Restaurants
10 restaurant training programs experts
These ten professionals have led training programs at restaurant companies as directors and vice presidents of training and of learning and development. A reader can learn how restaurant training leaders build and run their teams.
Professionals to explore
01—10Chris Titshaw
LinkedInExperience: Senior Director of Training & Development · Charley's Philly Steaks
Former Senior Director of Training & Development at Charley's Philly Steaks (2021–2025), where the profile describes creating a strategic roadmap of training program development to support the organization's planned growth goals. Former Senior Director of Global Learning & Development (2018–2021) and Director, Global Training & Development (2015–2018) at Papa Johns.
Dana LaPointe
LinkedInExperience: Divisional Director of Training · Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
Divisional Director of Training at Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, listed in entries for 2011–2018 and since 2018, and Partner there since July 2023. Former Corporate Trainer at Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants (2007–2011). The profile describes opening over 30 restaurants, from quick service to Michelin-starred fine dining.
Gabriela Garcia, CTP
LinkedInExperience: Director of Training · Palenque Group
Director of Training at Palenque Group since August 2025, where the profile describes leading the Training Department and building skills capabilities. Former Director of Field Training & Development at Alvarado Restaurant Nation (2022–2023) and Training And Development Director at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (2020–2022).
Kelly McCutcheon
LinkedInExperience: Group Director of Training & Development · Whataburger
Group Director of Training & Development at Whataburger since January 2023, and President at CHART - Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers since August 2025. The profile describes leading the creation and implementation of a TM to GM career development program. Former Vice President of People at Hopdoddy Burger Bar (2020–2022).
Kevin McKinney
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Training · Steak n Shake
Vice President Training at Steak n Shake since August 2022, where the profile describes enterprise learning strategy, execution and measurement for a 400-restaurant network and leading 5 instructional designers, 12 regional Field Training Managers and a certified network of 400 trainers. Former Corporate Training Director at Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center (2007–2013).
Kim Zimmerman
LinkedInExperience: Director of Training · Ted's Montana Grill
Former Director of Training at Ted's Montana Grill (2003–2007), where the profile describes building a training and R&D department for a new multi-unit casual dining restaurant concept. Former Executive Director of Training at Rare Hospitality, LongHorn Steakhouse (1986–2003), and former Leadership Development Manager at Inspire (2021–2023).
Michele Lange
LinkedInExperience: Director Of Training · Del Taco
Former Director Of Training at Del Taco (2019–2021), Director of Field Training at Chipotle Mexican Grill (2018–2019) and Director of Training and Development at Habit Burger & Grill (2012–2018). Director of Learning and Development at IHOP since March 2023, and former Director of Learning and Development at Plant Power Fast Food (2021–2023), where the profile describes establishing a new learning experience platform and developing a culture of learning.
Rebecca Kroupa
LinkedInExperience: Director of Learning and Development · Askar Brands
Director of Learning and Development at Askar Brands since October 2024, where the profile describes responsibility for all training and development for 5 pizza brands operating in 9 major markets. Former Director of Research Development and Training at Sarpino's USA (2017–2024).
Sheila Ford
LinkedInExperience: Director of Training and Development · Kings Family Restaurants
Former Director of Training and Development at Kings Family Restaurants (2005–2015), where the profile says this person designed, developed and implemented training programs and facilitated training. Former Manager of Training and Development (2004–2005) and Training Specialist (2003–2004) at Kings Family Restaurants, and former Restaurant Manager at Brinker International (1990–2003).
Steve Brown
LinkedInExperience: Director of Training · MilkShake Factory
Director of Training at MilkShake Factory since January 2025, where the profile describes leading a team of trainers who develop and deliver learning content for restaurant operations and overseeing the Learning Management System. Former Regional Field Training Manager at Krystal Restaurants LLC (2020–2023) and Assistant Director of Operations and Training at ECC Enterprises/McDonald's (2023–2024).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's setting to yours, since training for a quick service chain with franchisees differs from training for a smaller group of full-service restaurants. Ask each person which programs they built themselves, such as manager development, new restaurant openings or a learning platform, and how they measured results.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How did you structure training for new crew members versus new managers, and how long did each take?
- 02How did you keep training consistent across company-owned and franchised locations?
- 03Which measures told you a training program was working, and what did you change when it was not?
Reaching restaurant training programs experts
How can I contact one of these restaurant training programs experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 10 companies, including Charley's Philly Steaks, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and Palenque Group, based on profile data retrieved on October 4, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach restaurant training programs experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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