Unlocking Success: Corban Nichols' Training Principles at Piada Italian Street Food

In this insightful interview, Corban Nichols, Head of Training at Piada Italian Street Food, shares his journey and the four key principles of effective training. Discover how these principles have significantly improved guest satisfaction and employee development within the restaurant industry.

Table of Contents

• Meet Corban Nichols
• Piazza Italian Street Food Overview
• Corban's Role at Piada
• The Importance of Training
• Introducing the Four Principles of Training
• First Principle: Inclusivity
• Second Principle: Instructive Training
• Third Principle: Innovation in Training
• Fourth Principle: Inspiring Culture
• Impact on Guest Experience
• Conclusion and Future Plans

Meet Corban Nichols

Corban Nichols has a rich background in the restaurant world. “I’ve been in the restaurant industry since I was fourteen years old,” he shares. Starting as a busboy, he worked his way up through various roles. He has experience with big brands like Cheesecake Factory and Chipotle. “I fell in love with the culture at Chipotle,” he says. This passion led him to his current role at Piada Italian Street Food.

Piazza Italian Street Food Overview

Piazza Italian Street Food offers a unique dining experience. This fast-casual restaurant focuses on Italian cuisine. They serve delicious dishes like hand-rolled piadinas, pastas, and salads. “Nobody's doing what we're doing,” Corban explains. Their food is inspired by traditional recipes from Rimini, Italy. This sets them apart in a crowded market.

Corban's Role at Piada

As the Head of Training, Corban wears many hats. “I oversee learning and development, restaurant training,” he states. He works with team members and regional directors. His role includes new restaurant openings and certified training programs. “It’s an exciting opportunity to infuse a training mentality,” he adds. Corban is dedicated to supporting restaurant operators in their journey.

The Importance of Training

Training is crucial in the restaurant industry. It supports employee growth and guest satisfaction. Corban emphasizes, “We have to show them their path to success.” Effective training helps employees feel valued and capable. It also ensures that guests receive a consistent and high-quality experience.

Introducing the Four Principles of Training

Corban believes in a framework for successful training. He focuses on four key principles. These principles guide how training is conducted at Piada. They ensure that training is not just a checklist. “Training should be engaging and meaningful,” he asserts. Let’s break down these principles to understand their impact on the training process.

First Principle: Inclusivity

Inclusivity is the first principle of Corban's training philosophy. “Every single person on the team must be invested in each other's success,” he emphasizes. This means creating an environment where everyone feels valued, regardless of their role or experience.

Corban believes that without inclusivity, a training culture cannot thrive. “You can’t build a successful training culture if one person is trying to do everything,” he explains. This approach helps prevent burnout and reduces turnover. It ensures that everyone is working together towards common goals.

To foster inclusivity, leaders must actively engage with their teams. They should encourage open communication and collaboration. “When team members understand why we do what we do, they become more invested,” Corban states. This shared understanding is crucial for building a supportive and inclusive culture.

Second Principle: Instructive Training

The second principle focuses on instructive training. Corban asserts, “Training must have a consistent tone and structure.” This approach helps learners retain information better and become more efficient.

Corban has developed a five-step training process: introduce, shadow, perform, certify, and validate. “We introduce the task first, then shadow the trainee,” he explains. This method allows trainees to learn by doing, which is essential for skill development.

Feedback is a critical component of this principle. “We must give regular, honest feedback,” Corban insists. This ensures that trainees know how they are performing and what areas they need to improve. It also reinforces the standards expected of them.

Third Principle: Innovation in Training

Innovation is the third principle in Corban's framework. “We cannot sit back and use the same tools year after year,” he cautions. Embracing new technologies and methods is essential for keeping training relevant and effective.

Corban emphasizes the need to adapt training approaches to meet the changing needs of learners. “If we only rely on outdated practices, we won’t succeed,” he states. This principle encourages teams to be proactive and creative in their training methods.

By fostering a culture of innovation, organizations can continuously improve their training programs. “It’s about scaling and growing what we do,” Corban explains. This mindset helps ensure that training remains engaging and impactful.

Fourth Principle: Inspiring Culture

Inspiring culture is the fourth principle. Corban believes that when the first three principles are in place, an inspiring culture naturally follows. “When everyone is working together, you can feel the energy in the restaurant,” he shares.

An inspiring culture motivates team members to strive for excellence. “People need to know why we’re here and what we’re doing,” Corban states. This clarity helps create a sense of purpose among team members.

Corban's goal is to cultivate an environment where team members are excited about their roles. “When they know they are cared for, it fosters loyalty and dedication,” he explains. This bond is crucial for long-term success in the restaurant industry.

Impact on Guest Experience

The principles of inclusivity, instructive training, innovation, and inspiring culture all contribute to enhancing guest experiences. Corban notes, “When our team is happy and engaged, our guests feel it.” A motivated staff leads to better service and a more enjoyable dining experience.

By focusing on genuine hospitality, Piada has seen significant improvements in guest satisfaction. “We’ve increased our net promoter score from fifty-six to seventy-eight percent,” Corban proudly shares. This growth indicates that guests are more likely to recommend Piada to others.

Corban emphasizes that investing in training directly impacts the bottom line. “Creating special moments for guests leads to repeat visits,” he explains. This philosophy not only benefits guests but also supports the overall success of the restaurant.

Conclusion and Future Plans

Corban Nichols’ training principles at Piada Italian Street Food demonstrate the importance of a strong training culture. “We are committed to being in training,” he states. This ongoing commitment ensures that both team members and guests benefit from a positive environment.

The future looks bright for Piada as they continue to implement these principles. “We have more exciting programs in the pipeline,” Corban shares. By focusing on leadership development and innovative training, Piada aims to maintain its upward trajectory.

With a solid foundation built on inclusivity, instructive training, innovation, and an inspiring culture, Piada is well-positioned for continued success. “We are just getting started,” Corban concludes. This dedication to growth and excellence will undoubtedly create lasting impacts on the brand and its guests.