Olive Garden Application

Last Updated: March 29, 2026  |  Reviewed by: OJA Editorial Team

Olive Garden by the Numbers

Olive Garden, operated by Darden Restaurants, is America’s largest Italian-casual dining chain with over 900 locations nationwide. Known for high volume, strong training programs, and fast advancement into management from entry-level kitchen and service roles.

Top Olive Garden Entry-Level Positions

Olive Garden continuously hires across kitchen, service, and host roles, with clear pathways to kitchen lead, shift supervisor, and management positions.

• Line Cook – Prepare dishes on hot line; starting $12–16/hr, advancing to $18–22/hr with experience and certifications.
• Prep Cook – Prepare ingredients and cold items; $12–14/hr with flexible scheduling for newer staff.
• Server – Deliver exceptional service; $5–7/hr base + tips averaging $15–21/hr, totaling $20–28/hr overall.
• Host/Hostess – Welcome guests and manage seating; $12–14/hr with cross-training into other roles.
• Busser/Food Runner – Clear tables and support service; $12–13/hr plus tip pool sharing, typically netting $14–17/hr.

How Much Does Olive Garden Pay?

Olive Garden entry-level positions start at $12–16/hr (kitchen) and $20–28/hr (servers w/tips).

Kitchen staff start at the lower end and receive regular raises tied to tenure and skill development. Servers earn 40–60% of income from tips in most locations, making total earnings highly variable. Olive Garden offers paid time off after 90 days, health insurance for full-time staff, and free meals during shifts. The company emphasizes internal promotion—many restaurant managers and kitchen lead positions are filled from entry-level hires within 12–24 months.

How to Apply at Olive Garden: Step-by-Step

The fastest way to apply is through olivegarden.com/careers or the Olive Garden Indeed page.

1. Search Openings – Visit Olive Garden careers and filter by location. Most locations constantly hire for servers, kitchen, and host roles.
2. Create an Account – Register on the careers platform to save applications and receive notifications about new openings in your area.
3. Complete Application – Fill in availability, work history (if applicable), and answer quick screening questions about your interest in kitchen vs. service roles. Takes 10–15 minutes.
4. Assessment – No formal assessment; the system screens for availability and location preference.
5. Interview – Most candidates are called in for a brief (15–20 min) in-person interview with the restaurant manager or hiring supervisor within 3–5 days.

What documents do I need to apply at Olive Garden?

You will need a valid government-issued ID and Social Security number for verification at hiring. A resume is optional—Olive Garden hires many team members with no food service background. Be prepared to provide references, though they’re typically contacted only after an in-person interview.

How long does Olive Garden take to hire?

Olive Garden is known for fast hiring. Many applicants hear back within 1–3 days and can start within 1 week of acceptance. The full process from application to first shift averages 5–10 days.

Does Olive Garden hire at 16?

Olive Garden hires team members ages 16+ for host, busser, and prep cook roles. Line cooks must typically be 18+ in most states. Some state regulations restrict hours for workers under 18 (typically curfews after 10 PM on school nights). Check your state’s labor laws and your local Olive Garden’s specific policies.

What is the Olive Garden dress code?

Kitchen staff wear chef coats, pants, and non-slip shoes provided or subsidized. Servers wear black pants, black shoes, and a company-issued shirt/vest. Hosts wear business casual dress (black pants, polo or branded shirt). All positions require neat, professional appearance and proper food service hygiene.