Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART)

09/10/2026

Today, the people who develop the people spoke! Let's hear it for these CHART leaders who shared their expertise on panels here in Atlanta at the QSR Evolution conference:

"Keeping Hospitality Human in the Age of AI"
Matthew Steele, CHT, Director of Training & Innovation, Galardi Group - Wienerschnitzel

"Building Teams and Investing in Talent"
Kelly McCutcheon, Group Director of Training & Development, Whataburger

"Coaching the Next Generation of Leaders"
James R. Frank, Manager of Learning & Development, Dine Brands Global

"Coaching to Win the 'Experience Economy'"
Paul Miramontes, CHT, Manager of Learning & Development, Galardi Group - Wienerschnitzel
Corban Nichols, Vice President of Restaurant Excellence, Piada Italian Street Food
Philip Pinkerman, Learning, Development & Recruiting Manager, Bristol Farms, Lazy Acres Natural Market, New Leaf Community Markets

"Franchise Experts Forum"
Kendall Ware, Fractional Chief Growth Officer & Keynote Speaker, kendallware.com

09/08/2026

Chaz Patrick says that after facilitating the breakout session "Built to Win: How Great Leaders Build, Retain, and Unleash Great Teams" at CHART 110 Boston with his colleague Shannon Ciccotelli, he walked away with an important reminder about what great leadership really looks like. Chaz was surprised to learn that even experienced hospitality leaders often lack meaningful one-on-ones, productive team meetings, and environments where they feel safe to speak up. His biggest takeaway was simple, though certainly not always easy: hire great people, take great care of them, and then trust them enough to get out of the way and let them be great.

Check out the full article here: https://www.chart.org/training-tools-and-resources/members-blog.html/2026/09/03/leading-great-teams-the-work-worth-doing/ and see why Chaz says that the fundamentals are simple... but not easy.

09/07/2026

When we talk about belonging at work, it can be tempting to think of it as an HR initiative or a leadership responsibility. But as Chris Severance points out in his article, "Belonging is a Training Opportunity, Too," hospitality trainers have a much bigger role to play. Every time we design a learning experience, facilitate a conversation, coach a leader, or help someone develop, we have an opportunity to help people feel seen, valued, and like they have a place on the team.

This article, inspired by the breakout session facilitated by Chris Severance and James Frank at CHART 110 Boston, will show that belonging is created by what we do every day, how we treat people, and whether we make room for every person to contribute. It’s about making sure everyone knows they matter, their voice has value, and there is a place for them to grow.

Read the full article here: https://www.chart.org/training-tools-and-resources/members-blog.html/2026/09/03/belonging-is-a-training-opportunity,-too/

09/04/2026

Dr. Chad Moutray, Senior Vice President, Research and Knowledge, Chief Economist of the National Restaurant Association, shared this insightful "View from Above" with attendees at the CHART Boston Conference. Link to article: https://lnkd.in/gkAhM3Mq

And while Dr. Moutray had plenty of numbers to share, his message for hospitality trainers was actually pretty straightforward: The labor market has gotten easier, but staffing is still expensive, and keeping good people matters more than ever. Read about why the hospitality industry can’t afford to become complacent, and why it’s the perfect time to give good people a reason to stay.

09/02/2026

It’s National Food Safety Month! Learn directly from Patrick Guzzle, Vice President, Food Safety, National Restaurant Association in this free webinar:

“Prerequisites for an Authentic Food Safety Culture”
📅 Tuesday, September 15, 2026 2pm ET
🔗 https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5251188/C44102BA91E1E1945F2C7E37D11BA36E?partnerref=chart

While the FDA Food Code Supplement explicitly added definitions for terms like "Food Safety Management System" (FSMS) and "Active Managerial Control" (AMC), ServSafe identifies food safety culture as a critical component that works in tandem with these systems to effectively manage foodborne illness risk factors. Every organization has a food safety culture, but why are some organizations more successful than others in its adoption? Learn more by registering for this ServSafe webinar to understand the necessary prerequisites to build an authentic food safety culture that is valued and prioritized by everyone in the operation.

