One of the important aspects of a job is how the employees are treated which is sometimes lost in fast-paced and demanding industries, like fast-food restaurants. When looking for a job, either while in school or full-time, being a part of an establishment that supports you and fosters a diverse working environment should be factors to consider. From the multitude of dining and fast-food chains located across the country, QSR Magazine released a list of the Best Brands to Work For in 2024. The selected these chains based on wages, focus on the employee, and culture. To compile the list of the best restaurants to work for, QSR gathered nominations from restaurant brands and had a panel of industry experts to weigh in. The following stand-alone restaurant chains were highlighted due to their encouragement of educational and professional development.
Wingstop
Wingstop doesn’t just make incredible chicken; the brand also has a total health benefit package for its employees (that includes mental, emotional, and physical). Even the part-time employees have access to affordable healthcare options. The Wingstop Charities grant program also allows for up for $5,000 to be donated to different causes that are important to team members.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell will cover up to 100% of tuition for its employees seeking higher education, plus the Taco Bell Foundation awards scholarships to changemakers in the business.
Raising Cane’s
Aside from its comprehensive health and welfare offering, Raising Cane’s has extensive educational benefits. The fast-food spot offers tuition reimbursement, fully-funded high school programs, and free online learning to workers’ family members.
Panda Express
Wit over 50,000 employees, Panda Express has made sure they all get treated well. Employees received free meals on shift and can receive bonuses, stock options, and 401(k) matching. Panda Express also pays a minimum wage of $15 an hour across the country.
Cava
Cava is a fast-growing salad chain that has over 340 locations across the country. Team members employed by them get access to health insurance, a 401(k) plan, tuition discounts, pet insurance, commuter benefits, parental leave, and paid time off.
Chipotle
Guac might be extra, but at Chipotle, the chain also offers tuition reimbursement and debt-free college degrees through Guild — a private company that aims to help employers provide tuition-free education in their workforce.
Whataburger
The burger chain created Whataburger’s Family Foundation to provide scholarship opportunities that are offered to not only its employees but dependents as well.
Other restaurant and chains that made the list
Here are the other food establishments that made it to QSR Magazine’s list:
Chick-fil-A
Torchy’s Tacos
Aroma Joe’s
WaBa Grill
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
Balance Pan-Asian Grille
Sbarro
gusto!
My Burger
Choolaah
The Buona Companies
Vicious Biscuit
Chicken Salad Chick
Dave’s Hot Chicken