There’s no denying In-N-Out Burger has a cult-like fanbase. You can say the same about its employees. Once again, the California-based burger chain led all restaurant brands on Glassdoor’s list of the 100 best places to work, employees’ choice. In-N-Out moved up a spot in 2019 to No. 3 overall. Bain & Company, which once owned Domino’s, was No. 1, followed by Zoom Video Communications. Led by Mitt Romney, Bain Capital acquired Domino’s for $1.1 billion in 1998. The pizza giant made its stock market debut as a public company in 2004.
In-N-Out, which beat companies like Google (No. 8) and Facebook (No. 7), earned rave marks across several areas, including free food (a burger per shift), and PTO that “is accrued in a reasonable and fair way that any employee working part time would appreciate,” according to one reviewer. In-N-Out starts hourly employees at $11 per hour and has garnered a reputation as an employee-focused organization that promotes in-house growth.
Glassdoor noted a review that said, “You have great opportunities to advance both in store and corporate. They offer great training and have a great support structure.”
There were only two other restaurant companies on the list.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants came in at No. 76. One post said, “If you are looking for an organization who has your back, supports you, develops you and trusts your entrepreneurial spirits [this s the company for you].”
Kimpton operates more than 60 hotels and 80 restaurants, bars, and lounges. The organization was No. 37 in last year’s rankings. Kimpton offers employee discounts on hotel stays; a 401(k) plan with employer matching enhancement; wellness programs, such as smoking cessation and gym discounts; life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance; six weeks of paid paternity/maternity leave for salaried managers, and even pet insurance.
There’s also a Kimpton University program, Mentorship Program, and Managers in Training Program. The University program offers a selection of classroom courses, with core leadership classes for managers, and more than 30 online courses ranging from hotel and restaurant operations management, to Kimpton culture, and even self-insight.
The other restaurant on the Top 100 was Raising Cane’s. The chicken chain ranked No. 96. Reviewers credited competitive pay, paid days off for holidays, bonuses and “gifts throughout the year to show their appreciation for your hard work.”
Job training and Raising Cane’s “step-by-step” approach were also lauded. The restaurant was No. 43 on last year’s rankings. According to the site, cashiers start at $8 per hour and crew members $9. Shift managers make $13 per hour.
Glassdoor compiles the list based on employee evaluations and employer practices. It offers job postings, reviews, and workplace research.