In the hospitality industry, having knowledgeable and well-trained staff is key to creating exceptional customer experiences. For hospitality businesses that operate multiple locations or chains, customers crave the same five-star experience no matter what location they visit. Reliable training is a big part of making that goal a reality.
While the restaurant industry thrives on maintaining a perfect mix of great food and top-notch service, behind every enjoyable meal is a well-prepared team. That’s where a restaurant learning management system (LMS) comes into play.
For restaurant owners, managers, and training staff, implementing the right learning management systems enhances knowledge, boosts compliance in the training process, and ultimately improves long-term success for the entire establishment.
In this comparison post, we’ll guide you through selecting and optimizing an LMS to better train your restaurant employees with confidence—while building a business that’s sustainable and successful.
8 best LMS options for restaurants this year
With so many LMS options available, finding the perfect fit feels daunting—especially in an industry like hospitality restaurant service that doesn’t afford a lot of “sit down and learn” time. In these industries, training needs to happen quickly and efficiently (and in a way that matches the pace of hiring).
We’ve handpicked a few of the top LMS platforms for restaurant training success.
1. CYPHER Learning
CYPHER is a versatile, AI-powered learning platform that can cater to restaurant teams of all sizes. CYPHER helps trainers create courses faster, get employees trained on procedures and culture with more speed and agility, and personalize the learning paths of each new hire.
Key features
- Use AI to create new courses in a fraction of the time, empowering learners to get their own questions answered on the spot and with accuracy. Additionally, AI generated content can effectively replace “shadowing,” a training technique that can potentially introduce bad habits from other employees.
- Learn on the go. Your restaurants probably don’t have a quiet computer corner for learning. CYPHER is fully mobile so your team can grab a seat and learn on any mobile device
- Get inspired. Interactive training modules boost student engagement, accelerate performance, and ultimately aid in staff retention.
- Automatically map learning to skills and move employees through the levels as they advance their career.
- Use comprehensive analytics and reporting tools to track progress.
- Take advantage of industry-leading mentorship and coaching programs to foster cross-team collaboration.
Best suited for
CYPHER is ideal for restaurants seeking a modern training solution to enhance staff development, while ensuring compliance with industry standards. CYPHER AI 360 stands out for its ability to launch new courses in 10 minutes or less and for creating skills-based content.
These valuable automations free up time for busy administrators who need to launch learning programs while balancing other aspects of the business.
Additionally, the CYPHER approach benefits restaurants seeking a more dynamic and engaging training solution. Gamification and user-friendliness make it the perfect option for training staff who might be new to the workforce or less tech savvy. Personalization ensures that even veteran team members continue to grow their skills, aligning with career or growth goals.
2. Absorb LMS
Absorb LMS offers a strategic and scalable platform designed to meet the needs of growing restaurant or hospitality businesses. Its intuitive design and customizable features make it a top choice for compliance, onboarding, and employee development.
Key features
- Mobile-friendly access for learning on the go
- Advanced reporting capabilities to measure training effectiveness
- Customizable content options to tailor training materials to specific needs
Best suited for
Absorb LMS is adaptable for restaurant teams looking to expand their training programs with robust features and maintain consistent quality across multiple locations.
3. Wisetail (by Intertek)
Wisetail is known for its visually appealing and engaging platform that fosters a sense of community among restaurant staff and learners. Its interactive features make learning enjoyable and effective, while communicating important details about a brand’s unique spot in the market.
Key features
- Social learning tools that encourage collaboration, communication skills, and knowledge sharing
- Gamification elements to boost employee motivation
- Certified safety courses and modules that provide standardized industry information
Best suited for
Wisetail is perfect for restaurants that prioritize a vibrant learning culture and want to engage employees through more social learning experiences. It’s also uniquely adapted to deliver timely content about health, safety, and wellness protocols.
4. Trakstar Learn (by Mitratech)
Trackstar Learn offers a comprehensive LMS with a focus on compliance, tracking, and workforce management. The platform’s onboarding and compliance training abilities make it a reliable choice for restaurant training.
Key features
- Compliance management, tracking, and reporting tools within the training software to ensure regulatory adherence
- Automated notifications and reminders for training completion
- Customizable training paths to meet individual learning needs
Best suited for
Trackstar Learn is ideal for restaurants that prioritize compliance and want a systematic approach to tracking employee training and certifications.
