August 2024

What Is LMS Software: A Guide to Restaurant Employee Training

Author profile picture
September 23, 2024

Besides serving mouthwatering dishes, there’s usually something about top restaurants that keep diners coming back again and again. For instance, skilled chefs, premium ingredients, and a well-curated menu. But here’s an ingredient to success that’s often overlooked: knowledgeable staff that ensures customers receive top-tier service and an overall positive dining experience.


Fancy cooking techniques and diverse food options may draw in a crowd, but exceptional customer service is key to customer retention. There's only one way to achieve that—with effective customer service training for restaurant employees. Effective training requires a dynamic platform to manage and automate the learning process. That's where a Learning Management System, or LMS, comes in.


Ready to take your customer service training to the next level? Take a seat, grab a cup of coffee, and dig in as we explore all about LMS implementation for your teams' benefit.

What Is LMS Software?

You might find yourself asking, "What is LMS software?" Simply put, LMS (Learning Management System) software is a digital tool that serves as your digital mentor, trainer, and organizer, all in one.


Different types of LMS software exist, but their key features remain the same. In a nutshell, it automates content creation, course delivery, and training management across different learning environments. LMS software covers a wide range of applications. The system's features can be tweaked based on your specific training needs, and it can be used to craft and distribute comprehensive and specialized training materials. Using LMS software in a restaurant setting, you can create training modules, track a learner’s progress, and offer certifications—all from one central hub.

Why Restaurants Need LMS Software

A recent survey says 68% of restaurant companies rely on a handbook, 46% on mentors, and 39% use orientation programs for training their teams. For some, this might be enough. However, establishing a formal learning strategy is necessary for consistent service delivery and improved staff retention, among other benefits.


Next, we'll look at the most common restaurant employee training challenges and how you can leverage a learning solution for your restaurant training program.

A restaurant manager is sitting at a table using an LMS software on his laptop.

Challenges in Restaurant Employee Training

Let’s explore why restaurants should consider investing in an LMS for employee training:

High Employee Turnover Rates 

A restaurant's employee roster often feels like a revolving door. One moment, you might have an excellent waiter, but the next day, they might resign to pursue other opportunities. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 164,000 individuals quit their jobs in the accommodation and food services sectors as of September 2021.

Diverse Skill Levels and Training Needs

Like an orchestra, your kitchen staff, servers, and management team need different learning paths and skills to excel. Think of preparing a five-course meal—each dish requires a different cooking and plating technique. Your sous chef might need to learn advanced culinary methods, while your host should be brushing up on reservation management.

Need for Compliance With Health and Safety Regulations

Maintaining health and safety standards in the food sector isn’t just about acing health inspections. It also means keeping up with the changing regulations. Establishments that fail to follow applicable health and safety laws may be fined or face closure.

Advantages of Using LMS Software for Restaurant Employee Training

LMS software offers multiple benefits for both instructors and learners—whether they’re new or tenured employees. It's a worthwhile investment that provides the following benefits:   

1. Streamlining Onboarding Process for New Hires

Remember the days of shadowing a new hire for weeks, hoping they’d absorb everything like a sponge? This traditional training method just doesn’t work as well in this day and age. With LMS software, you can create standardized training content that’s ready to go once a new member joins your team. This can be especially helpful when hiring seasonal employees.

2. Updating Training Materials Quickly and Efficiently

The restaurant industry demands that business owners think quickly on their feet. Whether you need to update your menu, use the new point-of-sale system, or overhaul your customer service approach, you can update your training materials as soon as possible. Promptly editing and adding online training courses to your LMS means you don’t have to deal with outdated manuals or conflicting information—everyone gets the latest information quickly.

3. Catering to Different Training Needs

The best learning management systems let you tailor your training to each role, ensuring everyone gets the service and product training they need. This means you never have to deal with skill gaps, allowing you to stay ahead of the competition.  

Two cooks are plating dishes in a restaurant kitchen.

