Pros
*For a half-service, fast casual restaurant, there is a good opportunity to make some decent money in tips, if you provide great customer service. *As far as discounted food and quality, decent to great experience. If I helped out and did a double shift, the managers would often let me have anything off the menu as a meal. Which beats the same experience at a fast food place.
Cons
*Management turnover is pretty high and that can definitely influence the work life balance. Some managers care only bout their bottom line, so prepare for oddball work hours, week to week. I've worked anywhere from 12-15 hrs some weeks, to 35 - 45 hrs some weeks. This is independent of labor and sales, this is about wonky scheduling. *HR is not going to save you from abusive or harassing managers, most managers are just downright rude and indifferent to anything but their own concerns - even though they get paid splendidly.