what age does olive garden hire

Olive Garden Hiring Age: What You Need to Know

By Emily LeeNovember 20, 2025

When it comes to exploring job opportunities at Olive Garden, a popular Italian-American restaurant chain, you might be wondering, "What age does Olive Garden hire?" The answer isn't as straightforward as a single age number, as the hiring process varies depending on the position and location. However, we'll delve into the age requirements, legal aspects, and various job roles to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Olive Garden, owned by Darden Restaurants, offers a wide range of positions, from servers and cooks to management roles. The age requirements can differ based on the responsibilities and legal regulations. Let's explore the age considerations for different job roles and the legal aspects surrounding age hiring.

Age Requirements for Different Roles

Olive Garden typically hires individuals who are at least 16 years old for entry-level positions. However, certain roles may require applicants to be 18 or older due to the nature of the job or legal restrictions.

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Here's a breakdown of age requirements for some common Olive Garden positions:

Entry-Level Positions (16+)

Positions like Server, Busser, Host/Hostess, and Dishwasher usually have no age restrictions beyond being at least 16 years old. These roles involve customer service, food preparation, and maintaining a clean dining environment.

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For instance, a 16-year-old can apply for a Server position, but they may not be able to serve alcoholic beverages until they reach the legal drinking age in their state (usually 18 or 21).

Management and Specialty Roles (18+)

Management positions such as Assistant Manager, General Manager, and Kitchen Manager typically require applicants to be at least 18 years old. These roles involve overseeing staff, managing operations, and ensuring the smooth running of the restaurant.

Similarly, specialty roles like Bartender, Sommelier, or Chef may have age restrictions due to the specific skills and responsibilities required. For example, a Bartender must be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on the state's drinking age.

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Legal Aspects of Age Hiring

Olive Garden, like other employers, must comply with federal and state labor laws regarding age hiring. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protect job applicants and employees from age discrimination.

The FLSA sets the minimum age for employment at 14 years old for certain non-hazardous jobs and 16 years old for most other jobs. However, some states have their own child labor laws that may impose additional restrictions or require work permits.

Minimum Age Requirements

For most Olive Garden positions, the minimum age requirement is 16 years old. However, some states may have higher minimum age requirements for specific roles or tasks. For example, in California, individuals must be at least 18 years old to work as a Server or Bartender.

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It's essential to check your state's labor laws and obtain any required work permits if you're under 18.

Age Discrimination

Olive Garden is prohibited from discriminating against job applicants or employees based on their age. The ADEA protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from age discrimination in hiring, firing, and other terms and conditions of employment.

If you believe you've experienced age discrimination during the hiring process or while employed at Olive Garden, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

In conclusion, the age at which Olive Garden hires employees varies depending on the position and location. While most entry-level roles have a minimum age requirement of 16, management and specialty roles may require applicants to be 18 or older. It's crucial to research state-specific labor laws and obtain any required work permits if you're under 18. Olive Garden, like other employers, is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits age discrimination. If you're eager to start your career in the restaurant industry, consider exploring Olive Garden's job opportunities and applying for a role that suits your skills and interests.