Pros
I have been with Darden, working at Olive Garden, for four years and I don't have much to complain about. The job has helped me put myself through college. As a student athlete, they generally worked well with my schedule. The benefits are great for a part time job, and for me there is vacation pay. I do know they recently changed that for new employees though :(( Our managers are ok. Our restaurant has 3 new managers and sometimes things may get a little out of control for them, but they pull through with time. The co-workers are fun and our relationships follow outside of the restaurant. Darden is definitely a strong company to work for, so job security is great!
Cons
Sometimes management is too corporate. They forget to look at team morale. Typically you will see them make decisions based on the money rather than the employees well-being. They love their bonuses, so if that means taking it out of your pockets and shifts, they will do it. Oh.. the guest are ALWAYS right even with insurmountable evidence proving otherwise. Keep that in mind! They will comp an entire meal before they believe you :) Just smile and move on.
