Shifty Inc. is a Michigan-based technology company providing cutting-edge training and operations management solutions specifically tailored for the hospitality industry. Headquartered in Birmingham, Shifty has emerged as a critical player in the digital transformation of restaurant training and staff management through its mobile-first, cloud-based software platform. Built by hospitality professionals for hospitality professionals, Shifty is redefining how restaurants onboard, train, and retain their staff.
Company Background
Founded by industry veteran Beth Hussey, Shifty was born out of firsthand frustration with high turnover rates, inconsistent training, and lack of operational oversight in the restaurant sector. With decades of restaurant ownership and management experience, Hussey and her team developed a tech solution grounded in real-world needs. Since its launch, Shifty has seen widespread adoption across independent operators and multi-unit chains alike.
Core Business & Offerings
Shifty offers an all-in-one mobile platform for employee training, onboarding, and shift readiness. Key features include:
- Interactive Training Modules: Digitized training customized to brand standards, designed to engage Gen Z and millennial workers.
- Digital Checklists: Replace paper-based opening/closing tasks with real-time, trackable digital lists.
- Flashcards & Menu Management: Tools to help employees memorize menu items and details with embedded media.
- Communication Tools: In-app messaging and alerts for policy updates, shift changes, and feedback loops.
- AI-Powered Scheduling: Smart scheduling that optimizes labor efficiency and ensures shift coverage.
- Performance Tracking: Analytics on employee progress, task completion, and training effectiveness.
The platform is accessible via mobile devices and desktop, making it ideal for fast-paced, multi-site restaurant environments.
Specialization and USP
Shifty is unique in its complete focus on the restaurant industry and its commitment to reducing staff turnover through better training. Its standout features include:
- Industry-Specific Design: Built by restaurant pros with user experience tailored to non-desk, high-turnover environments.
- Fast Implementation: Clients can go live with Shifty in under 72 hours.
- Mobile-First UX: Fully optimized for use on smartphones and tablets, no special hardware required.
- Scalable for Chains: Ideal for single-site independents to regional chains with 100+ locations.
Shifty directly addresses the $146 billion labor challenge in the U.S. hospitality sector by minimizing untrained labor and operational inefficiencies.
Financial Highlights
While Shifty remains a privately held startup, it operates in the booming restaurant technology sector, which is expected to reach $342 billion by 2027. Key business indicators include:
- Active users across 400+ restaurant locations in the United States.
- Clients report an average 32% decrease in training time and 21% increase in new hire retention within 90 days of implementation.
- Recurring revenue model with per-location monthly licensing fees ensures scalability.
Shipment and Market Reach
Though not a physical goods company, Shifty operates a cloud-based SaaS model with digital onboarding and customer support:
- Nationwide reach across the U.S. with clients in over 30 states.
- Growing presence in Canada and interest from global operators.
- Full customer support and live chat services for onboarding, content upload, and training module development.
Target Market
- Independent Restaurants and Bars
- Multi-Unit Chains (QSR, Fast Casual, Casual Dining)
- Franchise Groups
- Hospitality Groups and Hotel F&B Divisions
- Culinary Schools and Training Programs
Primary users include restaurant owners, general managers, training managers, and shift supervisors.
Capabilities
- Custom Content Creation: Shifty offers full-service support to digitize existing training manuals or create new brand-aligned modules.
- Data Analytics Dashboard: Real-time metrics on training compliance, checklist usage, and task completion rates.
- Multi-Device Compatibility: Supports iOS, Android, and all modern browsers.
- Brand Personalization: App content, visuals, and layout tailored to reflect client branding.
Certifications and Compliance
- GDPR & CCPA Compliant: Ensures data privacy and regulatory adherence.
- SOC 2 Type I Security Standards for SaaS platforms.
- Compliant with U.S. Department of Labor guidelines on training wage applicability.
Customer Testimonials
- “We cut training costs by almost 50% and our new hires are more prepared than ever before.” — Training Manager, Broken Yolk Cafe
- “Shifty has been a game changer for managing operations across our 20+ locations.” — Franchise Owner, Regional QSR Brand
Achievements
- Recognized in FSR Magazine’s Top Hospitality Innovators
- Selected for Techstars Detroit Startup Accelerator
- Averaged 40% month-over-month user growth in 2023
- Featured in Restaurant Business Online, Nation’s Restaurant News, and Modern Restaurant Management
Shifty Inc. is setting a new benchmark in restaurant operations and employee experience through smart, scalable, and user-friendly digital solutions designed for the challenges of the hospitality industry.