How Big Chicken Reduced NRO Training Time by 30% with Opus
A real training format that uses check-ins as a training checklist to ensure accountability during new store openings.
New Store Opening · NSO Training · Restaurant SOP Example · Mobile Training
The Problem: Scaling New Hire Onboarding for New Restaurant Openings
As Big Chicken accelerates its national expansion, consistency is key to brand success. New restaurant opening (NRO) training is critical to ensure every location delivers the same high-quality food and guest experience. With signature recipes, proprietary techniques, and rigorous standards, Big Chicken needed a new store opening (NSO) training process that could onboard kitchen staff quickly—without compromising quality.
What the Training Looks Like
Big Chicken uses Opus to power a mobile-first, 4-day Back of House and Front of House NSO training. The hybrid training format blends:
- Individual learning in Opus — covering recipes, food safety, and station procedures.
- Trainer-led sessions — including kitchen walkthroughs, live demos, and team discussions.
Recipe Mastery
Modules break down core recipes into step-by-step lessons with instructional videos and visual job aids. From breading chicken to building a Big Chicken sandwich, every step reinforces brand consistency.
Station-by-Station Learning
Training is organized by kitchen stations—fry, prep, expo—so team members master one area before moving to the next. Each station includes SOPs, equipment use, and safety protocols.
Quality Control Focus
Interactive checkpoints help staff recognize what “right” looks like. Real-life photos, video walkthroughs, and visual standards make it easy to identify correct vs. incorrect prep across every shift.
The Results — Faster Ramp-Up, Stronger Consistency
Big Chicken’s new store opening training program enabled the team to reduce their NRO training time by 30%, from 10 days to 7 days. With a structured, mobile-first experience, new team members are able to get up to speed quickly while managers can ensure quality is never compromised—even during fast-paced launches.
Key Benefits
- Faster team ramp-up during new restaurant openings
- Consistent food quality and guest experience across all locations
- Reinforced standards through recipe-specific visuals and walkthroughs
- Easy adoption of SOPs with station-by-station breakdowns
- Improved knowledge retention through blended learning and repetition
By combining digital flexibility with on-the-job reinforcement, Big Chicken now opens each new store with the confidence that its kitchen teams are prepared, aligned, and set up for success from day one.
See It For Yourself
Scan the QR code below to put yourself in the shoes of a BOH team member at Big Chicken. Curious about more training examples? View the full collection of training examples.
Why It Works
“This training makes it easy for our teams to get up to speed fast. With videos, pictures, and guided steps, they walk in ready on day one.”
— Training Lead, Big Chicken
This NSO program equips teams with the knowledge and confidence to execute consistently—regardless of location. The combination of structured mobile learning and in-person engagement ensures retention, faster ramp-up, and high operational standards from the start.
Want More Training Ideas That Actually Work?
- How Clutch Coffee Tracks NSO Training Progress →
- How Bahama Buck's Builds Consistent Role-Based Training →
Meet Big Chicken
Big Chicken, founded by basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, is a fast-casual restaurant concept known for its crispy chicken sandwiches and signature sauces. The brand is rapidly expanding across the United States, bringing its high-quality comfort food and memorable dining experience to new markets.
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