Bartender - Amherst, NY
Posted on October 24, 2025
Olive Garden is a well-known American casual dining restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine. Established as part of the Darden Restaurants portfolio, Olive Garden has grown to become one of the largest Italian-themed restaurant brands in the United States and internationally. It prides itself on creating a warm, welcoming environment where guests can enjoy authentic Italian dishes, handcrafted beverages, and exceptional guest services. Known for its quality food, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Olive Garden continually invests in training and support to cultivate a motivated and skilled workforce.
This particular role is a bartender position at Olive Garden, where employees contribute significantly to the overall guest experience by preparing and serving an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The position offers a rewarding hourly wage of $10.35 per hour, supplemented by tips, making it a lucrative opportunity for individuals passionate about hospitality and beverage crafting. Olive Garden emphasizes a family-like culture where team members support one another and are given opportunities to grow and advance in their careers.
As a bartender at Olive Garden, you will be responsible for mastering all beverage recipes to ensure that each drink meets Olive Garden's high standards. Beyond beverage preparation, the role requires a dedication to maintaining a clean and sanitary environment to guarantee the health and safety of both guests and staff. The restaurant values safety, wellness, and cleanliness, incorporating these priorities into daily operations. You will play a key role in ensuring that the bar area and guest touch points are regularly sanitized and that the atmosphere remains inviting and hospitable.
Olive Garden also offers numerous employee benefits designed to support a balanced lifestyle and ongoing professional development. This includes flexible scheduling to accommodate school, childcare, or family care needs, free employee meals, weekly pay, anniversary pay, and paid sick leave. Employees can also access paid family and medical leave after one year of service, as well as medical and dental insurance. Olive Garden recognizes the importance of helping employees plan for their future with a 401(k) savings plan featuring a company match after one year of service. The establishment is committed to fostering career advancement opportunities, with more than half of its managers promoted from within the hourly ranks.
Joining Olive Garden as a bartender offers the chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to providing an authentic dining experience while prioritizing safety, hospitality, and quality. It is an opportunity to grow your skills in a supportive environment that values every team member's contribution and ensures they feel welcomed as part of the Olive Garden family. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced restaurant setting, value guest interaction, and aspire to advance in the hospitality industry.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings and weekends
- Previous experience in bartending or hospitality is preferred but not required
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Good communication skills
- Commitment to maintaining cleanliness and safety
- Must be of legal age to serve alcoholic beverages