Rean Mckinley, The Executive General Manager of Gusto Italian Grill & Bar in Moncton, New Brunswick, is in the midst of a great career in hospitality. Starting at the age of 15 as a dishwasher, Mckinley worked his way up through various roles, gaining international experience with Princess Cruise Lines. His passion for hospitality eventually led him to Gusto, where he now oversees one of Canada’s busiest restaurants.

Under Rean Mckinley’s leadership, Gusto Italian Grill & Bar has flourished, serving over 12,600 guests monthly despite operating exclusively during dinner hours. On peak nights, the restaurant manages between 500 to 600 covers. With business booming and a staff of more than 100 employees, Mckinley realized he needed a way to not only to maintain smooth operations but to also enhance them even further. The solution, Connecteam, a digital platform designed to improve efficiency.

“Before we implemented Connecteam, we were relying on handwritten schedules and even using Facebook for team updates. While that worked to a degree, it wasn’t the most efficient system,” Mckinley explained. He needed something that would allow Gusto to function more like a corporate restaurant but retain Gusto’s unique local charm. Connecteam provided the answer, allowing Gusto to run smoothly even as operations scaled up.

One of the most significant improvements Connecteam brought to Gusto was in the onboarding process. Previously, onboarding new employees was a labor-intensive task. Mckinley recalls, “We used to manually send new hire packages to the accounting team, which wasn’t even on-site. Sometimes, packages would go missing or get delayed, causing major headaches.” 

Today, onboarding at Gusto is seamless. New hires complete digital onboarding forms that are instantly shared with the necessary departments, ensuring no paperwork is lost and allowing employees to start their roles fully prepared which has even helped retention rate of staff

“Connecteam has changed the way we onboard a new person and the success rate, and I would say it’s also made it so that we have a lot less turnover because of the onboarding process”

Connecteam’s Forms have been instrumental in strengthening accountability. Mckinley describes how the platform has changed the way tasks are managed, “What we’ve done with Forms is we’ve created Digital Checklists that require photo confirmation for everything, and our staff love it because it holds everybody accountable.” For example, Gusto’s server checklist requires employees to complete tasks such as rolling 25 sets of silverware, setting linens, and clearing tables, all of which must be verified with a photo. This system eliminates the ambiguity that can sometimes lead to missed tasks. “There’s no more, ‘Oh, so-and-so didn’t do their side work,’ because you can see the photo confirmation that it was done,” Mckinley added.

What has truly resonated with the staff at Gusto is the platform’s Recognition Tool, a feature that has played a key role in fostering a positive work environment. Mckinley explains how this tool enables staff to celebrate each other’s achievements through a social media-style feed. “If a bartender crushes it during a busy night, we can post a shout-out, and the whole team can see it, like it, and comment on it,” Mckinley said. This feature has significantly boosted morale and employee engagement, ensuring that Gusto maintains its high level of service.

By implementing Connecteam, Gusto has managed to operate with the precision of a corporate restaurant while maintaining its independent spirit. Mckinley reflects on the success, noting, “Connecteam gives independent restaurants the tools to function like a big corporate entity without the huge costs.” Thanks to the platform’s efficiency in handling onboarding, checklists, and recognition, Gusto has not only improved its operations but also enhanced the overall experience for both employees and guests.

For other restaurant operators, Mckinley has a clear message: “With Connecteam, just do it. It’s going to streamline your operations, especially if you’re an independent restaurant. It’s a no-brainer, in my opinion.” Rean Mckinley’s success as Executive General Manager is a testament to his ability to evolve and adapt in a fast-paced, competitive industry. His leadership at Gusto, powered by his strategic use of tools like Connecteam, has not only allowed the restaurant to thrive operationally but also created a cohesive, motivated team. The final burning question, if you are at the restaurant, what is the one dish you need to order?“Chicken Parmesan. Yes, absolutely.”

Rean Mckinley is receiving an Amazon gift card for his participation in the interview ($100).

Toast Sales Agent: Sharon Fung