In the restaurant business, success is built on more than great food. It depends on people who are trained, confident, and connected to the culture of the brand. That is why we sat down with Dave Hornak, partner and director of operations at two busy Oxford, Ohio concepts, the Gaslight Brewhouse and the Pickle and Pig.
With nearly 175 employees across both restaurants, Dave has seen firsthand how Shifty transforms training from a checklist into a source of confidence and pride.
Dave uses Shifty not only to train new hires but also to bring every employee into alignment with the brand’s values and opportunities. From the first day on the job, his team engages with interactive flashcards that make learning fun and memorable. Even the skeptics quickly realized that when staff feel knowledgeable about the menu, they deliver a stronger guest experience every time.
With a workforce that includes Gen Z and even Gen Alpha, Dave knew the old binders and paper tests would not cut it. Shifty’s mobile-first design fits the way today’s employees already learn and connect. By making training accessible in the palm of their hand, Shifty helps every new team member feel ready to succeed on day one.
Dave highlighted several features that have made a lasting impact:
Anonymous Feedback: Staff use it to share positive suggestions, not just complaints, which helps Dave cultivate innovation and trust.
Checklists: Opening and closing tasks, restroom checks, and line inspections are now digital, with photo documentation that creates accountability and ensures the restaurants are always guest-ready.
Menu and Allergy Information: Servers can quickly access detailed menu knowledge and allergy guidance, giving guests confidence and making every interaction smoother.
Rolling out new technology is never easy, but Dave praised the Shifty team for making it simple. With personalized setups, weekly reviews, and ongoing support, his staff felt comfortable and capable from day one. The result is a team that embraces the platform and consistently uses it to perform at a higher level.
For Dave, adopting Shifty has been more than an operational upgrade. It is a cultural shift toward training as a love language, one that builds confidence, reduces turnover, and strengthens guest experiences. His advice to other operators is clear: modern training is not an optional extra, it is a foundation for lasting success.
Shifty helps restaurants create environments where people thrive, operations run smoothly, and guests keep coming back for more.
Ready to see the difference Shifty can make in your restaurant? Book a demo today and start building a stronger, more confident team.