Restaurant Manager - New York, NY
Posted on October 24, 2025
Olive Garden is a prominent and beloved restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine, known for its inviting atmosphere, warm hospitality, and delicious food offerings. As part of the Darden Restaurants family, Olive Garden has established itself as a leader in the casual dining industry, dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences through high-quality service and a strong commitment to community involvement. With over 870 restaurants across the United States and Canada, Olive Garden provides not just great food but also opportunities for career growth and personal development within the hospitality sector. The company prides itself on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where team members can thrive and feel valued as part of the family.
The role of Restaurant Manager at Olive Garden is a critical leadership position that requires a dynamic, motivated individual who can effectively manage restaurant operations, lead a diverse team, and ensure outstanding service standards are consistently met. Restaurant Managers report directly to the General Manager and play a pivotal role in driving the restaurant's success through people-focused leadership, a passion for service excellence, and results-oriented management. This role offers a competitive salary ranging between $60,000 and $72,000 per year, with eligibility for quarterly bonuses, making it an attractive opportunity for those seeking a rewarding career in the restaurant industry.
In this position, Restaurant Managers benefit from a work-life balance with a manageable workweek, consisting of no more than 50 hours and two days off regularly, along with one weekend off per month. The company supports employees' quality of life by providing vacation and flex time, up to three weeks of paid time off in the first year, and access to an employee assistance program that promotes wellness and work-life balance. Additionally, Olive Garden offers paternity and maternity leave, adoption reimbursement assistance, and paid time off for caring for family members after one year of service, highlighting its commitment to supporting families.
Career advancement is strongly encouraged at Olive Garden, with structured training and development programs that prepare employees for growth within the organization. Nearly all General Managers and Directors of Operations are promoted from within, demonstrating the company’s dedication to internal career progression. The company also supports continuing education through tuition reimbursement and student loan assistance, helping managers develop their skills and advance their careers in hospitality.
Restaurant Managers enjoy robust benefits, including immediate eligibility for medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid short-term disability and life insurance, and exclusive discounts at over 100,000 merchants such as cell phones, daycare, and apparel. After one year of employment, employees gain access to a 401(k) plan with a company match up to 120% on the first 6% of earnings, a Retirement Plus Benefit adding 1.5% of eligible salary to their 401(k) account, and participation in the Darden Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount.
Olive Garden is deeply committed to community service and social responsibility, donating more than 44 million pounds of food to hunger relief efforts and providing millions in grants to team members through emergency assistance programs. The company also supports food banks across all 50 states, reinforcing its dedication to fighting hunger and giving back to the communities it serves.
Safety and sanitation remain top priorities at Olive Garden, especially in the context of ongoing health concerns. The company rigorously aligns its COVID-19 protocols with CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of guests, team members, and management personnel alike.
Joining Olive Garden as a Restaurant Manager means becoming part of a family-oriented organization where acceptance, support, and strength define the workplace culture. Managers are empowered with flexibility to balance their busy lives while leading teams that deliver memorable dining experiences, embodying Olive Garden’s philosophy: "We're All Family Here!"
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 3 years of experience in restaurant management
- Strong leadership and team-building abilities
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work flexible hours including weekends
- Knowledge of restaurant operations and safety standards
- Ability to manage budgets and inventory