Bartender - Merrillville, IN
Posted on October 24, 2025
Olive Garden is a renowned Italian restaurant chain that prides itself on delivering a warm, welcoming dining experience inspired by the rich traditions of Italian cuisine. With locations across various regions, Olive Garden offers a family-friendly atmosphere where guests can enjoy handcrafted meals made from high-quality ingredients. The company emphasizes a culture of inclusivity, community, and continuous growth, making it a preferred employer for individuals seeking rewarding careers in hospitality. Employment at Olive Garden includes positions at multiple locations with variable pay scales that reflect local market conditions, plus tips, providing a competitive income for team members. The restaurant is committed to maintaining high standards in food quality, safety, and guest satisfaction, supported through extensive training programs and opportunities for career advancement within the company. This makes Olive Garden an appealing workplace for those passionate about hospitality and personal development.
The Bartender role at Olive Garden is an essential position that contributes significantly to the overall dining experience by crafting beverages that complement the restaurant’s authentic Italian menu. Bartenders are expected to deliver genuine hospitality, consistently providing exceptional guest service through mastery of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink recipes. This role also includes responsibilities related to maintaining a clean and safe environment by ensuring all guest and team member touch points are regularly sanitized and disinfected. As part of the Olive Garden family, bartenders are supported with flexible schedules that allow for balancing personal commitments such as school, childcare, and family care. The restaurant also offers free employee meals, weekly pay, anniversary pay, and comprehensive benefits including paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, and medical and dental insurance. The company is dedicated to ongoing training that helps bartenders build critical skills for their current role and future career opportunities. Additionally, Olive Garden promotes internal growth, with over half of its managers having been promoted from hourly roles, offering a clear path for advancement to those aspiring to management positions. The bartender role is perfect for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment, value teamwork, and are committed to delivering memorable guest experiences in a friendly and safe setting.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Reliable and punctual with strong work ethic
- Excellent customer service skills
- Willingness to adhere to company safety and sanitation protocols