17 Pros And Cons Of Working At The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory is an American restaurant chain that originally opened in Los Angeles, California in 1972.

The first restaurant opened in Beverly Hills in 1978.

Since then, the chain has expanded to include over 200 franchises across the United States.

The restaurant is known for its huge menu selection, quality service, laid-back atmosphere, and, of course, cheesecake.

But what is it like to work at The Cheesecake Factory?

We researched what employees had to say and compiled this list of pros and cons.

Pros Of Working At The Cheesecake Factory

1. The Money Is Pretty Good

People that have worked at The Cheesecake Factory have reported that one of the good points is the paycheck.

As far as the restaurant business goes, this appears to be true.

According to Indeed, the average employee at The Cheesecake Factory makes $34,991 a year.

This is 25% more than the average restaurant worker nationwide.

Managers, bartenders, chefs, and other specialists can make up to $90,000.

There’s also plenty of room for overtime.

The hours are consistent too, so there’s not much fluctuation from paycheck to paycheck.

2. Benefits

If you need health benefits, The Cheesecake Factory is awesome.

They offer full benefits to anyone that works over 25 hours a week.

That’s right, full medical, dental, and vision.

This is great for college students that may no longer be covered by their parents, but really for everyone.

They also offer paid sick time and vacation.

Employees can choose to take part in 401K and disability programs as well.

If you advance to the level of general manager, corporate loans you a shiny, new BMW to drive.

3. Help With Education

The Cheesecake Factory wants its employees to succeed both on the job and in life.

They offer college tuition assistance to those who need it.

They will reimburse workers that are taking college courses up to $2500 a year to help offset the high cost of secondary education.

But the company doesn’t stop there.

The Factory will also cover the entire cost for employees wanting to get their GED or associate’s degree.

4. The Food

While the rumor that employees get all the cheesecake they want is not true, they do get some great food perks.

All employees are entitled to one free meal during their shifts.

If they want more, a 50% discount is given.

During their non-work hours, employees enjoy that same half-off price.

Workers get to sample new menu items before they are released.

They’re also “forced” to sample the entire menu during training.

As for the cheesecake rumor, it’s not entirely untrue.

It differs by location and is up to the discretion of the bakery manager.

If there is cheesecake left over at the end of the night, then yes, employees are offered the iconic cake.

5. Meet New People

If you’re a person that loves to be social and friendly, The Cheesecake Factory could be a great fit.

Each day is a new opportunity to meet new people from all walks of life.

One moment you could be chatting up the menu to a family with kids and the next a group of college kids could be telling you how much they love your shirt.

Most Cheesecake Factory customers are happy and relaxed mind, so chances are they’ll want a quick chat or joke with you.

6. Friendships

The Cheesecake Factory is known for its team-player design and family atmosphere.

Often, the same set of employees works the same shifts.

All of this leads to the forming of close friendships.

Many employees have reported making close friendships with colleagues that continue outside of work.

It’s not necessary to like your coworkers, but it certainly helps.

7. Flexible Schedules

The Cheesecake Factory is a great place to work if you need to schedule work around the rest of your life and not the other way around.

Provided you do it before the schedule is made, you can pencil in work hours around school, your children’s activities, appointments, and whatever else you need to get done in your personal life.

Managers are good at allowing shift coverage in case of an emergency too.

8. Organized And Efficient

Both customers and employees rave about how all of the restaurants run like well-oiled machines.

The company wants customers to have the same experience at all locations, so there is a specific way employees need to do everything.

This makes for a smooth delivery of workers’ duties and can make the workday flow without complications.

Employees are happy with the cleanliness of the restaurants and that it’s easy to find what they need.

9. Chance For Advancement

Remember that BMW?

Well, it’s not out of reach for anyone at The Cheesecake Factory.

The company believes in rewarding hard work and loyalty, so they are always promoting their workers.

They don’t believe in hiring upper management from the outside.

The thought is that nobody knows the restaurant better than the employees.

So it makes sense to entrust management duties to them while rewarding their dedication.

Cons Of Working At The Cheesecake Factory

1. The Menu

The Cheesecake Factory is known for its large portions that are ordered from the equally large menu.

While this is great for customers, it can be a challenge for employees that need to memorize the entire 20 pages!

An entire week of training is dedicated just to the menu.

Trainees are given flashcards to help them and are expected to study.

Multiple written and verbal tests are given to ensure that you can identify and describe the over 250 items, in addition to the drinks.

If your memory is not top-notch, this may not be the job for you.

2. Everything Servers Do Is Decided By Corporate

The Cheesecake Factory expects everyone to do everything the same way across all restaurants.

So, servers are given a handbook that covers everything from how much ice goes in a drink to how many butter packets go in the bread basket.

This is because there are so many dishes, that organization is key.

If you like to be on a separate path and don’t enjoy the team concept, look elsewhere.

3. Working Long Hours

Employees have mentioned that the hours at Cheesecake Factory can be unusually long.

Some restaurants are short-handed and people often call out.

So, those people who are already working are asked to work longer hours or stay past their shifts.

While this means more money, it’s not always convenient when you have a family or you’re just plain tired.

4. Fast Paced

The Cheesecake Factory is a popular place.

This means that it’s usually crowded.

Most have people waiting for tables during the lunch and dinner rushes.

This means you’ll be running back and forth trying to get customers served quickly and correctly.

Some employees have reported that they sometimes miss their breaks because they are so busy.

5. Holidays/Time Off

One of the major drawbacks of The Cheesecake Factory is that you cannot request holidays off.

If you’re scheduled to work that day, you have to work.

You’ll also need to work some weekend shifts.

This can be an issue when the rest of your family is home celebrating or you’re missing your child’s weekend soccer game.

6. Uniforms

Until recently, the uniform was all white.

Recently, corporate eased up a bit and switched to black pants.

This was good for servers who are subjected to uniform inspections.

Workers are expected to keep their clothes in pristine condition.

At the beginning of each shift, a manager inspects each worker for stains, spots, and wrinkles.

If you spill something during your shift you’re expected to get the stain out or change.

This can be a bit stressful since you’re working with food and drinks all day.

7. No facial hair, etc.

If you’re looking to work at The Cheesecake Factory, then be prepared to shave your beard.

While servers can have some well-trimmed scruff, full beards are a large no.

Backend workers can have trimmed beards but must wear a hair net over them.

You’ll also need to take out any facial piercings and have no facial or neck tattoos.

Also, any visible tattoos must be “nonoffensive.”

Long hair must also be tied up.

8. National Cheesecake Day

This is a happy day for cheesecake lovers.

Customers get 50% off all of the cheesy treats.

But often, that’s all they come in to eat.

So workers are extremely busy and tips are low.

Knowing this, you may want to call out that day.