National Restaurant Association Launches ServSuccess

The National Restaurant Association introduced ServSuccess, a program aimed at keeping employees in the industry by defining the steps a crew member can ascend into supervisory and managerial positions. 

Called ServSuccess, the initiative provides the educational means to elevate employees from one tier of abilities to another. The participants also benefit from their practical experience.

Learning on the job and through study, participants can advance from restaurant professional to restaurant supervisor and then restaurant manager. By proving they’ve mastered the skills needed at each level, the “students” earn a certificate attesting to their proficiency. Employers can promote or hire a certified employee with confidence the individual is up to the job. 

ServSuccess provides an off-the-shelf way of setting that ladder of upward mobility.

Research suggests that many employees have few opportunities for advancement in their current jobs. About 51% are actively looking for another position, according to research firm TDn2K.

The personnel specialist has estimated that restaurant employers spend an average of almost $2,000 to replace an hourly employee and nearly $15,000 to recruit new managers.