Unhappy Unit Manager. - Unit Manager Waffle House Employee Review

2.0
21 Sept 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some hourly associates are a joy to work with. I've found that in my unit I have about 2 people that I can really count on when someone else doesn't come through. This is a blessing. Being off around 3 -30 pm the days you work is nice. New Unit Managers having a back up cook for the first 6 months was a good idea.

Cons

The company requires that Unit managers come back to change the drawer Friday and Saturday nights, as well as the night before you have your two days off. This is a true pain. Especially when you are mid-20's and would like to have some kind of social life on the weekends which is pretty much cut out anyhow because of the way the rotating schedule is set up you will only have a weekend off every 1 and a 1/2 months anyway. You have to work every holiday. A unit managers schedule is 6 days on and then two days off. This doesn't hold true for the holiday season, plan on working probably 7 days straight and getting one day off. Also during holiday season when there are black out days plan on going back to change the drawer at night, after you have already worked 1st shift that day. Quality of life isn't that great when you are short staffed and having issues finding people to work. You would think you'd get tons of applications all the time, you don't. Then the few applications you do get, cross your fingers hoping they pass the background, or that they aren't on discretionary hire. It makes it hard to be selective, it's almost to the point where I interview anyone who turns in an application. Every week is something different. The new pay based on "Target overall" sucks. I know managers in my division whose checks have been 600-800 dollars for 2 weeks of work, 60 hr work weeks! Doing the calculations this is barely over minimum wage in most places!!!! Not to mention, you don't get paid for holidays or overtime. There are some superstar unit managers who have good stores with employees that have been there a long time, and they are able to run good numbers and be successful. But for the majority what I have seen is my fellow unit managers in my division looking to find new jobs ASAP! OVERWORKED, AND UNDERPAID. I took this job after graduating with a degree in Business Administration to gain management experience. This is not a place I would want to work for the rest of my career. I'd actually be willing to take make a little less money, for a better quality of life and better benefits elsewhere!

Explore other reviews about Waffle House

5.0
4 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Fun place to work, work mostly mornings

Cons

Might have to work “surprise” night shifts, call outs

3.0
15 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Solid pay for the industry Okay benefits Employee stock purchase plan Pretty consistent hours The actual work is difficult, but fun after you get good at it. Upward momentum is difficult, but the pay scales very well if you work your way up into management. Prepare for intense work if you do though.

Cons

They hire everyone, and your team will make or break your experience. Genuine safety concerns on 3rd shift. You need to be prepared for people to act out. Senior management only have operation management skills. They are not good "people" managers at all. Only "number" managers.

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