Olive Garden logo

Server / Wait Staff

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Hourly
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

Flexible schedules to help you balance other life commitments (school, childcare, family care, etc.)
Enjoy a complimentary employee meal during your shift!
Receive weekly pay
Anniversary pay
Paid Sick Leave (1 hour for every 30 hours worked, begin accruing upon hire)
Paid Family and Medical Leave (up to 2 weeks after 1 year of service)
Comprehensive medical and dental insurance options
Ongoing training to build critical skills for current and future roles
Discounts on cellphones, travel, electronics and much more!
401(k) savings plan (Company match after 1 year of service)

Job Description

Olive Garden is a well-known and beloved casual dining restaurant chain that specializes in Italian-American cuisine. As a part of the Darden Restaurants group, Olive Garden has established itself as a staple destination for guests seeking a warm, inviting atmosphere along with authentic Italian flavors. The restaurant prides itself on its commitment to quality food, fresh ingredients, and a family-friendly dining experience that welcomes every guest as if they were part of the Olive Garden family. This emphasis on hospitality and a genuine dining experience has made Olive Garden a popular choice for families, friends, and individuals looking for a memorable meal with excellent service.

The Server // Wait Staff role at Olive Garden is crucial in delivering this genuine hospitality and creating memorable dining experiences for guests. Servers act as the frontline ambassadors of the restaurant, providing friendly, attentive, and safe service that ensures guests feel valued and comfortable from the moment they are seated until their meal concludes. Olive Garden servers are knowledgeable guides on a culinary journey through Italy, sharing expert insight about the menu — including daily specials, ingredients, and allergen information — to help guests make satisfying dining choices. By doing so, servers cultivate loyal patrons who appreciate both the quality of food and the outstanding customer service.

Working as a server at Olive Garden goes beyond just taking orders and delivering food. The role requires an individual to be attentive to guest needs, anticipate requests, and collaborate seamlessly with kitchen and other team members to maintain smooth service flow. Safety, sanitation, and cleanliness are top priorities, ensuring the well-being of both team members and guests through rigorous adherence to established standards and protocols. The company stands firmly behind its motto, "We're All Family Here!" and fosters a supportive culture where teamwork, mutual respect, and employee well-being are deeply valued.

This position offers flexible scheduling to accommodate various personal commitments such as school, childcare, or family care, making it an appealing opportunity for a wide range of candidates including students and individuals seeking work-life balance. Olive Garden emphasizes ongoing training to enhance skills that are valuable both for the current role and future career development. The company also provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance options, paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, anniversary pay, and a 401(k) savings plan with company match after one year of service.

Additionally, Olive Garden encourages career advancement by promoting from within, with over half of its management team having started as hourly employees. This role is not only a chance to be part of a respected restaurant brand but also an opportunity to grow professionally within the company. The server position is compensated with weekly pay and includes perks such as complimentary employee meals during shifts and a range of employee discounts on cellphones, travel, and electronics among others.

Overall, a Server // Wait Staff role at Olive Garden is ideal for energetic, personable individuals who are passionate about delivering outstanding service and contributing to a welcoming dining environment. This position offers a blend of meaningful guest interaction, teamwork, and personal growth within a company that values its employees as family members and is committed to creating positive dining experiences for every guest that walks through its doors.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Previous experience in food service or customer service preferred
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work flexible schedules including nights and weekends
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Commitment to health and safety standards

Job Duties

  • Your role involves delivering friendly, attentive, and safe service, ensuring every guest feels like a cherished member of our family
  • Our Servers excel at cultivating loyal patrons by guiding them on a culinary journey through Italy, sharing their expertise on our delectable food, fine wines, and fresh ingredients
  • Provide exceptional table service, taking orders accurately and efficiently
  • Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly to requests
  • Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the menu, including daily specials, ingredients, and allergen information
  • Serve food and beverages in a timely and presentable manner
  • Process payments accurately and efficiently
  • Collaborate with kitchen and other staff to ensure smooth service flow
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of dining areas and server stations
  • Adhere to all food safety and sanitation guidelines

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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