Host - Join Us Now!
Posted on December 22, 2025
Olive Garden is a renowned casual dining restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine. With numerous locations across the country, Olive Garden is part of a large family-oriented hospitality brand known for its warm atmosphere, authentic Italian dishes, and exceptional guest service. The company's mission centers on creating memorable dining experiences where guests feel like family, making each visit special through friendly service and quality food. Committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, Olive Garden offers flexible schedules and extensive training to empower team members to grow and succeed within the company.
This role is for a Host position at Olive Garden, where you serve as the crucial first point of contact for guests entering the restaurant. As a Host, your primary responsibility is to ensure that guests feel welcomed and valued from the moment they walk in. With a warm smile and friendly demeanor, you will engage guests, manage seating arrangements efficiently, and maintain a clean and sanitized environment. Your role contributes greatly to the overall guest experience, setting the tone for their entire visit. The employment type typically includes flexible scheduling to accommodate employees' personal commitments such as school, childcare, or family care. The pay ranges from $17.25 to $18.00 per hour, reflecting the company’s competitive compensation for this entry-level position.
Hosts at Olive Garden are tasked with upholding the highest standards of safety and sanitation, regularly disinfecting guest and team member touch points to create a safe dining atmosphere. Beyond greeting guests and managing seating, you will also present menus, offer menu suggestions, and ensure guests leave with a positive lasting impression by thanking them sincerely and inviting them to return. Olive Garden supports its hosts with weekly pay, paid sick leave starting as soon as employment begins, paid family and medical leave after one year, and anniversary pay to honor long-standing team members. The company also provides medical and dental insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching after one year, and ongoing training aimed at developing critical skills for current roles and future career opportunities, such as management positions typically filled by promoting hourly team members.
By joining Olive Garden as a Host, you become part of a supportive team that values safety, quality, and community. This family environment not only offers great personal and professional benefits but also a chance to be part of a brand that treats both guests and employees like family. Whether you are seeking flexible work hours, career growth, or a welcoming work community, Olive Garden provides a foundation for success and satisfaction in the hospitality industry.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to communicate effectively with guests and team members
- Must be able to stand and walk for long periods
- Willingness to follow safety and sanitation protocols
- Flexibility to work various shifts including weekends and holidays
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Previous experience in a hospitality or customer service role preferred