How Clutch Coffee Keeps Team Member Training on Track

A real training format that uses check-ins as a training checklist to ensure accountability during new store openings.

New Store Opening (NSO) Training • Check-In Based Training Format

The Problem: New Store Openings Needed Flexible Training

When Clutch Coffee needed a flexible way to standardize training for New Store Openings, their first idea was to create a training checklist that let shift leads and managers ensure new team members were staying on track with their training. This was especially crucial as Clutch Coffee aimed to expand from 10 to 20 locations in 2024, and by September, they had reached 13 total across the country, according to QSR Magazine.

While checklists are an essential tool in training and development, Clutch Coffee wasn't able to ensure that key tasks and skills are completed in a systematic, consistent manner. Additionally, the training tracker was needed at New Store Openings where teams needed flexibility to order/train when day-to-day schedules were unpredictable while making sure everything was covered by the end of the NSO.

The Trainer Tracker Module: A Closer Look

Clutch Coffee's Trainer Tracker is a great example of innovative training in Opus.

We're featuring this module because:

• This module features almost exclusively check-ins in a "checklist" style format. This module accompanies other role-based training to keep new team members accountable as they go through their training.
• We love how the introductory course instructs how this checklist is meant to be completed on the job with their shift lead. The use of check-ins require 1:1 validation with a shift lead so that their progress can be tracked via in-person skill demonstration.

Automatic Scheduling

New team members receive the Trainer Tracker automatically as they begin their role-based training journey. This ensures accountability starts from day one and runs parallel to their core training modules.

Checklist-Style Check-ins

In come Check-ins. With Check-ins, Clutch Coffee was able to transform their training tracker into a module in Opus, mimicking the simplicity of a checklist while adding a dynamic layer of accountability and in-person engagement. Check-ins as a training checklist: This "checklist" is meant to accompany the other role-based training modules new team members at Clutch Coffee.

On-the-Job Validation

The introductory course (pictured above) explains to trainees how the Training Tracker is meant to be completed on-the-job with the help of their shift lead. Each check-in contains precise instructions for the shift lead and team member on how to conduct the in-person skill demonstration.

Structured Manager Preparation

Structured check-ins keep managers prepared: Each check-in contains precise instructions for the shift lead and team member on how to conduct the in-person skill demonstration. Providing structured assessments in the form of a Check-in enable shift leads to verify that new team members are not only completing their training but retaining the information.

The Results: Real-Time Feedback and Flexible Implementation

The Trainer Tracker approach brings accountability and structure to new hire training while maintaining flexibility for operational needs.

Check-ins integrate shift leads into the training process, requiring them to verify skills and progress during a shift, creating a real-time feedback loop. Unlike traditional checklists, which can sometimes feel static, Check-ins actively engage managers and trainees, ensuring that training stays on pace and that team members are supported in mastering their roles effectively. This approach not only streamlines training but also strengthens team collaboration and accountability.

Key Benefits:

• Ensures training completion through in-person verification
• Provides flexibility for unpredictable schedules during New Store Openings
• Creates real-time feedback loops between shift leads and trainees
• Transforms static checklists into dynamic, interactive training tools
• Strengthens team collaboration and accountability
• Accompanies role-based training without duplicating content

See It For Yourself

Scan the QR code below to put yourself in the shoes of a team member at Clutch Coffee. Curious about more training examples? View the full collection here.

Want More Training Ideas That Actually Work?

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Meet Clutch Coffee

Clutch Coffee is a fast-growing drive-thru coffee chain with 17 locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, known for its high-energy service and handcrafted beverages.With a vibrant, community-focused culture, Clutch Coffee aims to fuel people's days with exceptional coffee and positive vibes 🤙