Recently, I received a job at my local Olive Garden. And, I can't complain. It's a friendly atmosphere, the pay is good, and so is the food. Before I applied for a host position I was a regular there, but there are some things I have realized now that I'm behind the counter:
1. You never need to worry about being hungry on the clock—unlimited soup and salad is only $1, and breadsticks are free all shift long.
Did you get that? Free breadsticks all shift!
2. However, overeating can be a problem.
I can say that 27 is my personal record for Andes mints eaten in one shift.
3. You have absolutely no idea how busy it will be when you walk in to start your shift.
We've had four tables sat on a Friday night and have also been on a 20 minute wait at 2:30 p.m. on a Tuesday.
4. We have no control over the wait or wait time.
We are all doing our best to seat people, serve them and turn tables as quickly as possible. If we are on a wait, there is nothing anyone can do about it. You'd be surprised how many people don't recognize this.
5. You are treated with respect.
This is important. Darden, the company that owns the Olive Garden brand and franchise, prides itself on respect. The guests, staff, and managers are all treated with complete respect. This point alone makes working for and eating at Olive Garden enjoyable.
6. But we expect it back.
As a host and frequent Olive Garden patron, I understand waiting in the lobby is not the most desirable place to be, especially when you're hungry. However, raising your voice, swearing, or getting rude won't get you what you want. I feel as if I speak for every employee when I say that we will go the extra mile for someone who is polite and patient with us, and we won't for someone who is crass and impolite.
7. The cheesy music is on loop.
And there are maybe 10 songs on the whole playlist. Yes, we know them by heart.
8. The food can be very unhealthy.
Before I started working at Olive Garden, I would get the exact same food every time I went. One day we were slow, so I decided to take a look a the health and allergen menu. I almost teared up when I saw my regular dish was 1,000+ calories. However, we do have many healthy options. Our menu is very extensive.
9. We are very responsible with food production and disposal.
Breadsticks are being prepared and baked fresh every 15 minutes. Also, the sauces are made on site at least two times a day, more if we're busy. And arguably the most respectable action Olive Garden takes is that we donate all uneaten soup, pasta, and sauce to local soup kitchens. Every Olive Garden everywhere partakes in this.
10. We're all family here.
The company's catch phrase is certainly honored. I have been working at Olive Garden for only six weeks and feel like I have a second family. That's what makes Olive Garden special.