5. Typsy
Typsy is a virtual learning platform and online course marketplace that’s designed specifically for the hospitality industry, making it a valuable tool for restaurant owners looking for effective restaurant training software. The platform’s extensive library of lessons covers a wide range of topics relevant to the industry and to servers or workers who need in-depth skills training.
Key features
- Open access to a diverse collection of video lessons from industry experts
- Tools for creating customized training programs
- Certifications and recognition to motivate and reward employees
Best suited for
Typsy is best for restaurants that want to offer comprehensive training on a variety of hospitality topics while taking advantage of advice from leaders in the industry. Since Typsy is more limited in scope (as opposed to a fully integrated or AI-powered LMS), it may not directly link with other applications or tools.
6. LearnUpon
LearnUpon is a business-friendly LMS that provides intuitive design and powerful features to make learning management easier. It offers tools to enhance training delivery and engagement, as it seeks to put the learner first.
Key features
- Integration with third-party tools for enhanced functionality
- Blended learning options to cater to different learning preferences
- Detailed analytics and reporting for data-driven decision-making
Best suited for
LearnUpon is ideal for restaurants seeking a flexible and feature-rich LMS that easily adapts to evolving training needs. It’s also helpful for hospitality businesses that have an extended network (including industry partners) that also rely on training content.
7. iSpring Learn
iSpring Learn is a user-friendly platform ideal for restaurant teams seeking a streamlined approach to training. It provides an easy-to-use interface that allows restaurants to deploy engaging and consistent learning experiences for staff, while tracking progress in real-time.
Key features
- Seamless integration with other systems for a smooth experience
- Mobile learning capabilities for training on the go
- Advanced analytics to track employee progress and performance
Best suited for
iSpring Learn is ideal for restaurants that want an easy-to-implement LMS with strong reporting tools and mobile learning. It could be a suitable choice for restaurant chains, operating with a mix of front-line (servers) and back-end staff.
8. Connecteam
Connecteam is a mobile-first training platform designed for deskless employees, making it a great fit for restaurant staff who need on-the-go learning. It focuses on onboarding, compliance training, and operational procedures while also offering communication and task management for managers.
Key features
- Mobile-friendly interface designed for frontline workers
- Easy course creation with quizzes and multimedia content
- Built-in communication tools for training and team updates
Best suited for
Connecteam is ideal for small to mid-sized restaurants looking for a simple, mobile-friendly way to train employees while also managing daily tasks and communication in one app.
At a glance—key features comparison
Why do restaurants need an LMS for training?
An LMS provides a structured platform for training to make sure all staff members are on the same page. Additionally, LMS learning promotes top-notch customer service, compliance with restaurant regulations, and top-notch food safety content.
Staff training
Training restaurant employees consistently isn’t just professionally helpful—it’s necessary for retaining patrons. Whether you need to teach servers the nuances of menu items or ensure that kitchen staff follow food safety protocols, an LMS makes it easy to stay on track.
Pro tip: This consistency minimizes instances of non-compliance with health standards.
Additionally, it’s important to recognize that effective staff training reduces turnover rates. Employees who feel confident are more likely to stay and contribute to team culture. With an LMS, training becomes an ongoing process, reinforcing skills and boosting morale.
Employee onboarding
Bringing new employees on board is tricky, especially in a bustling restaurant environment. An LMS simplifies this process by providing new hires with a structured introduction to the restaurant’s operations, culture, and expectations through training programs.
Using an LMS for onboarding ensures that every new team member receives a similar orientation. A well-equipped LMS also allows for tracking progress, enabling managers to monitor how well new employees are integrating and identify areas where additional support is needed. This proactive approach to onboarding sets both the employee and a restaurant up for success.
Ongoing or continuing online training programs
Restaurants are dynamic environments; menus change, people swap roles, and new promotions are introduced regularly. Continuous learning keeps teams informed and adaptable.
For example, an LMS facilitates ongoing education by providing up-to-date training on new dishes, seasonal offerings, and promotional strategies through online courses.
With an LMS, employees can access detailed descriptions of new menu items, including preparation techniques and ideal pairings. This knowledge empowers staff to confidently recommend dishes to customers, enhancing the dining experience and driving sales.
Compliance training
Compliance with health and safety regulations is non-negotiable for restaurant service providers. A training platform ensures that all employees are well-versed in crucial requirements, minimizing the risk of violations and maintaining a safe environment for both staff and customers.
Utilizing online training platforms, employees can access compliance materials anytime and anywhere, enhancing engagement and knowledge retention.
