Eurest Celebrates 197 Graduates Advancing Careers Through GULL Leadership Program

Nearly 200 Eurest frontline team members walked across a stage this year as graduates of the Global University of Lifelong Learning (GULL) – a 16-week program designed to help them build their leadership skills and gain career momentum.

“I’ve always loved cooking, but GULL helped me believe I could lead too,” shares Vanessa Lee, a sous chef in Eurest’s South Division.

Vanessa is one of this year’s 197 graduates that represented every Eurest division and spanned 36 states. She joins a growing network of more than 400 alumni.

Delegates have a self-directed, but structured development journey through GULL that includes courses on business and financial acumen, leadership and communication, operational oversight and sales strategy.

Delegates participate in virtual live sessions, complete weekly reflections, work one-on-one with a mentor, and apply their learning through a final capstone project.

BIG IDEAS WITH REAL WORLD IMPACT

The capstone project is a signature element of the GULL experience, which applies what they’ve learned to a real opportunity in their workplace. Capstones focus on topics like culinary, catering, marketing, wellness, finance, safety, retail and more.

Travis Morales, a food service team member in Austin, focused his capstone on reducing food waste and finding ways to support people facing food insecurity. Chef Alicia Intharath, based outside Minneapolis, Minn., developed a plan for her marketplace to achieve Eurest Center for Excellence designation.

In Chicago, bartender Katie Niersbach brought wellness and hospitality together with a lineup of alcohol-free mocktails for guests.

“I wanted to create something for people who don’t want to drink or can’t drink,” Katie says. “They should feel included and have something exciting to order.”

Katie credits the program with helping her grow in confidence and apply her strengths in new ways. “Sixteen weeks is a short amount of time,” she says. “But I learned so much and I use it every day.”

Behind every graduate is a mentor offering guidance, perspective, and support. For General Manager and Eastern Division Chef Aleksander Stepanov, being a GULL mentor has become a key part of his own leadership journey.

“It has not only made me a better teacher, but a better leader,” he says. “Watching my team members grow both personally and professionally is a highlight every year.”

IT’S ONLY THE BEGINNING 

Graduation marks the completion of the program and the beginning of what comes next.

Front of House Supervisor Antonio Hernandez described looking across the room at graduation and seeing line cooks, baristas, and team members from every corner of the operation.

“Everyone shares the same drive to grow and bring others with them,” said Antonio.

Kevin Perez, a cook based in South Carolina, says the program helped him understand the bigger picture.

“It’s not just about doing the work. It’s about learning how the business operates and how you grow with it,” shared Kevin.

Moments from Eurest GULL graduations around the country

A LAUNCHPAD FOR THE FUTURE 

Since its launch, GULL has become a cornerstone of Eurest’s talent development strategy, helping team members build the confidence and capability to take on new roles and responsibilities. Whether graduates go on to become supervisors, trainers, or chefs, the program’s long-term impact has been life-changing for many.

More than 82% of graduates stay with Eurest, a retention rate that highlights the connection between growth opportunities and team member engagement.

With the next cohort getting underway in early 2026, Eurest continues to invest in building leaders at every level and shaping the future of hospitality from the inside out.