SHOW NOTES

What pandemic-driven changes are here to stay in restaurant training?

COVID-19 was a wake-up call that exposed weaknesses in traditional methods, and for Ashley Helkenn, Sr. Director of Training at Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, this shift has led to more resilient and adaptive training practices.

With experience at brands like Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Macaroni Grill, and Bahama Breeze, Ashley is known for her innovative approach to transforming training.

And innovation is certainly on the menu as economic instability, labor shortages, and unpredictable customer behavior continue to challenge the restaurant industry.

In this episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS, host Ron Thurston and Ashley Helkenn will explore the radical shift in restaurant training culture and how to leverage it.

They’ll dig into:

• Ashley’s diverse career path and how it shaped her approach to restaurant training
• How the pandemic accelerated the need for faster, more effective training solutions and what that looks like today
• Key skills frontline leaders now need to excel in fast-casual and fast-food environments

Tune in for ideas on how to expand your training programs and elevate your team’s performance.

GUEST BIO

Ashley Helkenn, Senior Director of Training, Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken

Ashley Helkenn spearheads training at Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, covering frontline, franchise, and manager training programs, new restaurant openings, and career development. She has been pivotal in launching an online learning and task management system, boosting trust and engagement with franchise partners.

With a rich background in restaurant operations since the age of 15, Ashley’s hands-on experience is key to her success in supporting restaurant teams. Before Bonchon, she contributed to both regional and national brands such as Cotton Patch Cafe, Local Favorite Restaurant (formerly Firebird Restaurant Group), and Dickey’s Barbecue where she developed scalable systems and structures. Known for her project management and cross-functional leadership skills, Ashley excels in bridging language, literacy, and skills gaps to enhance team performance and achieve brand goals.

Ashley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and two master’s degrees: an MBA and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership. She is also an active member of CHART, an association of hospitality trainers.

HOST BIO

Ron Thurston is the host of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS. 

Ron Thurston is the co-founder of OSSY, a full-service agency platform that connects retailers, candidates, and solution providers to create thriving retail careers and businesses.

With 30+ years leading retail stores and operations for America’s most prominent brands, like Gap, Saint Laurent, Apple, Bonobos, and INTERMIX, Ron has developed a deep expertise in retail strategy, management, and innovation.

Ron is the author of RETAIL PRIDE, an Amazon bestseller that inspires retail professionals to take pride in their accidental careers. He hosts the RETAIL IN AMERICA podcast and tour, sharing the untold retail success stories and the incredible people behind them.

Ron’s work has set him up as one of the most influential voices in retail and retail tech, and he serves on the Advisory Board of YOOBIC and several emerging retail technology platforms, including Ometria, Reflex, and Vendoor.

ABOUT FRONTLINE FRIDAYS

FRONTLINE FRIDAYS WITH RON THURSTON is a live podcast for frontline leaders and advocates in retail and hospitality.

Ron Thurston has a question for leaders out there who are inspiring excellence in their frontline teams: “What do you do differently?” In this candid discussion series, he’ll sit down with them to find out. Each episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS offers real-world strategy from retail and hospitality change makers on frontline leadership and personal career growth.