Ashley Helkenn spearheads training at Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, covering frontline, franchise, and manager training programs, new restaurant openings, and career development. She has been pivotal in launching an online learning and task management system, boosting trust and engagement with franchise partners, and driving the brand forward with an operations-first training approach.
With a rich background in restaurant operations since the age of 15, Ashley’s hands-on experience is key to her success in supporting restaurant teams. Before Bonchon, she contributed to both regional and national brands such as Cotton Patch Cafe, Local Favorite Restaurant (formerly Firebird Restaurant Group), and Dickey’s Barbecue where she developed scalable systems and structures. Known for her project management and cross-functional leadership skills, Ashley excels in bridging language, literacy, and skills gaps to enhance team performance and achieve brand goals.
Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and two master’s degrees: an MBA and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership. She is also an active member of CHART, an association of hospitality trainers.