The Restaurant Launch is a California-based hospitality training and consulting firm dedicated to helping restaurant professionals, service staff, and owners elevate their operations through proven training systems, digital education, and personalized coaching. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company offers tailored solutions for new restaurant launches, front-of-house staff development, and customer service optimization, combining industry expertise with practical implementation strategies.
Founded and led by Jess Rowland, a seasoned hospitality educator and service culture expert, The Restaurant Launch is built on the principle that the success of a restaurant begins and ends with a well-trained, motivated, and empowered team.
Company Mission and Philosophy
The Restaurant Launch’s mission is to provide actionable, accessible, and effective training resources that transform restaurant operations from the inside out. The firm’s training model is grounded in behavioral science, real-world hospitality dynamics, and performance metrics that correlate directly with improved guest experience, increased ticket averages, and staff retention.
Through live consulting, online training platforms, and scalable digital tools, The Restaurant Launch empowers restaurants to build internal cultures of excellence.
Core Offerings
1. Training Programs
- Server Pro Certificate: A structured certification program focused on hospitality principles, steps of service, guest interaction, and professionalism.
- Server Incubator: A mentorship-driven program combining classroom-style instruction with hands-on practice and progress tracking.
- Restaurant Owner Coaching: Personalized strategic sessions for restaurant owners covering staffing, service recovery, upselling strategy, and culture development.
2. Consulting Services
- Service & Sales Training: Tailored sessions focused on upselling, table service mastery, and guest flow dynamics.
- Guest Experience Enhancement: Assessments and implementation plans to improve hospitality consistency.
- Performance Reviews & Secret Shopper Programs: Feedback mechanisms that track progress and reinforce results.
3. Digital Resources
- Online Courses: Self-paced lessons accessible on desktop and mobile, covering service fundamentals and advanced techniques.
- Live Webinars: Weekly sessions on industry trends, sales psychology, and service rituals.
- E-books and Printables: Downloadable service guides, checklists, and onboarding documents.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Unlike generic training platforms, The Restaurant Launch offers layered development paths from beginner to management.
- Hospitality-Focused Metrics: Tracks ROI through average check growth, positive review rates, and team engagement scores.
- Real-World Proven Systems: Content built from actual service models used by high-performing restaurants across the U.S.
- Scalable for Growth: Equally effective for independent venues and multi-location restaurant groups.
Market Performance and Reach
The Restaurant Launch has established a strong footprint in the independent and growth-stage restaurant segments:
- Clients Served: Over 2,500 restaurants since launch, including quick-service, fine dining, and hybrid formats.
- Certification Graduates: More than 15,000 Server Pro Certificates issued since 2021.
- Client Retention Rate: 87% of consulting clients sign up for ongoing support or additional training cycles.
- Average Ticket Increase: Partner restaurants report 8–14% boost in average guest checks after Server Pro implementation.
Target Market
- Independent Restaurant Owners seeking structured training systems.
- Hospitality Groups & Chains looking to scale consistent service models.
- Restaurant Managers and Supervisors focused on team development.
- Aspiring Servers and FOH Staff who want to upskill for better job opportunities.
- Franchise Operators aiming for uniform service delivery across locations.
Capabilities and Delivery
- Online Learning Platform: Accessible 24/7 with user analytics, certification tracking, and video modules.
- In-Person & Virtual Consulting: Flexible service delivery with optional on-site visits or Zoom-based training.
- Multi-Unit Training Support: Program licensing available for multi-location teams with admin-level reporting.
- Language Options: Materials available in English and Spanish for bilingual team support.
Certifications and Compliance
- National Restaurant Association-aligned Service Training
- Workplace Harassment & Inclusivity Modules
- Data-Secured Digital Platforms in compliance with GDPR and U.S. privacy laws
- Continuing Education Credits (CEU) applicable for some state-run training subsidies
Customer Testimonials
“We trained our entire front-of-house staff with Server Pro and saw our guest review scores climb within two weeks. Best investment of the year.”
— Alan C., Owner, Brisket + Barrel Smokehouse
“Jess has a way of making the complicated world of hospitality feel simple and empowering. Our team is finally aligned.”
— Kelly R., GM, Vue Rooftop LA
“The online tools are perfect for our staff. We assign modules weekly and watch our new hires grow in confidence.”
— Denise M., Training Coordinator, Harbor Hospitality Group
Major Achievements
- Named one of the Top 10 Hospitality Consultants in California by Restaurant Growth Journal (2023)
- Partnered with 10+ restaurant groups to implement enterprise-wide service systems
- Developed training curriculum used by 3 culinary schools in California and Nevada
- Featured in FSR Magazine, QSR Magazine, and Restaurant Owner Podcast
The Restaurant Launch is at the forefront of hospitality education—combining service excellence, operational strategy, and people-first leadership to help restaurants thrive in a competitive and experience-driven market.
