In the highly competitive world of hospitality, investing in the growth and development of the people on your teams is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Jennifer Krapp, head of restaurant operations at The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, recently told me about a unique program they call "Hospitality U" that is designed to do just that: nurture talent, foster leadership, and create a culture of genuine care within the company. This initiative has become a cornerstone of the company’s employee development efforts, helping team members unlock their potential and advance their careers.

We start with a nomination process, Jennifer shared. We’re looking for people who want to grow in the company, people who love our company and the industry and want to be a better leader.

Whether a server aspiring to become a manager or a line cook dreaming of leading a kitchen, Hospitality U provides opportunities for employees at all levels to grow, thrive, and contribute to the company’s success.

A Fully Immersive Experience

What sets Hospitality U apart is that it’s more than a leadership workshop—it’s a fully immersive, personalized experience designed to inspire and empower. The program starts with a unique adventure where participants learn and feel genuinely cared for by their leadership team.

We curate an entire three-day experience for them. It starts with a questionnaire about what they want to achieve, what they want to learn, and their personal and professional goals.

Upon arrival, participants are treated to a warm welcome that showcases the attention to detail Indigo Road is known for.

They set down their bags, headed out into the city, and when they arrived back at the house, we had a backpack, a sweatshirt, a hat, and other gifts sitting on their bed. This personal touch sends a strong message: the company is invested in their growth not just as employees but as individuals.

Leading By Example

A pivotal moment in the program is the dinner prepared and served by the leadership team themselves—a gesture that shows the company's culture of hospitality.

Myself, Steve Palmer (the company’s founder and Chief Vision Officer), and the culinary directors cook and serve their dinner. They are being served by us, which allows them to experience firsthand what hospitality feels like from their leaders, Jennifer explained.

This role reversal is a powerful way to model Indigo Road's leadership values: humility, service, and attention to others.

Embracing Discomfort to Achieve Growth

The next phase of the program pushes participants out of their comfort zones, both physically and mentally.

We take them to the gym, where they work out. I tell them it will be uncomfortable, but you’ve got to get through it. This includes a mix of physical challenges like cold plunges and saunas and mindfulness exercises such as meditation.

The goal is not just fitness but resilience—learning to push past discomfort is a crucial leadership skill, especially in the demanding world of hospitality.

Tailored Learning for Personal and Professional Growth

One of the most impactful aspects of Hospitality U is the individualized attention each participant receives.

They go into specific classes, and their mentor for the weekend takes them to learn whatever they are interested in—whether it is visiting a farm to understand food sourcing or diving deep into marketing strategies, Jennifer said.

This personalized learning approach ensures that participants leave with practical skills and knowledge they can immediately apply in their roles.

The Ripple Effect of Hospitality U

The impact of Hospitality U goes far beyond the individual participants. As Jennifer recalled, Every single one of them was in tears at the end, overwhelmed by how much we care. This emotional connection strengthens loyalty and engagement within the company and fosters a culture where employees feel genuinely valued.

The ripple effect is evident as past participants eagerly look to contribute to future sessions. "It gets contagious," Jennifer shared. They’re super excited and want to be a part of the next group. They want to help create that memory for others. This cycle of mentorship and giving back creates a culture of continuous growth and shared success.

Setting a New Standard for Employee Development

Programs like Hospitality U are setting a new standard in the hospitality industry—one that prioritizes people at the heart of the business. By offering more than just traditional professional development and creating memorable, human-centered experiences, Indigo Road demonstrates the power of investing in your team’s well-being and future.

As Jennifer puts it, You must show your team that they matter—not just by assigning tasks, but by truly caring about their growth and success.

The lesson for hospitality leaders is clear: to thrive long-term, you must invest in your people. Hospitality U is a great example of how creating thoughtful, engaging programs can develop leaders and cultivate a stronger, more connected team. And in doing so, you build a company where employees are excited to stay, grow, and contribute—making hospitality both their career and their passion.

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Josiah Mackenzie hosts the Hospitality Daily Podcast to help you stay informed and inspired each day by the most interesting people in hospitality.