How Bricktown Brewery Makes Digestible Manager Training in Opus

A real training format that uses slow-drip learning to make manager training fit into busy restaurant schedules.

The Problem: Manager Training Boot Camps Were Overwhelming

Bricktown Brewery has improved their manager training by using the Opus platform for their Manager in Training (MIT) module. Before, their trainer-led programming made it difficult to ensure consistency across locations and track employee progress effectively. Sara Edminsten, who leads training and manages new restaurant openings, explains: "Before, a lot of locations got lost in the cracks of new things. It was playing a lot of catch-up when I would get back from a new store opening." Moving away from intensive boot camps, Bricktown created a more manageable learning experience that fits into busy restaurant management schedules.

The Manager-in-Training Module: A Closer Look

Bricktown Brewery's Manager-in-Training (MIT) module is another great example of training created in Opus. We're featuring this module for its unique approach to breaking out Manager Training over time so that MITs can prioritize the training as part of their workflow. This slow drip of training is broken down week to week in sections.

Automatic Scheduling

New managers are automatically enrolled in the MIT module when assigned to their manager role. The training is paced over 23 days to ensure thorough understanding without overwhelming busy schedules.

Bite-Sized, Time-Spaced Learning

Bricktown's MIT module uses a "slow drip" approach, breaking manager training into smaller, role-specific segments. This method works well, with managers completing about 53 minutes of training over 23 days. This pacing helps managers learn thoroughly without feeling overwhelmed as they adjust to their new responsibilities.

Personalized Training Paths with Coaching

Pictured above, Bricktown has created role-based training paths to personalize learning journeys for all new hires. This ensures each manager or team member gets information relevant to their role, cutting out unnecessary content while covering all essential skills. These paths build skills step by step while showing how different parts of the manager's job connect.

Effective Check-In System

A key strength of Bricktown's approach is using check-ins for one-on-one coaching. These check-ins include "Opus 101 for Managers," which helps leadership teams use the manager app to track team progress, give feedback, and find development opportunities. This connects online learning with real-world practice, reinforcing important concepts on the job.

The Results: Stronger Manager Development Through Time-Spaced Learning

With 95% accuracy, 4.7 trainee course feedback, and 53 minutes of training completed over 23 days, Bricktown's manager training demonstrates exceptional effectiveness.

Bricktown Brewery's approach to manager training has created a more sustainable development process that fits into busy restaurant operations. The 9% increase in 90-day retention comes from their overall training improvements, which include enhanced manager development through the MIT program.

"Training still needs the 1-to-1 human touch. Opus helps us hold our managers accountable to training and make learning fun and engaging. It's helped us retain people."
— Sara Edminsten, Training & NRO Manager at Bricktown Brewery

Key Benefits

• Managers complete training without disrupting operations
• Improved retention through structured, digestible learning
• Time-spaced reinforcement increases knowledge retention
• Consistent manager development across all 21 locations
• Better integration between digital learning and hands-on coaching

See It For Yourself

Scan the QR code below to put yourself in the shoes of a new manager at Bricktown Brewery. Curious about more training examples? View the full collection here

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Meet Bricktown Brewery

Bricktown Brewery is a popular restaurant and craft brewery chain known for its casual atmosphere and wide selection of house-brewed beers. With 21 locations, the original location opened in Oklahoma City's historic Bricktown district, and the company has since expanded to multiple locations across the Midwest, offering a menu of comfort food favorites alongside their signature craft brews.