In addition to safeguarding the health of customers, compliance training builds trust with patrons, who can dine with confidence knowing that the restaurant adheres to top-of-the-line standards. A reputation for safety and compliance can significantly boost a restaurant’s credibility and attract more business.
Bonus Tip: You can also use generative AI to create compliance training that aligns directly with local health code. Off the shelf training may not know all of your local regulations, but customizable AI inputs let you carefully include information your employees need to know.
Benefits of using an LMS for restaurant training
Implementing an LMS offers several important perks:
- Flexibility: An LMS allows employees to complete training modules at their own pace, fitting learning into schedules without disrupting daily operations. This flexibility is particularly valuable in a restaurant, where shifts vary and time is often limited.
- Progress tracking: The ability to monitor individual progress through the LMS gives managers a clearer picture into who might need extra support. This data-driven approach helps pinpoint areas for improvement, ensuring no one falls behind.
- Budget-friendliness: Digital training cuts down on the costs associated with printed materials and the need for frequent in-person training sessions during business hours. By reducing these expenses, an LMS is a more economical solution for ongoing staff and employee development.
How to choose an LMS for restaurant or hospitality hiring
Choosing the right LMS is about finding a platform that fits your specific goals and improves staff training and development over time. If you’re unsure about which qualities are most important, here’s a list of our favorite “must have” features.
Simplified UX
An LMS should be user-friendly to accommodate employees with varying tech skills. An intuitive interface and simple navigation are key to preventing frustration.
A complex system can hinder effective training, so choose a platform that’s easy to use, with clear instructions and accessible materials. Providing support and training on the LMS itself can also have a positive impact on your learners’ confidence.
Customizable training materials
Every restaurant has unique training needs, and a customizable LMS lets you tailor content to fit your specific goals.
From adding branding elements to creating role-specific modules, customization ensures training is relevant and practical. With the inclusion of online training courses, you can provide essential resources for skill development, workplace safety, and compliance within your organization.
Compliance tracking
Compliance with health and safety regulations is critical in the restaurant industry. An LMS with compliance management features helps ensure that all employees are meeting regulatory requirements and industry standards. This not only minimizes the risk of violations but also builds trust with customers who value safety and reliability.
An LMS with compliance tracking lets managers easily monitor who’s completed mandatory training and who might need extra help. Compliance training also provides reliable documentation, showing your restaurant's commitment to safety and reliability, while minimizing the risk of oversights.
Multimedia content support
Multimedia content support, such as video and image uploads, can make training more engaging and interactive. Visual content can help employees better understand complex procedures and retain information more effectively. By incorporating multimedia elements, restaurants can create a more dynamic and effective training program.
Scalability
A scalable LMS can grow with your business, accommodating expansion from a single location to multiple branches. Unlike traditional training methods, flexibility ensures that training remains consistent across all locations.
Scalability is particularly important for restaurant brands with plans for future growth. An LMS that can easily accommodate additional users and locations minimizes disruptions and brings consistency.
Hit your restaurant’s staff training goals
To choose the best LMS for your restaurant, evaluate your specific training needs—consider team size, turnover rates, and long-term goals. Then, reach out to vendors for demos and pricing to find the platform that best aligns with your objectives.
Whether you manage a small bistro or a large chain, there’s an LMS designed to fit your needs. As you decide, prioritize ease of use, scalability, and customization. Remember, your restaurant’s success starts with investing in the right tools to empower your team.
Schedule a CYPHER demo today to see how it can work for you!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why is choosing the right restaurant LMS important?
Restaurants face unique challenges when it comes to training. Staff turnover is often high, and training needs to be efficient and effective to ensure continuity in service quality. A well-chosen LMS can help restaurants:
- Reduce onboarding time
- Improve employee performance
- Foster consistent service standards
- Enhance employee engagement and retention
What are a few key features and selling points to look for in a restaurant LMS?
- Variety of course options: Offers a wide range of pre-built courses, including modules specifically for hospitality.
- Convenient mobile access: Fully accessible on mobile devices, allowing staff to train on the go.
- Analytics to measure results: Provides detailed reporting to track employee progress.
What makes an LMS suitable for restaurant or hospitality use cases?
An LMS is suitable for restaurants or hospitality by offering flexible, on-demand training that accommodates varied shifts and high turnover. It ensures consistent training across all staff, tracks progress to identify skill gaps, and simplifies compliance with industry regulations, all while reducing training costs through digital resources.
