La Academia

CONTEXT

Grupo Smile was born in Bogotá with a clear vision: to prove that gastronomy can be as transformative as it is delicious. With support from Actual, the company embarked on a sustainability journey — building a purpose-driven strategy and pursuing B-Corp certification as a way to align growth with social impact.

In an industry known for high turnover and limited access to structured training, Grupo Smile chose a different path: an internal culture centered on people, purpose, collaboration, and continuous learning.

CHALLENGE

Grupo Smile wanted to tackle two goals: create social impact and improve talent retention within their teams.

The food service industry faces a systemic issue: high staff turnover and a lack of professional training. Many workers enter the field without the tools they need, leading to frustration, burnout, and early resignation. This reality strains restaurants with operational inefficiencies, inconsistent service, and growing training costs.

The challenge was clear: how can we upskill, motivate, and retain talent to build a stronger, more sustainable industry?

SOLUTION

The answer was La Academia (The Academy) — an open, collaborative learning platform designed with and for the food industry.

Built with input from local experts, La Academia offers short, high-value video lessons delivered via WhatsApp. Learners progress at their own pace, complete short assessments, receive ongoing support, and graduate with a program diploma.

The platform was designed to support both current and aspiring food service professionals, while helping restaurants thrive through better-trained, more motivated teams.

La Academia is a core part of Grupo Smile’s sustainability strategy — a reflection of their belief that investing in people is key to building lasting impact.

IMPACT

"The course was an exceptional experience... I've gained skills that broadened my perspective and enriched both my personal and professional life." — Samants Nahar, Grupo Smile

• 15 learning modules covering service, communication, gastronomy culture, and financial skills.

• Full internal training rollout across all Grupo Smile teams.

• Over 2,000 open learning slots offered to people outside the company.

• 85 additional users from partner restaurants.

• 96% of participants would recommend La Academia.

CONCLUSION

This case shows how investing in people can become a powerful strategy for social and business impact. La Academia helped Grupo Smile respond to a long-standing industry challenge by creating real opportunities for growth — both within and beyond their restaurant walls.

In the food industry, building sustainable change starts with those who make it all happen: the people.