We’d like to give a big round of applause to the Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG) training team on their recent launch of the DiscoverLink Talent learning management system (LMS) to 13 locations. The LMS campus was named CRG University, specifically designed for CRG. Founded in New York City more than 25 years ago, today, CRG is a multi-concept, family-owned hospitality group. Their various brands include a broad range of unique concepts and service styles from quick service, to full service, to “hybrid” style service.

There is something for everyone: from Fresh Kitchen, a 100% gluten-free, re-imagined healthy fast food concept, to Daily Eats, a modern spin on the classic diner, to the Ciccio Cali Brand, which is all about embracing West Coast vibes at an East Coast pace. As a creative, forward-thinking hospitality group, their purpose is to make good food accessible to local communities in a way that is both convenient and affordable. Ciccio’s full restaurant portfolio includes Better BYRD, Ciccio Cali, Ciccio Water, Daily Eats, Fresh Kitchen, Green Lemon, and The Lodge.

CRG University Soft Launch

The CRG training team first did a soft launch to their Regional Managers in mid-October. This soft launch introduced the managers to the system to become familiar with it before it was rolled out to the remainder of the employees. The full platform was launched in early December and serves approximately 800 users.

With a rapidly expanding multi-unit restaurant group, Tara O’Neill, Senior Brand & Training Director for CRG, said maintaining a strong foundation and having an emphasis on training is critical to sustaining growth and developing well-versed leaders.

“Part of what Ciccio’s has been missing was some of the core fundamentals of working in the hospitality industry, and DiscoverLink was able to help us accomplish this, all while making it integrate seamlessly into our current systems,” said O’Neill. “I am very thankful and look forward to our continued partnership, continued learning, and continued laughs.”

Consistent Training Methods

Ciccio’s needed a solution that would help them grow as a company while maintaining the high standards of service they take pride in. With the implementation of CRG University, Ciccio’s will now be able to manage the training process in all their stores in one consolidated place. Additionally, it will allow them to ensure consistent training across all locations, which increases customer satisfaction in the long run.

Furthermore, Ciccio’s has licensed a total of 39 courses from the DiscoverLink Content Library including the AGM-to-GM development courses. By incorporating these courses, assistant managers at Ciccio’s will now be able to make the leap to general manager with ease.

Staying Hip

Ciccio’s is a very fun and cool brand, and DiscoverLink has designed CRG University with details that reflect their brand. One fun aspect is their avatar, which is a classy-looking dog with a top hat, glasses, and a nice suit and tie.

As an incentive for completing a learning program, employees can earn coins in Bronze, Silver, and Gold for each level of learning.

• Bronze: Back of House/Front of House Hourly
• Silver: Key/Shift Leader, Catering Manager, Assistant General Manager
• Gold: Managing Partner/Chef

Additionally, their online e-learning manual is full of fun pictures and humorous references. This manual includes detailed information about CRG University to aid employees with any questions they may have. One of the pictures they include is a cute play on the concept of blended learning.

After a successful launch, Ciccio’s is now ready to get all their teams up to date and into compliance.

“We are so excited to work with Ciccio’s as they quickly expand,” said John Poulos, VP of Sales at DiscoverLink. “Ciccio’s fun and engaging approach to training made for a seamless launch and a great experience. We are very proud to be adding them to the DiscoverLink family!”