company has been through a lot, good tips - Server/Waiter Red Lobster Employee Review

4.0
24 Feb 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- good clientele - high priced menu for chain restaurant = higher 20% (higher tips) - relatively steady volume, allows for reliable work - managers are kept in check by superiors/supervisors - offers insurance program and is welcoming to many types of people as employees - company focuses on hospitality and good service, which can be annoying as an employee but attracts a positive customer base, which improves your life as a server - opportunities to become "certified trainer" - promotion opportunities to become a CRS which is like a shift manager, then onto day manager, etc.

Cons

- your experience with this company relies on your restaurant's general manager and shift managers - long training courses do not allow new hires to learn by doing - extreme focus on lowering labor costs by upper management (regional) - focus on lowering labor costs by regional supervisors (not GMs' fault) leads to purposeful short-staffing - pays what is required by the locality/state, bare minimum wage - as long as your tips "equal" your area's minimum wage, you are getting $2.13 per hour at most locations - not much focus on cleanliness

Explore other reviews about Red Lobster

5.0
7 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great environment, cooperation to work for

Cons

No cons, the more you work the more you make

2.0
11 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Low barrier to entry; I was hired on the spot with no previous serving experience. Minimal mental tax: Because the restaurant is often empty the job does not usually become very stressful.

Cons

Toxic leadership & threatening culture: The management style relies on intimidation. I was personally threatened with termination despite following protocol, creating a high-stress environment built on fear rather than support. Dishonest recruiting: Expectations set during the interview regarding "flexible scheduling" and the ability to leave during slow periods were completely false. Floor Management: Many managers lack Front of House (FOH) experience. I was frequently forced to stay on the clock during dead shifts despite being overstaffed, simply because leadership didn't understand floor flow. Back of House (BOH): The kitchen environment is unprofessional and unsafe. It was common for cooks to arrive under the influence and for BOH staff to walk out mid-shift, leaving the remaining team to scramble. Low Earning Potential: Between the dwindling clientele and being sent home early, the money is not sustainable. On a "regular" night, you might only see 4–5 tables, making the tip-out barely worth the gas money.

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