4. Enhancing Compliance Training and Documentation

Keeping track of who’s completed which training and when is crucial for compliance. Your LMS software does the heavy lifting for you. HR professionals can track learner progress, monitor completion rates, send reminders, and check certificates. Automating these tasks lets you stay on top of your compliance training requirements to protect your customers and business.

5. Providing Flexible Learning Experiences

Online learning management tools allow your team to access your training materials anytime and anywhere. LMS users don’t need to scramble to find how far along they are in the training module. Meanwhile, training managers don’t have to schedule in-person sessions during busy hours. They can also adjust the instruction based on users’ preferred learning methods.   

What to Look for in LMS Software for Restaurant Training

With so many options available on the market, how can you find the best LMS platforms that fit your specific needs? Here’s what to look for:

User-Friendly Interface

Look for LMS software with a clean and intuitive learner interface. For example, user management shouldn’t feel like walking through a maze. The system should be as easy to navigate as flipping a menu. Also, an active user must find what they need quickly, whether they’re accessing a training module, checking their progress, or downloading a certificate. 

Assessment and Certification

How can you know that your team has absorbed the knowledge available to them? The right LMS software should have robust assessment tools. Practical video assessments, for instance, let your employees demonstrate their knowledge of wine and food pairings. And let’s not forget about certifications. Your LMS software should make it easy for you to issue, track, and renew them.

Mobile Responsiveness 

A good LMS also offers a seamless learning experience across devices. Your staff should be able to review learning courses on their smartphone or tablet during their breaks or while commuting. The goal is to reinforce learning without access restrictions.

A cook is using LMS software on her phone, while on her break in the kitchen.

Integration Capabilities

LMS software features vary from platform to platform, but it should connect seamlessly with your other systems, including HR software, scheduling tools, or any other system. This way, you can automatically add new hires at orientation training, schedule video conferencing or training sessions during slower shifts, or link training completion to performance reviews.

Customization Options

Whether you’re running a cozy café or a chain of fine dining establishments, you can customize your LMS software to align with your specific needs. Got a new menu item? Cook up a new training module. Need to refresh everyone with hygiene and food handling standards? Serve it up in bite-sized lessons for your staff to digest at their own pace.

Gamification

Who says learning can’t be fun? Online training courses should focus on creating a rich interactive learning experience. You can mix in videos, quizzes, discussion forums, and gamification elements to keep your team engaged.


Ultimately, the best LMS software for your restaurant is one that fits your unique needs. It should be flexible enough to grow with your business, robust enough to handle all your training requirements, and engaging enough to keep your team motivated. 

Your Recipe for Success

Finding the right LMS software is like adding a secret ingredient to your restaurant operations. It might take a little time to get the recipe just right, but once you do, you’ll wonder how you’ve ever managed without it. So, if you’re ready to craft the perfect menu for success, consider adding LMS software as your secret sauce. You won’t regret it. 

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.

Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

\n
    \n
  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
  • \n
  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
  • \n
  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

\n\n

Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

\n
    \n
  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
  • \n
  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
  • \n
  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
  • \n
\n\n

Healthy Food Trends for 2024

\n
    \n
  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
  • \n
  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
  • \n
  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
  • \n
  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
  • \n
\n\n

Functional Foods and Beverages

\n
    \n
  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
  • \n
  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
  • \n
  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

\n\n

From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

\n
    \n
  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
  • \n
  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
  • \n
  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
  • \n
\n\n

Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

\n
    \n
  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
  • \n
  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
  • \n
  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

\n

While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

\n
    \n
  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
  • \n
  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
  • \n
  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

\n\n

Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

\n
    \n
  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
  • \n
  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
  • \n
  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
  • \n
\n\n

Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

\n
    \n
  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
  • \n
  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
  • \n
  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

\n
    \n
  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
  • \n
  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
  • \n
  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

\n
    \n
  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
  • \n
  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
  • \n
  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
  • \n
  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

\n

Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

\n

Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

\n
\n\n
\n

Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

\n

2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

\n

Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

\n
\n\n
\n

Internal Links

\n \n
\n\n
\n

External Sources

\n
    \n
  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
  • \n
  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
  • \n
  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
  • \n
\n
“\n}“,