Restaurant Careers | Darden Restaurants (2024)

Restaurant Careers

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Grow with Us

Our greatest competitive advantage is our people, and our team members are at the heart of everything we do. For many of our team members, Darden is a first employer and, for some, the start of a career path to management positions for those who want to grow with the company.

With more than 2,000 restaurants nationwide, you can continue to grow with us professionally from any location.

1,100 team members promoted into management last year

65% of all Managers were promoted from within

100% of all General Managers and Managing Partners were promoted from within

96% of all Directors of Operations were promoted from within

Our Five Winning Behaviors

Every team member matters and owns a stake in our success. To thrive at Darden, you must have a desire to win, a passion to serve, and the ability to build relationships along the way.

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WE ALL WIN WHEN WE…

  • find ways todo our jobs a little betterevery day.
  • set challenging goalsand are driven to achieve them.
  • don’t wait to be told what to do,we get things done.
  • treat every day— good or bad —as a learning experience.
  • make decisions thatdeliver great guest experiences.

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WE ALL WIN WHEN WE…

  • identify peoples’ strengthsand ensure they’re in the right jobs.
  • lead individuals and teams that know what to do &execute well.
  • build teamswith high levels of morale & diverse perspectives.
  • inspire andbring the best out of each other.

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WE ALL WIN WHEN WE…

  • communicate complex ideasin ways everyone can understand.
  • solve problems & bringsimple solutionsto the table.
  • create a clear pictureof where we’re headed & how we get there.
  • sort through complexity.

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WE ALL WIN WHEN WE…

  • personally connectwith our peers, team members & guests.
  • build strong relationshipsacross roles & functions.
  • influence others, regardless of our role, to do the right thing.
  • build trustby being candid, transparent, empathetic – giving credit to others.

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WE ALL WIN WHEN WE…

  • take ownership of our actions, our team, our guests and our business — we don’t give or accept excuses.
  • speak in terms of I, We and Us, not They.
  • take quick, corrective actionif results aren’t being achieved.
  • are nimble andshift gears comfortablyas situations change, and teach others to do the same.
  • show gritand never give up in our pursuit to win.

Hourly Team Member Opportunities

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Start Your Journey

For many, a job with one of our brands is the start of a rewarding career with our company. For others, it is a stepping stone to further their education or other pursuits. The skills and experience we provide will help you grow and succeed with Darden, or wherever your path takes you.

We also offer a broad range of benefits to make caring for your health, finances and overall well-being easier. Click here for machine-readable files for offered health insurance carriers.

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Flexible Work Schedules

Create a schedule that works best for your needs.

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Paid Sick Leave

You earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, and you can use up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per calendar year.

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Weekly Pay

You receive your pay every Friday.

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401(k) Savings

If you are 18 or older, you may contribute up to 75% of your pay on a before- or after-tax basis.

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Access to Health Benefits

Eligible team members have access to multiple plans with multiple insurance carriers offered through a Private Health Exchange.

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Stock Purchase Plan

Eligible team members may purchase Darden stock at a 15% discount.

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Anniversary Pay

You will earn an extra payment based on your average hours worked and your tenure after two years of service.

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Best-in-Class Training

We invest $40 million a year in training our people, and it begins immediately, regardless of role.

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Dining & Other Discounts

Enjoy a 25% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks at all our restaurants for you and up to seven guests, plus 100,000 discount offers from brands you love.

Hourly Team Member Benefits (download)

For more information, and to apply at our restaurants, click tap on our brands below.

Management Opportunities

Build Your Leadership Legacy

With more than 9,000 leadership positions across the company, our Restaurant Managers play a key role in our success and bring our culture to life every day across eight iconicrestaurant brands. Learn more about available opportunities tobuild your leadership legacy with us.

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Giving Back

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Fighting Hunger Through Our Harvest Program

We believe that being of service extends beyond the four walls of our restaurants and into the communities we serve. That is why we are committed to help in the fight against hunger. Team members at every restaurant have the opportunity to make an impact through our Harvest program, which donates nutritious, surplus food to local nonprofit partners every week.

