Host - Join Us Now!
Posted on October 24, 2025
Olive Garden is a renowned casual dining restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine, known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and high-quality customer service. As a part of the Darden Restaurants family, Olive Garden has built a reputation for delivering a memorable dining experience, characterized by friendly service, delicious food, and a welcoming ambiance that appeals to families, friends, and guests seeking a comfortable meal out. With locations across various regions, Olive Garden emphasizes a culture of inclusivity, teamwork, and growth opportunities for its employees, reflecting its commitment to being 'All Family Here.'
For the Host position at Olive Garden, pay will vary depending on location, reflecting local market conditions and cost of living considerations. This role is pivotal in shaping guests' first impressions and overall experience during their visit. As a host, you will be the warm, friendly face greeting guests upon arrival, managing reservations, and ensuring an organized and smooth seating process. The role involves maintaining a safe, clean environment by regularly sanitizing touchpoints and menus, promoting health and safety protocols for both guests and team members. Beyond logistical responsibilities, hosts contribute significantly to enhancing guest satisfaction by providing attentive service, offering menu suggestions, and fostering a welcoming ambiance that encourages return visits.
Olive Garden places great emphasis on employee wellbeing and work-life balance, offering flexible schedules to accommodate school, childcare, or other life commitments. Additional perks include free employee meals, weekly pay, paid sick leave, and paid family and medical leave after meeting service requirements. Health benefits such as medical and dental insurance are available, along with exciting discounts on various products and services. For those interested in long-term career development, Olive Garden provides ongoing training and clear pathways for advancement, with more than half of the management staff promoted internally from hourly positions. The 401(k) savings plan with company matching after one year further supports employees’ financial futures.
Joining Olive Garden as a host means becoming part of a family-oriented team that values integrity, hospitality, and excellence. You'll play an integral role in ensuring guests feel valued and comfortable from the moment they step into the restaurant until the moment they leave. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking a dynamic, customer-facing role with growth potential in the vibrant hospitality industry. Olive Garden welcomes new team members to join their winning family, where every role is essential to creating a memorable dining experience and fostering a workplace where employees can thrive.
- high school diploma or equivalent
- availability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- excellent communication skills
- customer service orientation