Best Overall Program
Salad Creations Uses Behavioral Science
Every position isn’t for everybody. With that truism in mind,
Salad Creations began using behavioral psychology in 2005 to vet potential
chefs and managers. In 2006, the chain expanded the program to include
area developer candidates, a position of vital importance to Salad Creations
as it moves forward with its aggressive growth plans. Developed by Salad
Creations CEO and founder Jeff Levine and his vice president of operational
psychology and training, David Glowatzki, the HR and training program
was modified to evaluate candidates for traits that make for a successful
area developer. The first component is a questionnaire composed of behavioral
and situational questions. Applicants then go through a test using building
blocks to assess problem-solving skills before finally being interviewed
using a set of questions designed to determine future performance. Additional
feedback tools were also added. Employees at all levels now judge colleagues
and supervisors on whether or not they are displaying the traits Salad
Creations has deemed desirable. The chain credits the updated program
with greatly reducing turnover.
Best New Tool
Taco Bell’s Training Card
In 2006, Taco Bell introduced a new training program
that one longtime franchisee described as the most exciting thing the
brand has ever launched. The Bell got rid of its paper-based test system
in favor of a program that increased interaction between its trainers
and trainees. Previously a 200-plus-page handbook was used. Its replacement
is a set of single cards that carry coaching instructions for trainers
on one side and illustrated examples on the other. The move was made,
in part, to address the language challenges that almost all quick-service
brands are facing today. Franchisees aren’t the only people happy
with the new program. Team members have described it as “interactive,
fun, and simple.” What more could you ask more?
Best Recruit
Subway Brings On J.J. Virgin
In September Subway raised its profile as a healthy
fast-food option to the next level when certified nutrition specialist
and celebrity advisor J. J. Virgin joined dietitian Lanette Kovachi, MS,
RD on Subway’s online Menu &
Nutrition page. Virgin is scheduled to star
in 12 online videos promoting healthy eating and the Subway brand. Her
first
“Eating from the Rainbow” touted the benefits of eating an
array of colored vegetables and was shot inside a Subway unit. Virgin
is no neophyte. She worked with Subway on its F.R.E.S.H Steps childhood
obesity prevention initiative in 2004. More recently, she signed on as
the nutritionist for Dr. Phil’s “Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge” and
helped actor Brand Routh prepare to play the Man of Steel in Superman
Returns. Viewers might also recognize her as a sometime member of ABC’s
Extreme Makeover “Extreme Team.” In Virgin, Subway has found
a way to lend an air of star power to its health initiatives. And in these
celebrity-obsessed times, the value in that cannot be overestimated.
Best Reason to Stay
The Loop Rewards 25 Years
Joanne Wells started working for the Loop Pizza Grill
as a 19-year-old cook when the chain’s first store opened in San
Marco, Florida. Twenty-five years later she and the Loop are still together.
Her loyalty was rewarded in September 2006 with a surprise, all-expenses
paid, nine-day vacation of her choice. We’re talking airfare, hotel,
and travel expenses for two. Wells has yet to take the trip. The Italian
tour suggested by management sounded nice, but hectic. Instead she’s
thinking somewhere warm, Costa Rica, maybe. The fishing is good there,
and after 25 years of service— 19 of those as a general manager—Wells
is looking for a little relaxation. Wherever she ends up, Wells won’t
be worrying about her store back home. Several employees there have significant
time in the system, too.
Best Standard Setter
WFF’s JBT Award
In tribute to longtime KFC franchise and Women’s
Foodservice Foundation (wff) founding member Jackie B. Trujillo, WFF created
the Jackie B. Trujillo (jbt) Standard-Setters for Opportunity Advancement
and Recognition (s.o.a.r.) award in 2005. The JBT, as the award is now
known, honors foodservice companies that foster a culture conducive to
the advancement and growth of female employees. The award is the highest
honor an organization can receive from the WFF. PepsiCo won the inaugural
JBT in 2006. The company’s board is 29 percent female with 27 percent
of them in officer positions. The company also supports a Women’s
Initiative Network and offers both formal and informal mentoring programs.
Operations >
