Transforming Onboarding of Kitchen Roles at LongHorn Steakhouse

Designing Digitally worked closely with LongHorn to develop the C.A.R.E. Challenge, a custom-built serious game that simulates the experience of being in a LongHorn kitchen. The goal was to deliver an interactive and immersive training tool that could replicate the pressure and precision required of a Steak Master while remaining easy to use and engaging.

The game places learners inside a virtual kitchen where they receive random steak orders and must grill each one to the proper level of doneness using the correct technique. The interface was designed to work seamlessly on both tablets and computers. This allowed for mobile access while preserving the level of visual detail needed to help learners identify key indicators like grill marks, steak texture, and internal temperatures.

To ensure ease of use, we created a fixed-view kitchen scene that kept all necessary tools within reach. A simplified menu bar along the top of the screen allowed players to quickly access meats and tools without distracting from the gameplay. The experience includes a tutorial and three levels of difficulty, with each stage increasing the number of steak orders and complexity. Learners are evaluated on each order through a detailed scorecard at the end of every level. This feedback helps them understand where they performed well and where they need to improve. The scores are reported directly to LongHorn’s Learning Management System so managers can track performance and progress over time.

Because the orders are randomly generated, no two sessions are exactly the same. This encourages repeat play and supports the development of real-world skills through variation and repetition. The structure of the simulation allows learners to make mistakes, learn from them, and improve in a controlled environment—something a written test or classroom session could never fully replicate.

The LongHorn C.A.R.E. Challenge has transformed the way Steak Masters are trained. It provides a risk-free, high-fidelity simulation that allows employees to build expertise and confidence before they ever step foot behind a real grill. The experience closely mirrors the pressure and expectations of the kitchen while giving learners the freedom to experiment, refine their skills, and strive for perfection.

The game has become a core component of LongHorn’s training strategy, helping standardize learning across locations while improving engagement and retention. Team members enter the kitchen better prepared, and managers gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing new hires are already equipped with the foundational skills they need to succeed.

By creating an experience that blends realism, challenge, and accessibility, Designing Digitally delivered a training tool that not only met LongHorn’s needs but raised the bar for what restaurant training can look like. The LongHorn C.A.R.E. Challenge stands as a strong example of how thoughtful learning design and technology can work together to solve real business problems and improve performance across the board.