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National Restaurant Association

Engaged Employer

National Restaurant Association reviews

2.3

21% would recommend to a friend

(141 total reviews)
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Michelle Korsmo

11% approve of CEO

14% positive business outlook

National Restaurant Association has an employee rating of 2.3 out of 5 stars, based on 141 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The National Restaurant Association employee rating is 38% below average for employers within the Management & Consulting industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

141 reviews
1.0
Jul 1, 2019

Toxic at best

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great downtown location makes for an easy commute to the suburbs

Cons

I have never worked at a place that has so much destructive personal gossip. Several of the Director-level employees were mean to the core.

2.0
Feb 10, 2016

Not recommended

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great healthcare & retirement benefits. Central location in the loop.

Cons

Lots of focus on titles. I like the ideals the CEO discussed but never saw management apply them. The staff is stretched very thin in certain departments, leading to a poor work-life balance. The Chicago office itself is very outdated, and in need of renovations.

1.0
Jun 6, 2025

Weak Leadership

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Minimal performance expectations: If you're looking for a low-pressure job with minimal accountability, this may be a good fit. Mediocrity is rarely challenged, and it's entirely possible to coast for years without contributing meaningfully.

Cons

Lack of Accountability for Underperformance: Underperforming employees are rarely addressed in a timely manner, placing an unfair burden on high-performing team members who are expected to compensate for the gaps. Career and Skills Stagnation: The organizational environment does not support professional growth. Opportunities for skill development, advancement, or meaningful challenges are minimal, resulting in significant career stagnation for motivated employees. Decision-Making Paralysis at Management Levels: Many managers and directors are either unwilling or unable to make timely, informed decisions. This indecisiveness undermines team momentum and leads to project delays and inefficiency. Excessive and Ineffective Meetings: The culture is dominated by frequent, often unnecessary meetings that lack clear purpose or outcomes. This meeting overload reduces productivity and adds little strategic value. Conflicts of Interest in Contracting Practices: There is a pattern of awarding contracts and opportunities to external firms with close personal ties to senior leadership. This raises serious concerns about transparency, fairness, and ethical governance within the organization. Persistent Reorganization Uncertainty: For months, staff have received recurring internal communications about a potential reorganization, but with no clarity or follow-through. This prolonged ambiguity has significantly eroded morale and fostered a culture of instability and disengagement.

Viewing 31 - 33 of 141 Reviews

Glassdoor has 158 National Restaurant Association reviews submitted anonymously by National Restaurant Association employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if National Restaurant Association is right for you.