Expert Insights
August 12, 2026
How do you go from drive-thru worker to opening dozens of restaurants for a leading hospitality brand?
In this Expert Insights interview, Audrey Hogan chats with Amanda Churchin, Operations Training Partner at Shake Shack, about her nontraditional career path. Amanda shares how being authentic, taking risks, and growing through each opportunity helped her build a thriving career in restaurants — and how anyone can do the same.
Watch the full video to hear how Shake Shack empowers team members to grow, what Amanda has learned from over 10 years with the brand, and why she’s passionate about helping others succeed.
Authenticity is a superpower: Amanda credits her success to a workplace that embraced her differences and helped her grow from within.
Career growth doesn’t have to be linear: Her journey went from team member to trainer to leader, with plenty of learning in between.
Shake Shack builds from within: Amanda has helped open over 40 restaurants and continues to train and support new teams nationwide.
Hospitality careers are built on relationships: Amanda’s loyalty and success were fueled by leaders who saw her potential and invested in her growth.
Everyone has a story worth sharing: Amanda welcomes connections and mentorship conversations with anyone seeking guidance.
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Operations Training Partner: A leadership role focused on supporting new restaurant openings and training team members to meet brand standards.
Hospitality Industry: Businesses focused on customer service, such as restaurants, hotels, and events.
Line Cook: A kitchen team member responsible for preparing specific dishes or working a station.
Drive-Thru: A restaurant service model allowing customers to order and receive food without leaving their cars.
Team Member: A general term for restaurant staff working in frontline roles like cashier, cook, or server.
00:05 – Audrey Hogan:
Would you mind introducing yourself really quick?
00:09 – Amanda Churchin:
Hi, I’m Amanda Churchin. I’m an Operations Training Partner for Shake Shack, based out of Chicago, Illinois.
00:13 – Audrey Hogan:
Can you tell me why you love your job?
00:15 – Amanda Churchin:
Good question! I’ve been with Shake Shack for 10 years. I love it because they’ve always encouraged me to be myself and coached me in ways others never have. That support built a lot of loyalty.
00:33 – Audrey Hogan:
What was your first hourly job?
00:37 – Amanda Churchin:
Drive-thru order taker at Taco Bell, back in 2005.
00:42 – Audrey Hogan:
I worked drive-thru too!
00:45 – Amanda Churchin:
It was fun! I ran the whole thing — bagging, drinks, orders — all by myself.
00:53 – Audrey Hogan:
So what happened in between Taco Bell and now?
01:09 – Amanda Churchin:
I worked in other quick-service restaurants like Freebirds. I did some catering too. I wasn’t sure what I wanted long-term, but I knew I loved kitchens and making people happy with food. After getting laid off in 2015, I saw a job posting on Craigslist for a line cook at Shake Shack. I applied, got the job, and loved the person who interviewed me. I started as a team member and worked my way up — manager, trainer, and eventually training partner. I’ve opened over 40 Shake Shack locations and have eight more coming this year!
02:12 – Audrey Hogan:
That’s incredible. If someone isn’t where you are yet in their career, could they reach out to you?
02:23 – Amanda Churchin:
Absolutely. I’m always happy to talk about my journey. There’s a lot to it, and I believe anyone can get where they want to go, no matter their background.
02:38 – Audrey Hogan:
It’s beautiful. I believe that too. Thank you so much for your time.
02:42 – Amanda Churchin:
You’re so welcome. Thank you!
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