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Patrick Yearout, Director of Innovation, Recruitment and training at Ivars Restaurants, earned his finance degree from Western Washington University in 1990. He launched his career as a corporate financial analyst, where his analytical prowess set the stage for a transformative journey. In 1992, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for empowering teams, Patrick seized the opportunity to own and operate a franchised sandwich shop. Over the next seven years, his leadership propelled business growth and unveiled his natural talent for inspiring employee development.In 1999, he sold his ownership stake and joined Ivar’s Restaurants as a Training Manager. His commitment to excellence quickly saw him rise through the ranks—he was promoted to Director of Training in 2007. In 2018, Patrick assumed the role of Director of Innovation, where he continued to lead training and recruiting initiatives while spearheading the integration of new ideas and technologies across Ivar’s Restaurants.
Patrick Yearout, Director of Innovation, Recruitment & Training, Ivars Restaurants
Training Success: Guest Feedback & Employee
Insights Evaluating training effectiveness requires a comprehensive approach, as business outcomes depend on many factors beyond training alone. One key metric we rely on is guest feedback. Every morning, our managers, executives and the company president review guest comments from both internal surveys and external review sites. This routine helps us track emerging trends and provides valuable insights into how our training initiatives impact the customer experience.
In addition, we collect employee input through GoHappy, a survey program designed to assess how well our training prepares team members for their roles. This feedback is instrumental in refining our training programs to enhance employee engagement, improve retention and boost operational performance—all of which contribute to more substantial business results.
“When you embrace change and proactively take initiative, you become a linchpin within your organization. This forwardthinking mindset drives personal growth and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and resilience that benefits the entire team”
Culture of Innovation: From Frontline Feedback to Real-World Pilots
We strive to foster an environment where employees at every level feel empowered to share their ideas—whether it’s about enhancing prep methods, improving order accuracy or innovating our menu offerings. Our senior executives regularly visit restaurant locations to ensure every suggestion is heard, engaging directly with staff and encouraging open, thoughtful dialogue. We believe that leaders can cultivate a culture of innovation by showing genuine interest in frontline insights and acting on valuable recommendations.
Equally important is our commitment to providing the resources needed to test and refine new ideas. We pilot technologies and menu items in select locations before rolling them out company-wide, using real-world feedback to make informed improvements. While not every idea succeeds, each attempt is a learning opportunity that drives more intelligent decision-making in the future. By embracing change and prioritizing continuous improvement, we make innovation a cornerstone of our operations.
Measuring Innovation: Immediate Wins with Long-Term Impact
Our success is measured by the impact of innovation on both guest and employee experiences. Every new idea—be it a technological advancement, a menu enhancement or a process improvement—must boost convenience, efficiency or satisfaction. For our employees, innovations should simplify workflows and streamline operations; our guests must deliver faster service, higher quality and an enhanced experience.
Consider the transformative effect of ATMs in banking: They made transactions simpler for customers while allowing employees to focus on higher-value services—a win-win outcome that perfectly encapsulates our goals.
Moreover, we balance a long-term vision with immediate results by ensuring our innovations are scalable and sustainable. The most effective solutions are not just quick fixes; they offer enduring benefits that evolve with our business.
Tech-Driven Talent: Hiring & Training with Cutting-Edge Tools
Technology is transforming hiring and training by making them more efficient, accessible and personalized. AI and automation streamline recruitment by quickly identifying top candidates, while chatbots and text-based communication enhance real-time engagement. Selfscheduling tools accelerate hiring—a key advantage in highturnover industries like restaurants.
As operations become more tech-driven, recruitment strategies now emphasize the digital skills candidates gain, from ordering systems and data analytics to advanced scheduling tools. Presenting these roles as opportunities for technological and service expertise attracts digitally-minded talent.
Training is also evolving from traditional classrooms to interactive, on-demand methods. Mobile platforms, microlearning modules and AI-driven coaching empower employees to learn at their own pace, while virtual and augmented reality enrich hands-on training. These innovations ensure that employees are confident, capable and ready to excel.
Career Success in Innovation: Embrace Change, Create Opportunities
Stay adaptable and curious as industries evolve with new technologies, shifting workforce expectations and changing consumer behaviors. Continuous learning is essential—seek out emerging tools, trends and best practices.
In recruitment, leverage digital platforms, AI and data analytics to refine your hiring strategies. For training, explore technology-driven solutions that boost engagement and effectiveness. In innovation, listen to employees, candidates and customers to pinpoint real challenges and develop practical solutions.
Take initiative; don’t wait for opportunities—create them. Speak up, share your ideas and embrace challenges beyond your comfort zone. Building professional relationships through industry events, associations and online communities can open valuable doors. My 23-year membership in CHART, the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers, has been instrumental in my career growth. Embracing change and problem-solving makes you an invaluable asset in any organization.
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