
Top 10 Reasons to Work at Lazy Dog Restaurant
We believe our teammates are the heart of what makes us great. We were founded on core values that truly put our teammates first. Thanks to their dedication, Lazy Dog has become an amazing place to work, earning us the Great Place to Work® certification for the seventh year in a row!
With high retention rates reflecting our supportive and fun environment, it’s clear that you become part of something special when you join Lazy Dog.
Here are the top 10 reasons why Lazy Dog is a fantastic place to work:
1. Growth Opportunities
At Lazy Dog, we invest in our people. Many teammates start as servers, hosts or line cooks and work their way up to leadership roles. Our Career Compass guides teammates through clear paths to growth, whether they’re aiming to become a general manager, kitchen leader or beyond. You’re never stuck in one spot at Lazy Dog — here, the sky's the limit.
2. Comprehensive Learning & Development
We take training seriously because your success is our success. Our Leadership Development Journey empowers managers, while the Expedition develops our high-potential general managers and executive chefs for regional director positions. Our annual Leadership Summit also brings general managers, executive chefs and regional directors together with our home office leaders and vendor partners to learn, connect and inspire, fostering development and future planning. Whether in management or kitchen roles, you can forge your path to success here.
3. Teammate Assistance & Support
Life happens, and when it does, we’ve got your back. The Lazy Dog Care Fund offers financial assistance to teammates in times of need. We’re committed to taking care of the whole you — whether it’s providing emergency help or simply being there when life gets tough.
4. Health & Wellness Programs
At Lazy Dog, we know that your well-being is integral to your success. Our health support goes beyond traditional benefits and includes access to Employee Assistance Programs, wellness webinars, and telemedicine. Plus, through TicketsatWork, teammates can access exclusive discounts on wellness events, fitness apps, spas and more — making it easier to focus on your physical and mental well-being. It's our way of ensuring that your health is a priority, both inside and outside the workplace.
5. Community Connections
We actively participate in fundraisers that support local causes, as well as local restaurant marketing efforts, allowing our teammates to make a meaningful impact in their community. From partnering with local schools and sports teams to participating in expos, community holiday celebrations and events, we are committed to making a positive difference in the communities we serve.
6. Purpose-Driven Work
At Lazy Dog, we believe that work goes beyond the daily to-dos — it’s about nourishing connections that make a meaningful difference every day. Our teammates feel they can make a real impact through the people they work with and serve, whether it's through genuine interactions with guests, supporting teammates or contributing to our communities. We partner with organizations like Baby2Baby and Habitat for Humanity to support families in need. Our goal is to empower our team to give back and make a difference.
7. Nurturing Connections
We believe that meaningful relationships create a more enriching work experience. Through events like our annual Lazy Dog Leadership Summit and Harvest Moon Festival, we prioritize connection and celebration. These gatherings give teammates a chance to bond, learn and celebrate successes. Whether through casual check-ins, company-wide celebrations or summits, we make sure that every teammate feels like they belong and are supported.
8. Recognition & Rewards
We love to recognize teammates who go above and beyond. Our Paw It Forward program encourages our home office team members to nominate one another for embodying our core values. Additionally, we have The Lodge, a forum where teammates can share positive feedback and celebrate one another’s hard work, helping us build a culture of appreciation and recognition throughout the company. Every spring, our teammates also nominate each other for Core Value Awards. These are awarded to teammates who best emulate each of Lazy Dog's core values. This special recognition continues at our annual Summit and Harvest Moon, where awards are presented, making it everyone's favorite time of year to honor each other's contributions and impact at the restaurant.
9. Creating Fun!
Work should be enjoyable! At Lazy Dog, we make it a point to take the time to enjoy where we work. Having fun is one of our core values (“Whistle While You Work”). From restaurant-level celebrations, like menu rollout parties, to home office team lunches and holiday events, we find ways to pause, enjoy and bond as a team.
10. A Commitment to Safety
Our teammates' safety, and the safety of our guests, are our top priorities. We provide the tools and training needed to keep our restaurants incident-free. We’ve even been known to throw a party for teams that have gone incident-free for the year — because safety deserves to be celebrated!
Lazy Dog isn’t just a place to work — it’s where careers grow, friendships flourish and purpose thrives. With our commitment to development, community impact, and creating fun experiences, we’ve built an environment that our teammates love.
Ready to join Lazy Dog? Discover how you can grow with us and find your place in our vibrant, supportive community.