Love hate relationship - Server Cracker Barrel Employee Review

3.0
Jun 19, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

*More than $12 an hour for the most part *Some co-workers are very nice and caring (as is the same other places) * 50% discount for employee meals during shift and 20% off shift * GM and managers were very helpful for initiating the transfer process *There's a Facebook page that allows us to give up shifts and pick up shifts. It's easily as long as you communicate with the managers and put the shift in the book. * Some managers are very friendly and interact with employees very well

Cons

*Inconsistent out times- you're not always cut from the floor when you're supposed to be. I was once cut a whole hour early, and sometimes cut 30 minutes to an hour late *It doesn't matter how much you do right, but how much you do wrong- I could prebus like crazy and get many guest compliments, but if I drop one table or do something wrong, I'm screamed at. Basically there's no praise for a job well done but instead there's a ridicule for one thing gone wrong *You don't get promoted to the next par in time- I have yet to get a promotion on time. I'm currently a Par II and am past due for my third star by two months. * It can be very difficult to request off even when you rarely try to do so. Some of my co-workers were scheduled on the day of their graduation. They found replacements, but it's still rediculous to be scheduled on a day that's been talked about weeks ago. You have to write a note to management and give it to them so they won't forget. * The routine after you are cut is such a pain- our order we must follow is tables, side work, and then silverware. After we do our tables, we have to get them signed off right away before the host seats the table again. Next, side work takes FOREVER to complete, and closers are never on the same page of how things are supposed to be done. Lastly, silverware is mostly scarce therefore we have to wait for some to accumulate before we sort more. (That's right, we sort and clean our own silverware, not dish). The worst part is waiting to get our slips signed, because the closers, who are still on the floor, are too busy to check our stations. It can be an hour and a half to two hours before you're finally clocked out after your cut time. It is best to not have anything planned two hours after your "cut time."

Explore other reviews about Cracker Barrel

5.0
Mar 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Enjoyed management and my coworkers

Cons

sometimes can be strict compared to other restuarants

2.0
Jun 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Most coworkers were genuinely great to work with and made shifts more enjoyable. * The guest interaction and serving aspect of the job is something I personally enjoy. * Some shifts could be positive depending on staffing and team on duty.

Cons

*Management was often unprofessional with inconsistent communication and expectations. * Certain coworker behavior occasionally affected morale and created a less positive work environment. * There was a noticeable blame culture where issues were not handled in a constructive way. * In my experience, bringing up workplace concerns or uncomfortable situations did not always feel welcomed or supported, and it sometimes felt like speaking up led to negative attention. * Scheduling and hours were inconsistent, making it hard to rely on stable income. * Inconsistent scheduling sometimes resulted in difficult shift patterns, including working split doubles (such as 9–3 followed by a 4–close shift), which often meant not getting out until around 10:30 PM and then repeating the pattern on consecutive days. * Training was limited, and expectations were often unclear, which made the job more stressful than it needed to be. * In my experience, HR concerns or formal complaints did not feel like they were taken seriously or addressed in a meaningful way.

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