HOA Brands, the franchisor and operator of Hooters and hoots wings by Hooters, has won the esteemed OnCon Icon Top 10 Learning & Development Team Award. The OnCon Icon Awards celebrate outstanding achievements of top organizations and teams worldwide.
This prestigious recognition is determined through peer and community voting. Voters are instructed to select teams they have seen make a significant impact on their own organization or within the broader industry, contribute to their professional community through thought leadership, drive innovation, and demonstrate exceptional leadership.
HOA Brands’ Learning and Development team earned the prestigious OnCon Top 10 L&D Team award in 2024 for their exceptional commitment to driving measurable impact through world-class learning programs. With a 5% improvement in manager productivity and a remarkable 85 Net Promoter Score (NPS) in their Manager in Training program, the team also achieved a 75 NPS across their Hooters Girl and Kitchen training programs. These scores reflect outstanding user satisfaction with the innovative learning experiences offered.
Additionally, the team contributed to a 15% reduction in manager turnover, further demonstrating the effectiveness of their comprehensive skill-based learning approach. The robust programs, which measure over 62 skills in the Manager in Training program and more than 20 role-specific skills in the Hooters Girl and Kitchen program, are built on a defined training process that includes a skill measurement framework and validation process—ensuring a seamless path from learning to performance. This dedication to results and cutting-edge instructional design have solidified Hooters' reputation as a leader in L&D.
“Our people remain a top priority for us at HOA Brands, and we are honored to be recognized as a national leader for our ongoing commitment to shaping and supporting our Team Members throughout their career journeys,” said Cole Plummer-Bastian, Senior Director of Learning & Culture at HOA Brands. “Our goal is to foster a culture of continued learning and engagement, where our Team Members feel connected to our brand. By offering robust learning tools and growth opportunities, we have seen great success in enabling our team members to thrive both within and beyond their careers at HOA Brands. This award would not have been possible without the strategic partnership and tremendous support from our operations partners and truly all who work at HOA Brands.”
For more information about the OnCon Icon Awards and to view the full list of winners, please visit https://www.onconferences.com/awards.