Working for a tip is very difficult at this company - Server Cracker Barrel Employee Review

2.0
May 15, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Their is opportunity to get leadership experience and promotions if you plan to work their for several years. For example, you take a computerized multiple-choice test and get an evaluation taken every 30, 60, 120, and 240 days in which passing both will earn you a 5% pay increase and an extra star on your apron. The company has a layed-back attitude, which may be helpful or harmful depending on your job. If you are anything but a server, the layed-back attitude will be enjoyable; yet if you are a server, you may be annoyed by the slowness of everyone around you.

Cons

Every 3 months you go without working, you have to start all over again (in a sense, you get demoted back to "Par 1,") wherein your pay rate will decrease to the base level, and you lose your apron stars. This is not fair to college students who choose not to work during the school year. There are too many managers to report to, and each has his own style of management, which makes it tough to please everyone. Also, most extra tasks that need to be done seem to be assigned as a default to servers, who take care of everything from replenishing tea and coffee to fetching items out of the freezer in the back.

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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