Learn More

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications and abilities. We do not discriminate in our employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by the law.

Restaurant Careers | Darden Restaurants (2024)

FAQs

Why do you want to work for this restaurant answers? ›

"I've dined at your restaurant several times and always admired the level of attention and care the staff gives to each guest. Your commitment to quality service and the friendly atmosphere are why I want to work here as a waiter. I'm keen to contribute to and learn from a team that values hospitality so highly."

Does Darden drug test? ›

There is not currently a mandatory drug test required for employment at Darden Restaurants.

Is Red Lobster no longer part of Darden? ›

Darden responded to activist pressure by announcing plans in 2013 to sell Red Lobster, separating the chain from the rest of its business. The following year, Darden sold Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm, for $2.1 billion.

What are the weaknesses of Darden Restaurants? ›

Strengths: Darden Restaurants Inc's diverse brand portfolio and strong market presence. Weaknesses: Operational challenges and integration risks with recent acquisitions. Opportunities: Expansion potential and strategic acquisitions. Threats: Intense competition and vulnerability to economic fluctuations.

Why should we hire you? ›

Q1: How do I answer the question, "Why should we hire you? A: When answering, focus on your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you the best fit for the role.You should hire me because I am a hard worker who wants to help your company succeed.

Why should we hire you in a restaurant? ›

You should hire me for my experience

I understand that you require a highly organized candidate with acute attention to detail.In my previous job, I successfully handled schedules for 20 employees and reduced food waste by 15%. I'm excited about the prospect of bringing my organizational skills to your restaurant."

Why did Red Lobster fall off? ›

2014: Darden Restaurants sold the brand.

To finance the deal, Golden Gate sold off Red Lobster's real-estate holdings to a separate company, meaning that Red Lobster would now be leasing its restaurants. Over time, this has proven costly for the brand.

Are Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn owned by the same company? ›

LongHorn Steakhouse became part of the Darden Restaurant family in 2007. Our restaurant transformed from roadhouse to ranch. With over 500 locations and counting, we're still as fired up and hungry as ever.

What doomed Red Lobster? ›

Endless shrimp alone didn't doom Red Lobster. The American poster child for seafood was dragged down by a range of factors, say former leaders at the chain and restaurant analysts — including handoffs between a mix of investors and corporate parents and Thai Union's mismanagement.

What is the Darden controversy? ›

Darden Restaurants is facing a lawsuit from One Fair Wage, which alleges the company's tipping policy leads to sexual harassment and racial discrimination.

What is the lawsuit against Darden? ›

Darden Restaurants Inc. has won another round in a lawsuit alleging that its cash wage and tipping policies encourage sexual harassment and racially disparate wages.

What is unique about Darden? ›

Darden is a world leader in business ethics, leadership and general management, but our strength in research, thought leadership and case writing impacts many fields. Darden ideas are powered by the philosophy that capitalism should create value that makes the world better.

What's the best answer to why do you want to work here? ›

I'm excited about working for this company because of its excellent reputation in the industry. I believe that working for a well-respected and established organization will give me access to opportunities and experiences that will help me grow my career.”

How to answer why do you want to work here for fast food? ›

I am confident in my abilities to provide great customer service, and with every new job comes new situations to grow through, so I'm excited to take on more of a leadership position. I know your business emphasizes teamwork and sets the bar high for goals.

How to answer why are you interested in this position? ›

"I am very enthusiastic about this opportunity because this position is fully in line with my interests and values. In addition, I am confident that this role will give me the space to develop professionally. Throughout my career, I have always strived to make a positive contribution through innovation.

Why do you want to go to a restaurant? ›

To Enjoy & Appreciate Fine Cuisine

The most common reason why people love to go to restaurants even though it involves spending money is food. It could be the greatest motivator. People love having the delectable dishes conjured up by highly talented and creative chefs.

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