Why working at a high street restaurant brand might be the best career move you didn’t expect.

Yes, we’re talking about your favourite go-to chains that serve everything from sizzling fajitas to triple-stacked burgers. Beyond the menu and the buzz, these restaurants are cooking up something else – amazing workplaces.

Delicious perks – literally
First things first, free food. Whether it’s discounted meals, staff tasting sessions, or the occasional ‘try this new dessert before anyone else’ moment, food lovers thrive here. And yes, that means fewer sad desk lunches and more surprise pizza.

A career buffet - so many roles to choose from
High street restaurant brands aren't just hiring Chefs and Servers. You'll find opportunities in:

• Front of House
• Bar & Barista
• Kitchen team and culinary development
• Management and team leadership
• Marketing, HR, Finance and Operations at Head Office
• Training and development roles

Think of it as a choose-your-own-career adventure with actual career progression, not just side quests.

Climb the ladder without the corporate snooze
Want to go from part-time waiter to restaurant manager or even a regional director? Totally possible, and common. Many of these brand’s love promoting from within. If you’ve got the drive, they’ll provide the training, mentorship, and support to help you rise faster than a soufflé in a hot oven.

Team vibes that feel like family
High street restaurants thrive on teamwork. You will find that camaraderie runs strong here. Whether it’s post-shift hangouts, team-building nights out, or just rallying together during the dinner rush, the friendships are real, (and often lifelong). Company culture isn’t just a buzz word in these operations, they truly strive to create an engaging, inclusive and fun culture.

Perks beyond the pay check
Here's a taste of what many brands offer:

• Competitive pay and tips
• Flexible working hours (perfect for students or side hustlers)
• Paid training and development programs
• Staff recognition awards
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts (often used across sister brands!)
• Pension schemes, paid holidays, and sometimes.. even a gym membership!
• Some companies even offer paid volunteering days, giving you the chance to give back while on the clock

Work anywhere - literally
With locations in nearly every city and town, and sometimes even internationally, working with a big brand means you can transfer locations with ease. Fancy a move from Manchester to Madrid? There might be a kitchen waiting for you.

Learn skills for life
Customer service? Check. Time management, double check. Multitasking, leadership, problem-solving, conflict resolution and working under pressure? That's basically every shift. Even if you don't stay in hospitality forever, the skills you gain are gold for any career.

Final thoughts - it's more than just a job, it's a launchpad
Working at a high street restaurant brand is so much more than taking orders or flipping burgers. It’s fast-paced, rewarding, and often unexpectedly fulfilling. Whether you’re looking for a flexible part-time gig, a first job with big potential, or a long-term career with a side of mac ‘n’ cheese – this is where opportunities sizzle.

So next time you walk into your favourite high street restaurant, look past the menu and imagine yourself behind the scenes. You might just find your next big opportunity waiting in the kitchen.

And if you are ready to explore opportunities now, these could tempt you:

Lounge Cafe Bars, LEON, Five Guys, Franco Manca, Zizzi, Cote, Sticks'n'sushi, TGI Friday's, MEATLiquor, The Real Greek and Honest Burgers ... just as an example of a few mighty high street brands on Leisurejobs.com.

#highstreetcareers #workperks #restaurantlife #teamvibes #jobsthatsizzle