Host - Join Us Now!
Posted on October 24, 2025
Olive Garden is a renowned casual dining restaurant known for its warm Italian hospitality and commitment to creating memorable guest experiences. As part of a well-established restaurant chain, Olive Garden prides itself on fostering a family-like atmosphere among both its guests and team members. The company operates with high standards of health and safety, emphasizing rigorous sanitation and wellness protocols to ensure every visit is safe and enjoyable. With numerous locations across the country, Olive Garden offers exciting career opportunities in the hospitality sector, focusing on growth, training, and employee well-being.
The role offered is that of a Host at Olive Garden, an essential position that sets the tone for the guest’s dining experience. Hosts serve as the welcoming face of the restaurant, greeting guests with warmth and friendliness that embody the Olive Garden spirit. This role involves not only seating guests efficiently and with care but also maintaining a clean and sanitized environment that aligns with the company’s top-tier safety standards. Hosts play a vital role in guest satisfaction by managing wait lists, presenting menus, and providing dining suggestions that enhance the overall experience.
Working as a Host at Olive Garden offers flexible scheduling options, making it an ideal role for individuals balancing other responsibilities such as schooling or family care. The position is hourly with a pay range between $16.66 and $21.00, reflecting the company’s commitment to rewarding hard work and dedication. Alongside competitive compensation, Olive Garden provides numerous employee benefits, including free meals from a limited menu, paid sick leave accruing from the start of employment, and paid family and medical leave after one year. Employees also benefit from medical and dental insurance, ongoing training and development programs for future career paths, discounts on various products and services, and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching after one year.
The Host role is a valuable stepping stone for those interested in pursuing management careers, as over half of the management team at Olive Garden has been promoted from hourly positions. This demonstrates the company's strong commitment to internal career advancement. The host’s responsibility extends beyond greeting and seating; it includes ensuring the overall safety and sanitation requirements are met throughout the restaurant to protect both guests and team members.
Joining Olive Garden means becoming part of a supportive and dynamic work environment where your impact is recognized and celebrated. If you bring enthusiasm, a warm smile, and the desire to contribute to memorable dining experiences, this role is a perfect fit. The company encourages teamwork and inclusivity, providing a nurturing environment for professional growth and personal development. Olive Garden’s dedication to a safe and pleasant workplace, combined with its competitive pay and extensive benefits, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a rewarding career in the restaurant industry.
- high school diploma or equivalent
- availability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- ability to stand for extended periods
- effective communication skills
- commitment to maintaining a safe and sanitary environment
- ability to work as part of a team