pay: $15-$20/hour
• Responsibilities: Taking orders, delivering food and beverages, providing excellent customer service
• Skills Needed: Good communication, customer focus, teamwork
• Training: On-the-job training provided, emphasis on service quality

Host/Hostess

• Starting Pay: $12-$15/hour
• Duties: Greeting guests, managing wait lists, seating customers efficiently
• Requirements: Friendly demeanor, organizational skills
• Environment: Fast-paced front-of-house

Bartender

• Starting Pay: $15-$25/hour (including tips)
• Role: Preparing and serving drinks, engaging with customers, maintaining bar cleanliness
• Skills Needed: Mixology knowledge, customer interaction, multitasking
• Training: Company-provided drink preparation and safety training

Line Cook

• Starting Pay: $14-$18/hour
• Responsibilities: Food preparation, cooking according to recipes, maintaining kitchen safety standards
• Experience: Entry-level accepted with training
• Environment: High-volume, fast-paced kitchen setting

Management and Leadership Roles

Darden offers numerous advancement opportunities for experienced hospitality professionals.

Shift Manager

• Starting Pay: $18-$22/hour
• Duties: Supervising staff during shifts, ensuring customer satisfaction, managing daily operations
• Requirements: Prior experience in restaurant operations preferred
• Advancement: Preparation for restaurant manager roles

Restaurant Manager

• Salary Range: $50,000-$65,000/year
• Responsibilities: Overseeing restaurant operations, staff management, budgeting, and guest experience
• Skills Required: Leadership, problem-solving, operational knowledge
• Support: Extensive training and mentoring programs

General Manager

• Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000/year
• Role: Full P&L responsibility, strategic planning, team leadership
• Experience: Several years in management roles
• Perks: Performance incentives and career development

Managing Partner

• Compensation: $80,000-$100,000/year
• Duties: Leadership of multiple locations, business growth, operational excellence
• Qualifications: Strong track record in multi-unit management
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefit packages and bonuses

Director of Operations

• Salary: $100,000-$130,000/year
• Responsibilities: Regional oversight, performance management, strategic initiatives
• Experience: Extensive management and leadership background
• Career Path: Senior leadership development opportunities

Why Work at Darden Restaurants? Employee Benefits & Perks

Darden Restaurants provides a range of attractive benefits designed to support employee well-being and professional growth.

General Benefits for Employees

• Flexible Work Schedules: Accommodating various needs and lifestyles
• Paid Sick Leave: Ensuring health and recovery time
• Weekly Pay: Timely compensation
• 401(k) Savings Plan: Company matching contributions for retirement planning
• Health Benefits Access: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options
• Stock Purchase Plan: Employees can buy stock at a 15% discount

Additional Perks

• Anniversary Pay: Rewards for tenure
• Best-in-Class Training Programs: Developing skills and careers
• Dining & Other Discounts: Savings at Darden brands and partners

Education and Career Development at Darden Restaurants

Darden invests over $40 million annually in employee training and education, promoting a culture of continuous growth and learning.

Employees take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs to further their education while working. The company emphasizes internal promotion, with 61% of restaurant managers, 99% of general managers, and 100% of directors of operations advancing from within its ranks.

Darden Restaurants Work Environment & Company Culture

Darden Restaurants fosters a culture based on core values and winning behaviors that drive success and employee satisfaction.

Core Values

• Being of Service
• Inclusion & Diversity
• Respect & Caring
• Integrity & Fairness
• Teamwork
• Excellence

Winning Behaviors

• Continuous improvement and innovation
• Setting and achieving challenging goals
• Taking ownership and accountability
• Collaborative ‘I, We, Us’ mindset
• Quick corrective actions when needed
• Adaptability to change
• Demonstrating grit and determination

Career Advancement Stories at Darden

Approximately half of Darden’s 6,300 restaurant managers are promoted from hourly positions, and 90% of its 1,785 general managers and managing partners rise through internal promotions, showcasing the company’s commitment to career growth from within.

How To Apply for Darden Restaurants Jobs

A straightforward online application process streamlines job seekers’ entry into Darden's dynamic hospitality environment.

Online Application Process

1. Visit the Darden Restaurants careers page.
2. Select the desired brand and position.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Submit your application and await contact from a hiring manager.

Darden Restaurants Locations and Job Availability

Darden Restaurants has locations throughout the U.S., including a strong presence in Miami, Florida and other major cities.

Where Darden Restaurants is Hiring

• Miami, Florida
• Orlando, Florida
• New York, New York
• Los Angeles, California
• Chicago, Illinois

Darden Restaurants vs. Competitors

Discover how Darden stands out in the competitive full-service restaurant market.

Key Competitors

• Brinker International
• Bloomin' Brands
• The Cheesecake Factory

Darden’s Differentiators

• Diverse portfolio of well-known brands
• Strong commitment to employee development and internal promotion
• Significant investment in training and education
• Comprehensive employee benefits and perks
• Focus on inclusion and diversity

Darden Restaurants Contact Information

For inquiries or to learn more about careers at Darden Restaurants, use the contact details below.

Corporate Headquarters

1000 Darden Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32837, USA
Telephone: +1-407-245-4000
Website: darden.com