What Is Chipotle's Avocado Academy?

Employee training at chain fast food or fast casual restaurants takes many different forms, the most common of which hinges on an experienced coworker showing the new hire the ropes, according to Chron. A lot can be learned through job shadowing, but this is certainly not the only strategy that these establishments have implemented when it comes to standardized training efforts. Other new hires are put through restaurant-specific curricula via classes that can take the form of videos, classroom sessions, or digital training on a computer. Some simply follow the manager through a tour and crash course of where key supplies are located and how to use the equipment.

McDonald's Hamburger University is arguably the most famous fast food restaurant training program out there, per Business Insider. More than 275,000 people have matriculated through the company's university, which now has several campuses. The training teaches employees about developing business savvy, leadership skills, and customer service.

A different, popular fast casual spot has its own employee training system geared toward promoting food safety and preventing illness outbreaks, per Dozuki.

Chipotle suffered financial losses after a series of food-borne illness outbreaks that occurred in 2008, 2009, 2017, 2018, and 2019, according to Food Poisoning News and Dozuki. Designed to prevent incidents like these, the fast-casual burrito bowl spot implemented a training program to brief all hires on food safety practices and systems for preparation, a Chipotle employee told Mental Floss. Avocado Academy is an online program for training that employees must complete to work at Chipotle.

This learning platform includes videos of how to prep menu items and explains systems for keeping the store clean and food safe to eat. Chipotle also conducts quarterly safety training sessions that must be completed by all employees.

Chipotle isn't the only fast casual establishment that's taken to the Internet for employee training opportunities. Another restaurant that's embraced the power of digital training is Jersey Mikes, which also offers hands-on experience in the training process, FastCasual.com reported. This popular sandwich joint has garnered all of its training materials and resources online on a private website for ease and organization.