Jobs at Olive Garden
| Role | What you do |
|---|---|
| Host | Greets guests, manages the waitlist and seating |
| Server | Takes orders, serves food and drinks, handles payment |
| Bartender | Makes cocktails and serves the bar area |
| To Go specialist | Packs and checks online and pickup orders |
| Line cook / prep cook | Prepares sauces, soups and entrées on the line |
| Dishwasher | Keeps dishes, pans and the kitchen clean |
| Busser / server assistant | Resets tables and helps servers run food |
| Manager | Runs shifts, staff, service and the restaurant's business |
Corporate and support roles, including some remote positions, are posted on the Darden careers site; Darden's headquarters is in Orlando, Florida.
How to Apply
- Pick a role and restaurant. Search Olive Garden jobs on the Darden careers site or olivegarden.com by city or ZIP code.
- Apply online. Fill in the short application with your availability; hourly applications take about 15 minutes.
- Follow up in person. Visit the restaurant between 2 and 4 p.m. on a weekday and ask to speak with a manager.
- Interview. Most hourly interviews are with a restaurant manager and focus on availability, teamwork and guest service.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Olive Garden?
Many hourly roles, such as host and busser, are open from around age 16, depending on the restaurant and state labor law. Roles that serve alcohol must meet your state's minimum age for serving, which is often 18, and bartenders usually need to be 21. Each job posting lists its own requirements.
How Much Does Olive Garden Pay?
Pay depends on the role, the state and the local market. Servers and bartenders earn a tipped hourly wage plus tips, so their income varies with shifts and sales; kitchen and host roles are paid an hourly wage. Many job postings now show a pay range, which is the most reliable figure for your area. Darden also advertises team member perks such as meal discounts and flexible scheduling; ask about benefits during your interview.
Olive Garden Interview Questions
- Why do you want to work at Olive Garden?
- What is your availability, especially weekends and evenings?
- Tell me about a time you helped an unhappy customer.
- How do you handle several tasks at once during a rush?
- How would you work with a teammate who is falling behind?
Arrive ten minutes early, dress neatly and give short, real examples. Guest service and reliability matter more than restaurant experience.
Dress Code and Uniform
Expect a standard restaurant uniform: a branded or dark top provided or specified by the restaurant, dark pants, and black non-slip shoes, which are required in most restaurant jobs for safety. Your manager will confirm the details when you're hired.
The Krowd App for Team Members
Darden team members use the Krowd app and website for schedules, pay information and company news. Your restaurant sets up your login after you're hired.
Jobs & Careers: Questions People Ask
How do I apply for a job at Olive Garden?
Search and apply on the Darden careers site or through olivegarden.com, then follow up with the restaurant manager between lunch and dinner.
How old do you have to be to work at Olive Garden?
Many hourly roles start around age 16, depending on state law. Serving alcohol often requires 18, and bartenders are usually 21.
Is Olive Garden hiring?
Restaurants hire year-round, especially before the busy fall and holiday season. Check current openings for your area on the careers site.
How much do Olive Garden servers make?
Servers earn a tipped hourly wage plus tips, so income varies by state, shifts and sales. Job postings in many states list the pay range.
Does Olive Garden have remote jobs?
Restaurant jobs are in person. Some corporate and support roles at Darden are posted as remote or hybrid.
What is the Olive Garden employee app?
Darden team members use the Krowd app and website for schedules and pay information.