Careers
Based on a recent voluntary survey (completed by ~ 32,000 Associates), 94.3% of our Associates would recommend Waffle House as a great place to work for others.
Our Mission
Generating a great Customer dining experience so that we are known as America’s Place to Eat.
Creating a great Associate employment experience so that we are known as America’s Place to Work.
Understanding that America’s Place has 1,095 unique shifts per Unit, per year and over 45,000 individual Associates working them.
Believing that America’s Place can always be better and working hard to make it so!
CLICK to hear our Associates tell you why Waffle House is America’s Place to Work®
Management Careers
THE SAME FIRST STEP
At Waffle House, we believe in Homegrown Leadership. That means every Operations Manager starts in the same place: as a Single Unit Manager, learning the business from the ground up.
With a “6 Days On, 2 Days Off Guaranteed” schedule, a hands-on 3-month training program, and a commitment to promoting from within, Waffle House gives you the opportunity for advancement, steady growth and promotion opportunities from day one. Our culture is fast-paced and built on teamwork, where steady growth can lead to real advancement and long-term leadership opportunities.
Manager Trainee
There is no restaurant simulator. We believe in learning by doing. On day one, you’ll put on the uniform, walk into a real Waffle House restaurant, and start working alongside a Training Unit Manager. You’ll do everything they do until it becomes second nature. During this period, you’ll receive extra training from senior managers as well. Here are some more details:
9-12 weeks management training, including:
- Waffle House University coursework
- Trainees become familiar with team leadership, business systems, and hands-on culture
- Practice management by running different restaurants before being checked into your restaurant
- Includes 3rd-shift rotations
Unit Manager
As a Unit Manager, you’re in charge of your own restaurant. You’ll go from learning the basics to being great at running all aspects of our business: managing, coaching, training, and developing your team of Associates; restaurant service and production; and building relationships with your Customers and the surrounding community.
You will start receiving performance-based compensation. This means you determine how much you make by creating sales and how well you run your restaurant.
- Target Compensation Range = $65,000 – $85,000
- Number of Restaurants – 1
- Opportunity to Participate in Stock Program, which has historically included Annual Stock Options of 5% of income and Career Options of $18,000+
District Manager
As a District Manager, you’ll be responsible for the oversight of 2-3 Unit Managers and 60+ Hourly Associates.
- Target Compensation Range - $85,000 - $115,000
- Number of Restaurants - 2–3
- Opportunity to Participate in Stock Program, which has historically included Annual Stock Options of 5% of income and Career Options of $75,000+
Division Manager
As Division Manager, you’ll oversee 2 or 3 District Managers. Your organizational leadership role includes: operational excellence, team leadership and development, facility management, recruiting and training, and community relations.
- Target Compensation Range - $115,000 - $145,000
- Number of Restaurants- 6–9
- Opportunity to Participate in Stock Program, which has historically included Annual Stock Options of 10% of income and Career Options of $92,500+
Hourly Careers
Shift Supervisor
The Shift Supervisor position is available for an experienced and career-minded Grill Operator, ready to take the next step in leadership. As a Shift Supervisor, you know the restaurant, understand the rhythm of the shift, and are prepared to help lead the team.
In this role, you’ll work side by side with Managers to support our 24-hour restaurants, lead by example, coach team members, assist in training new Associates, and reinforce Waffle House standards. During evening and night shifts, you’ll serve as the Manager’s right hand, helping create a great experience for Customers and Associates, no matter the hour.
Servers
As a Server, also known as a Salesperson, you’re the connection between our Customers and the Waffle House experience. This tip-based role gives you the training, support and development to grow your skills and maximize your earning potential.
As you serve more Customers, you also have the opportunity to advance through our Elite Server levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and, finally, Diamond. From taking orders to creating a welcoming atmosphere, your focus is on delivering fast, friendly service that keeps Customers coming back.
Host
At Waffle House, our Hosts and Hostesses are part of our “Door Corps." The Door Corp sets the tone the moment Customers walk in. As the first friendly face they see, you’ll greet and seat Customers, help keep the dining area clean and welcoming, and play an important role in creating the Waffle House experience from the very first hello.
Cook (also known as a Grill Operator)
As a Grill Operator, you’re at the heart of the Waffle House experience. Since every meal is cooked to order, you’ll learn to prepare food the “Waffle House Way” while building skills that can help you grow from Grill Operator to Master Grill Operator and, finally, Rockstar Grill Operator.
Your teamwork, attitude, coachability, and performance all play a role in the ranking process, and production bonuses based on shift sales can create additional earning opportunities along the way.
Compensation Range: $10/hour - $22.95/hour + Production Bonuses.
*Compensation is based on the rank you earn as a Grill Operator, Master Grill Operator, or Rock Star Grill Operator.
Additionally, 2nd Shift Supervisor and 3rd Shift Supervisor roles are available for those seeking additional responsibility.
With continuous training, our Grill Operators become leaders in food safety as well as service and production
Workforce
Our people are the heart of Waffle House. Across our restaurants and support teams, our workforce is built on teamwork, hospitality, and growth.
Over 45,000 active Associates
2,070 Restaurants across 25 States
- Company Restaurants: 1,947
- Franchise Restaurants: 123
Did You Know?
- 50% of our Grill Operators have 3 years or more of experience!
- 38% of our Salespeople have an Elite Server Rank of Bronze-level or Higher!
- 33% of our hourly workforce participates in our Stock Program
- 587 Homegrown Hourly-to-Management Associates
Based on a recent voluntary survey (completed by ~ 32,000 Associates), 94.3% of our Associates would recommend Waffle House as a great place to work for others.
Benefits
Hourly Benefits
At Waffle House, we make sure to take care of our employees with opportunities like:
- Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance — available for you and your family
- Flexible Schedules: Full-time/Part-time, Day/Night shifts, Weekends/Weekdays
- Stock Ownership: Eligible to purchase Waffle House stock for up to 10% of your pay after 90 days of service
- Paid Maternity Leave: 6 weeks (8 weeks for c-section) if eligible, after 2 years of continuous service working at least 30 hours/week
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Begins accruing immediately, 1 hour for every 30 hours worked
- Career Advancement: Opportunity to advance to Master Grill Operator or Rockstar Grill Operator, Shift Supervisor, or Restaurant Management
- Direct Deposit or Pay Card: Electronic Pay, Every Week
Management Benefits
- Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance — available for you and your family
- “6 Days On, 2 Days Off Guaranteed” Schedule (unmatched in the restaurant industry)
- Vacation: Three 10-Day Vacations Each Year
- Paid Maternity Leave: 6 weeks (8 weeks for c-section) if eligible, after 2 years of continuous service working at least 30 hours/week
- Stock Ownership: Opportunity to Participate in Stock Program up to 10% of salary