At its 78th semi-annual hospitality training conference in Cleveland, the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) presented the 2009 Commitment to People Award to David Overton, founder, chairman and CEO of The Cheesecake Factory Inc. The award is bestowed to a CHART member’s CEO/president who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the company’s associates.
The workplace of The Cheesecake Factory reflects a family-focused atmosphere and highlights communication throughout the corporation, according to CHART. The New Employee Orientation allows new hires to immerse themselves in the company’s culture, and the commitment to education continues through ongoing development programs for management. The Cheesecake Factory Institute is hosted for new managers and provides in-depth training, while The Professional Assessment and Development Center provides extensive training for management several times a year. Finally, quarterly newsletters are key to keeping employees up to date and involved with the company.
“We recognize that individual staff members in our restaurants are the heart and soul of The Cheesecake Factory,” Overton said in a statement. “These individuals play a distinct and vital role in providing absolute guest satisfaction and delivering The Cheesecake Factory promise of caring service.”