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Carrol Symank is the Vice President of Training for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc.® (LEYE). With the company since 1988, Symank is in charge of creating, maintaining and implementing the training programs for LEYE employees. He works directly with Founder and Chairman, Rich Melman to understand LEYE’s philosophies of service. He then translates these philosophies into LEYE’s training programs. These training programs set the service standard for which LEYE restaurants are known.
Symank has a diverse background in the industry. He began his restaurant career in Houston, Texas in 1980. From there his career took him to New York and then to Chicago where he began his work with LEYE at Ed Debevic’s. So impressed with LEYE's training programs and the training he received, he focused his career sights in that direction. In June 1992, Symank was promoted to Training Manager, which brought him to LEYE's corporate office and two years later he was named Director of Training.
Symank oversees training at LEYE restaurants, as well as new restaurant openings. Since 1990, he has opened more than 30 restaurants. He spends much of his time in the restaurants observing and focusing on all elements of service. From the casual atmosphere of LEYE's original restaurant, R.J. Grunts to the formal elegance of Ambria, Everest and Tru, Symank is familiar with the service details of each restaurant.
Symank has achieved much since his career with LEYE began. He has a passion for the industry and acquires new insights from every training experience. It is this knowledge that feeds his success. Lettuce is a place that gives people the opportunity to grow, expressed Symank.
One of the things Symank enjoys most about the industry is the people. He feels that training provides an opportunity to meet and work with many different people, all with a common goal, and that is to provide great food and great service to our guests.
Symank is married and has two children. Symank’s wife, Cheryl Baran Symank also works with LEYE. When we get home, you’d think we’d sit back and relax. But what do we do for relaxation? We invite people over and entertain. It’s in our blood. | 