Training is a fundamental pillar of success in the restaurant industry, where efficiency and hospitality go hand in hand. During a 2025 MURTEC University breakout session, industry leaders explored how technology is transforming workforce training. Felicia White, President of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers and VP of Learning & Development at Ascent Hospitality Management, and Jason Lechner, Director of Training & Development at Pizza Ranch, shared insights on how Learning Management Systems (LMS), gamification, and emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) are reshaping employee training and engagement.
The Evolution of Learning Management Systems
Long gone are the days of paper-based training manuals. According to White, the adoption of LMS platforms has become standard practice, with 83% of organizations utilizing them for training management. The shift from paper to digital was a significant leap, and the transition from desktop-based training to mobile learning is proving just as impactful. TalentLMS research suggests that 80% of employees find mobile learning improves productivity.
At Pizza Ranch, which operates 220 locations with a majority franchise model, implementing LMS technology was essential to maintaining consistency. Lechner highlighted that employees now have access to training resources via mobile devices, ensuring that critical knowledge—such as troubleshooting redemption-style arcade machines—can be accessed instantly. Data also supports the impact of LMS engagement, with the top 10% of users seeing an additional 5.9 months of employee retention.
Gamification: Making Training Engaging
Retaining employees beyond the first 90 days is a critical milestone in the hospitality industry, and gamified training is proving to be an effective tool for achieving this. According to eLearning Industry, retention rates for gamified learning are 10 times higher than traditional training methods.
Lechner shared how Pizza Ranch leveraged gamification by creating a training video game for its buffet concept. The game, designed to reward learning milestones with tokens or company swag, became the highest-rated training module in the company. Leaderboards, competitions, and incentives—such as a tropical awards trip for high-performing employees—drove engagement, leading to a 41% decrease in turnover across the chain, outpacing industry benchmarks by 51%.
White echoed this sentiment, sharing how Perkins and Huddle House used incentives like swag boxes to drive LMS participation. The success of such initiatives highlights how competition and rewards can make training feel less like work and more like an engaging challenge.
The Rise of VR and AR in Training
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are beginning to gain traction in workforce training, offering immersive experiences that significantly improve knowledge retention. A study by PwC found that VR-based training improves retention by 75%, compared to just 10% with traditional reading-based methods.
While Pizza Ranch has yet to implement VR training, Lechner noted that franchisees are interested in leveraging it for equipment repair training. White shared a past initiative where AR was incorporated into new employee culture booklets at Granite City Brewery, enabling interactive onboarding experiences. Additionally, VR training simulations, such as virtual drive-thru experiences, have allowed brands to identify operational pain points and streamline processes.
The Business Case for Training Tech
Investing in training technology is not just about enhancing employee skills—it directly impacts a company’s bottom line. Locations with lower turnover experience a 3% decrease in labor costs, while top-performing locations see 10% greater operating income. Encouraging franchisees and corporate teams to engage with training tools remains a key challenge, but data-driven insights help build a compelling case.
As technology continues to evolve, the restaurant industry must adapt training strategies to meet the needs of today’s workforce. Whether through mobile learning, gamification, or immersive VR experiences, the future of training is digital—and the benefits are clear. As White and Lechner emphasized, when training feels like a game, employees are more likely to engage, learn, and stay with the company longer.
