Beyond Orientation: How Eurest Trains Leaders through Eurest University

The room is quiet, but energy is building. Tables are being shifted into place. Name tags are lined up. Gift bags and welcome packets are placed on every chair.

Soon, the room will be filled with new Eurest chefs, catering managers, and frontline leaders from across the country, all arriving for an experience unlike a typical onboarding session.

Eurest University is a monthly in-person training hosted by the Elev8 Hospitality team. It’s where newly hired managers and rising leaders spend time not only learning policies, systems, and process but actually live the Eurest culture.  Within their first 30 to 60 days, they gain in-person exposure and hands-on experience to culinary standards and hospitality in action, as well as marketing, safety, finance, and more to model expectations and best practices for attendees

“We think of it as setting the table before a meal,” said Kelly Pope, Eurest onboarding & development program manager. “We think through every minute on the schedule and design the day to be memorable and valuable for team members.”

Unlike a digital learning module, Eurest University taps into what truly helps knowledge stick: engaging the senses. Participants see, touch, taste, and hear the standards that define their roles.

I’ve learned so much – the excitement of everyone is infectious,” shared Amy Papacek, project manager.

The value of Eurest University extends beyond the classroom. The sessions are also about creating connections among participants, allowing them to build a network of peers and mentors to support them in their growth and development. This happens outside of the official agenda – in hallway conversations, over lunch, and during table discussions. These moments create a kind of alignment that doesn’t usually happen in traditional onboarding.

“What people remember are the side conversations – when someone shares how they solved a real problem, or when a leader opens up about their early experiences,” added Kelly.

For Eurest, the return on this investment is clear: well-prepared managers who feel supported from the start, clients who see consistency across accounts, and a culture where people are inspired to stay and grow.

As participants head home, they leave with more than a welcome packet. They have a network of support, new perspective and the confidence to lead.