LongHorn Steakhouse is a casual dining restaurant chain with locations throughout the United States. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of Darden Restaurants, Inc. Known for their wide-ranging menu that features steak, including their popular Flo’s Filet, ribs, chicken, fish, sandwiches, salads and side dishes, they provide a Western-themed atmosphere and a full-service bar.
The company was founded in Atlanta in 1981 as LongHorn Steaks Restaurant & Saloon. After a 1982 snowstorm stranded people in the city, founder George McKerrow, Jr. offered discounted steaks and drinks to stranded travelers. The company grew from there, opening restaurants across the United States. They officially joined the Darden family in 2007.
The restaurant generates about $1.7 billion in annual sales at hundreds of worldwide locations. They are headquartered in Orlando, Florida and have restaurants in Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and El Salvador.
Employee benefits include health, dental, vision and life insurance options as well as a flexible spending account through Darden’s credit union. Employees enjoy restaurant discounts, flexible scheduling and have access to an employee assistance program. Employees receive payment on a weekly basis instead of having to wait for bi-monthly or monthly paychecks.
People like working at for the company because of its opportunities for advancement. More than half of their hourly staff moves into their Manager-in-Training program, and they promote from hourly ranks so there is great growth potential. Employees appreciate the discount they receive on food and drinks at all Darden restaurants. Employees also appreciate weekly paychecks.
How old do you have to be to work at LongHorn?
The company requires its employees to be at least eighteen years old at the time of hire, which allows them to serve alcohol and work as bartenders if they choose.
LongHorn Careers
The company hires for both hourly and management positions. They offer full-time and part-time positions. Hourly restaurant positions include hosts, bartenders, servers, line cooks, dishwashers and service assistants.
Host: Hosts are expected to greet customers at the door and manage their experience from the lobby to the table. Hosts must be able to handle a high-volume, fast-paced environment. In addition to seating diners, they are responsible for clearing and setting tables to ensure they are ready for the next group of diners. Hosts are expected to provide support to servers during high-volume shifts.
Bartender: Bartenders are responsible for managing the restaurant’s full bar service. They are expected to have knowledge of the drink menu so that they are able to make recommendations to guests. Bartenders are responsible for mixing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. They are also tasked with making sure bar service remains in compliance with company standards on liquor.
Server: Servers are responsible for managing the customer’s dining experience from the moment they sit down at their table to the moment they pay their check. They are responsible for taking correct orders, communicating effectively with team members to deliver timely and attentive service, and assisting in cleaning tasks. Servers must be able to work efficiently in a busy atmosphere. Servers are expected to support hosts during busy shifts.
Line Cook: Line Cooks are in charge of preparing high-quality food in line with the restaurant’s presentation guidelines. In addition to cooking, they are responsible for food preparation and ensuring that food and equipment is stored properly. Line Cooks must ensure compliance with sanitation standards at all times.
Dishwasher: Dishwashers are responsible for cleaning all utensils, plates, glasses and kitchen equipment. They assist the Line Cooks in ensuring sanitation standards. Dishwashers are also responsible for restocking restaurant supplies for team members.
Service Assistant/Busser: Service Assistants and Bussers are responsible for clearing and cleaning tables and assisting Servers in running food to tables. They are expected to act as support to other team members and help deliver exceptional customer service.
Restaurant Manager: Restaurant Managers are responsible for leadership and department-level restaurant operations. They translate their customer service experience to effectively develop teams that deliver high-quality service to customers. Restaurant Managers are also expected to deliver consistently through all business processes. Managers must manage hourly staff, provide scheduling information and problem-solve any employee issues that arise.
The company places an emphasis on promoting employee career growth and promote over 200 employees to management per year. Though you might start as a host or server, through the company’s Manager-in-Training program, hourly workers have the chance to become managing partners. The company takes pride in the fact that 30% of their managing partners started as hourly workers. The company also offers Restaurant Management Internships for undergraduate students. They encourage recent graduates who studied hospitality or anyone with experience to apply for management positions. All of their corporate positions are located at Darden Headquarters in Orlando, Florida.
LongHorn Application
Interested applicants can begin the process by visiting the company’s website to see available positions at specific locations. They can then continue the process online or in person at a restaurant location, depending on the position they are applying for.
Prospective employees are able to complete a job application online through the company website or portal. Candidates are also able to fill out an application form in person if they choose.
When filling out the application form either online or in person, it is important for prospective employees to answer all applicable questions and include all of the required information.
An applicant’s resume should highlight their customer service experience and exposure to the restaurant industry. It should demonstrate a stable work history. They should emphasize any prior experience in the position they are applying for.
The interview process is straightforward. Prospective employees can submit an application online for their specific position and location, and they will reach out over the phone if they like the application to schedule an in person interview. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their customer service experience and aptitude for working in the restaurant industry. If applying for a specific position, like a bartender, applicants should demonstrate their background and skills in that area. They should also be prepared to explain why they are interested in working at the restaurant.
Facts About LongHorn
The restaurant promotes a highly engaged culture. The company orients training to focus on strong communication between team members and ways that team members can support their fellow employees. The company consistently works to remain committed to quality and service and train all new employees in line with company standards.
Lately, the company has been newsworthy for releasing its own limited edition Bourbon in 2018. This was a collaboration with the whisky brand Knob Creek. They also offered a grilling hotline on Memorial Day weekend and throughout summer 2018 to provide a resource for people making steak or barbecuing at home.
They are known as an affordable dining option and are famous for their steaks and Signature Margaritas. They have over 30 meal combinations on their menu for lunch and dinner, adding to their reputation for variety and quality.
The company focuses their social efforts on supporting sustainable beef and local farmers. Their Harvest Program also donates food to communities in need. They take part in Darden Dimes, an internal program that provides $15 million annually in assistance to coworkers facing emergencies. The company is also committed to promoting eco-conscious behavior. They organize Green Teams within the company to promote and maintain sustainability efforts.
Application Links
Company: https://www.longhornsteakhouse.com/home
Careers: https://jobs.longhornsteakhouse.com/
Application: N/A, position specific