Yikes - Cafe Associate Main Event Employee Review

2.0
3 Sept 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There was a decent employee discount: 50% off of food, free time cards for the games, and when the people were good, they were great. Training is simple and easy to understand and become proficient in. There is sometimes genuine fun to be had with guests. Paid 30 minute breaks. If you're friendly with different people it's easy to get favors, and get shifts passed around. Dancing was fun although we stopped doing it mostly.

Cons

Terrible management, drama between coworkers constantly, bad scheduling, and draconian upper management. Main event is an "fun" place, yet I was constantly chastised for my earrings being too childish, my hair adsecories 'too pink' or my voice too loud amongst glaring lights and blaring arcade machines. The many different parts of the center, such as the arcade and bar, are managed separately by different managers, so there is really no telling WHO you are supposed to be answering to. It's a very odd system. The center is often very understaffed and the 'trainers' (often with less experience than you, or the same amount) become untruthful or downright malicious when dealing with you. This is true about many service jobs, but I found my time working here to be almost entirely fraught with unhappy people. We did not provide a suitable product so they took it out on us. The managers were the same way. Our store manager was very unpleasant (made one manager cry and we all saw it) and so everything she said got back to us in a very scream-y way. While training is simple, a lot gets lost in the shuffle, so many new hires are woefully unprepared for the onslaught of customers. All the food is frozen and gross; servers are often tipped horribly due to the quality, which is no fault of their own. Too much favoritism from the GM, the system they use to give raises is very arbitrary and odd. There was CONSTANT drama amongst the coworkers. The schedule was often done in a way so that it was impossible to work. I was in my senior year of high school when I began working, and they often had me at the center until 12-1 in the AM knowing I had school the next day. It is IMPOSSIBLE to get out on time because only a manager can clock you out and they are impossible to get ahold of simply due to the workload placed upon them. The sheer expectations placed on them makes them irritable, and unhelpful. However, management had its true bouts of cruelty. When the center opened, the kitchen manager had a family emergency and the GM refused to let him leave. Many walkouts followed this. Tl;dr: Management is terrible, employees are petty, and the hours are awful. Job is only suitable as a 3 month summer place holder.

Explore other reviews about Main Event

5.0
27 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Friendly co workers and lively environment

Cons

Pay and structure could have been better

4.0
29 Jan 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Hands-On Event Experience You coordinate logistics, vendors, and client needs — real-world event management skills. Great for building project management and organizational skills. Customer Service & Communication Skills Constant interaction with clients, teams, and vendors sharpens interpersonal and problem-solving skills. You learn to handle complaints diplomatically and resolve conflicts quickly. Teamwork and Leadership Opportunities High-paced environment fosters collaboration. Opportunities to train or mentor newer staff if you take initiative. Exposure to Sales and Marketing Tracking client bookings, promotions, and upsells gives insight into how events drive revenue. Hands-on experience with systems like Salesforce can boost resume credibility. Flexible Scheduling Often allows students or part-time staff to work evenings, weekends, or seasonal shifts.

Cons

High-Stress Environment Events can be chaotic, especially large-scale ones with last-minute changes. Pressure to satisfy clients while managing staff can be intense. Repetitive or Entry-Level Tasks Many tasks (setup, cleanup, check-ins) can feel routine and physically demanding. Limited strategic responsibility unless you actively seek it. Low to Moderate Pay Event staff and coordinators often make minimum wage or slightly above unless in a managerial role. Pay may not match the level of effort or hours worked, especially on weekends/holidays. Limited Career Advancement Without Moving Roles Advancement can be slow unless you transition into management or corporate office positions. Event experience may not directly translate into higher-level roles outside entertainment if not framed properly on a resume. Inconsistent Hours Busy seasons may require long shifts; off-season can mean fewer hours. Scheduling may not be predictable.

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