How Fazoli’s, Miller’s Ale House, and Pizza Ranch Are Growing Future Restaurant Leaders with Crunchtime

In an industry with habitually high turnover, training is critical to make team members successful today and continue their development for better retention tomorrow. At Crunchtime’s Ops Summit 2024, Fazoli’s, Miller’s Ale House, and Pizza Ranch shared how they’re transforming training and development using Crunchtime’s TalentLink platform and other integrated solutions. 

From equipping new managers with confidence to scaling leadership programs across multi-unit operations, each brand demonstrated how thoughtful training design and powerful tools can elevate restaurant performance from the ground up.

Fazoli’s: Building Confident Leaders with Blended Training Programs

Speaker: Kevin Karnes, Director of Training

With over 200 locations across 28 states, Fazoli’s is the largest Italian fast-casual brand in America, and they’ve been a Crunchtime customer since 2016. As they began developing a new training plan, one thing became clear: they didn’t need to reinvent the wheel.

“Crunchtime provided valuable eLearning courses that played a crucial role in our rollout,” said Kevin Karnes. “The modules helped our team navigate essential features like the Net-Chef dashboard, truck order entry, inventory, and reports like Actual vs. Theoretical and Projected Overtime.”

These eLearning courses were easily accessed through a shared file system and loaded into Fazoli’s LMS for quick implementation. But what truly set their program apart was a dual focus on leadership and technical training.

“A lot of training programs focus only on leadership. Ours combines that with hands-on technical skills. That’s what makes it work,” said Karnes.

Each manager learning path at Fazoli’s includes a final workbook, where trainees complete real-world tasks such as building five schedules, entering eight truck orders, and submitting five inventory counts.

The results? Clear confidence from the field:

• “I’ve never felt more prepared for an opening,” said David Ginsberg, Key Operator in Florida.
  
  

•  “As a new GM, I feel confident doing schedules and inventory,” added Heather Burdick in Arizona.
  
  

•  “Our managers feel well-prepared—from running a shift to food cost analysis,” noted Tom Gatto, Director of Operations in Missouri.

One standout advantage of using Crunchtime's TalentLink learning management system is the dynamic course updates provided by Crunchtime.

“When Crunchtime makes changes to its interface or functionality, they update the courses too—and automatically refresh the content already embedded in our learning paths. That’s a game-changer,” said Karnes.

Miller’s Ale House: Personalized Development with Clear Visibility

Speaker: Paula Throop, Director of Training

Miller’s Ale House, a 100% corporate-owned full-service restaurant and sports bar based in Orlando, operates over 115 locations across 10 states. A Crunchtime customer since 2021, Miller’s is leveraging Crunchtime's TalentLink learning management system to build career paths and foster long-term development.

Their programs are designed to not only guide managers through training but also enable personal ownership over development goals.

“This set me on my path and told me what to work on. It helps me stay accountable every week,” said Restaurant Manager Louis Vasquez.

With progress reports available in a single view, administrators like Director of Operations Chris Bates are able to track and support their teams more effectively.

“Seven MITs graduated last quarter. As we prep for 2025, development is my focus. These progress reports help me tailor 1:1s and support individual needs,” said Bates.

Their program includes:

• Role-specific tasks aligned with areas of responsibility
• Paths to grow into AGM or GM roles
• Personal development logs to record certifications, books, webinars, and more
• Supervisor sign-offs upon competency completion

It’s a structure that builds both skills and confidence, while giving leadership visibility into performance and potential.

Pizza Ranch: Developing Multi-Unit Leaders Through Cohort-Based Learning

Speaker: Jason Lechner, Director of Training and Development

With 221 locations across 14 states, and 98% franchised, Pizza Ranch needed a way to support growth within its multi-unit operator network. Their solution: a Multi-Unit Leadership (MUL) Program powered by Crunchtime's TalentLink learning management system.

“A big focus for the next 3–5 years is improving our multi-unit franchisees,” said Jason Lechner. “We created a development program using Jim Sullivan’s Multi-Unit Leadership book and Crunchtime’s tools.”

The 10-week optional program includes:

• eLearning modules and a digital copy of the book
• Weekly virtual cohort sessions (3–6 people)
• Franchise Business Consultants serving as facilitators
• Development of coaching skills, impactful store visits, and more
  
  

Launched in April 2024, the program already boasts:

• 3 completed cohorts with 12 graduates
  
• 2 additional cohorts currently underway
  
  

“The eLearning was fast-paced and helpful,” noted one graduate.
“Weekly discussions were my favorite part,” said another.

Early behavior changes include:

• Stronger GM coaching during manager meetings
• Improved engagement from District Managers
• A focus on training that’s driving improved completion rates

Next steps for Pizza Ranch include launching a graduate class for continued accountability, expanding the program to all District Managers and beginning training for high-potential GMs.

Whether you’re opening new stores, developing future leaders, or strengthening franchise performance, Crunchtime's TalentLink learning management system makes it easier to train, track, and transform restaurant teams.

Want to learn how Crunchtime can help power your training and development strategy? Contact us or schedule a demo today.