This webinar is hosted by the National Restaurant Association, a CHART Platinum Partner.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

09/01/2026

They're a good looking bunch, aren't they? We appreciate our platinum partner - the teams at the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute - AHLEI, who brought so much value to CHART 110 Boston. From partnering on our scholarship program to hosting the conference welcome reception, from providing crucial training content to bringing Dr. Chad Moutray to present an insightful "View from Above," we could not advance hospitality training as successfully without you!

You've been an integral partner for nearly 30 years, and we appreciate you so much! Jen Bonilla

08/27/2026

Every year, CHART partners with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute - AHLEI to offer scholarships to two deserving college students in hospitality, culinary, and hotel programs. At the recent Boston CHART conference, we honored our 2026 recipients, and today, we are shining the spotlight on:

🔦 Gerald Estrada, Global Hospitality Leadership, University of Houston, Conrad Hilton College

Here's what Gerald said in his acceptance speech! Congratulations, Gerald!

"I am truly honored to receive the CHART scholarship, and I want to thank CHART and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation for believing in me and investing in my education.

This scholarship allows me to focus on completing my degree and gives me confidence as I prepare for the next chapter of my career. My goal is to become a hospitality leader who develops strong teams and creates environments where both employees and guests feel welcomed, respected, and supported. Please know how grateful I am. Thank you again for believing in students like me and for investing in my future."

08/26/2026

Every year, CHART partners with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute - AHLEI to offer scholarships to two deserving college students in hospitality, culinary, and hotel programs. At the recent Boston CHART conference, we honored our 2026 recipients, and today, we are shining the spotlight on:

🔦 NyJaiha DeBourg, Hospitality Management, Morgan State University

Here's what NyJaiha said in her acceptance speech! Congratulations, NyJaiha!

"I am proud to be a recipient of the CHART and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation scholarship, and I am truly honored to accept this award.

Scholarship is a stepping stone in my academic and professional journey and represents more than just financial support. It is an investment in my education, my professional development, and my journey as an emerging leader in the hospitality and tourism industry. The organizations’ commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality leaders is truly inspiring, and I am thankful to be a recipient of your generosity.

My ultimate career goal is to become a leader within the hospitality and tourism industry with a focus on human resources management. I am passionate about creating inclusive, supportive work environments and paving the way for underrepresented individuals in hospitality. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity. Your support means more than you know, and I'm excited to continue growing, learning, and making the most of this investment in my future."

08/21/2026

Influence is earned long before the big meeting. It grows through the everyday moments when colleagues see that you understand their challenges, follow through, and make their work easier. In her breakout session at the recent Boston conference, "Elevate Yourself from Trainer to Organizational Influencer," Serah Morrissey shared tips such as staying close to the operation, asking questions before assuming training is the answer, and learning the language and metrics the business actually uses.

In his article inspired by Serah's session, Patrick Yearout says that the goal isn’t to put on a performance or sound more corporate, it is to build enough credibility and business fluency that your seat at the table is earned and your contributions to important conversations are valued.

Check out the full article here: https://www.chart.org/training-tools-and-resources/members-blog.html/2026/08/19/a-trainer%E2%80%99s-influence-is-built-between-the-big-meetings/

If you missed the session in Boston (or you want a refresher!), register for the upcoming FREE CHART webinar on this topic here: https://www.chart.org/trainer-development-and-events/webinars/upcoming-webinars.html The tactics and takeaways for how to be more visible and influential in your organization are especially relevant now, when many businesses are entering budget season!

08/20/2026

Leadership development often begins with skills, but maybe it should start with values instead. Brant Menswar - Author/Speaker’s “Build a Team That Believes” breakout session at CHART 110 Boston challenged participants to identify the five values they refuse to compromise, because those values shape decisions, trust, and the momentum we create for others.

In his article inspired by Brant's session, Philip Pinkerman says that instead of focusing solely on teaching the skills that make leaders effective, we should help our people understand who they are and what they stand for. When leadership behaviors are rooted in authentic values, they become more than processes - they build trust, develop people, and create a legacy that can outlast any role or career.

Great leadership starts with knowing what you stand for. Read the full article here: https://www.chart.org/training-tools-and-resources/members-blog.html/2026/08/19/building-a-team-that-believes-begins-with-your-values/