Bloomin' Brands University Programs: Investing in Employee Growth Through Education

Bloomin' Brands, one of the world's largest casual dining restaurant companies, recognizes the importance of investing in its team members' professional and personal development. To that end, the company has established several university partnerships that offer tuition discounts and educational opportunities to its employees. These programs demonstrate Bloomin' Brands' commitment to fostering a culture of continuous growth and providing its team members with the resources they need to succeed.

Expanding Educational Opportunities for Team Members

Bloomin' Brands is providing additional opportunities for its employees to earn a college degree at a reduced cost. New partnerships with the University of Phoenix and St. Leo University will extend tuition discounts to the company’s team members. These partnerships join an existing relationship with Johnson & Wales University (JWU), creating a robust network of educational opportunities for Bloomin' Brands employees.

“Providing growth opportunities for our team members both professionally and personally is important to us,” said Lori Malcolm, Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Bloomin’ Brands.

University Partnerships and Tuition Discounts

Bloomin' Brands has partnered with several universities to offer tuition discounts to its employees:

University of Phoenix: Team members receive an approximate 16% tuition discount through the five plus one benefit where the sixth course is free. The agreement also includes a free learning assessment. “We are excited to continue supporting Bloomin’ Brands by providing educational opportunities for their team members,” said Jay Titus, Vice President of Workforce Solutions at University of Phoenix.

Read also: Comprehensive Overview of Dunkin' Brands University
Saint Leo University: Bloomin’ Brands team members can receive a 10% tuition discount toward any Saint Leo University undergraduate and graduate programs offered through their main campus, convenient online programs, and 16 education centers and offices, located in five states. “With a 130-year history in the Tampa Bay area, Saint Leo University is excited to partner with another Tampa-based organization to help more people access a private college education,” said Saint Leo University President Jeffrey Senese. Saint Leo University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, offering more than 100 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs and specializations to more than 18,000 students each year. Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks and sisters, the private, nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education to learners of all backgrounds and ages in the liberal arts tradition. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a residential campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, 16 education centers in five states, and an online program for students anywhere. The university is home to more than 100,000 alumni.
Johnson & Wales University (JWU): JWU and the international restaurant group-which includes Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar-will offer employees a reduced tuition rate to all of the university's undergraduate and graduate programs offered through the College of Online Education, as well as its Providence Campus’ Continuing Education undergraduate programs and master’s degree programs. Through this program, Bloomin’ Brands employees will receive a 25% partnership tuition benefit toward a JWU program offered online, as well as graduate programs at JWU Providence.

Johnson & Wales University: A Closer Look

Johnson & Wales University offers more than 50 fully online programs through JWU Online, giving you the flexibility and ability to complete your studies anytime, anywhere. JWU is recognized worldwide for its depth of academic programs related to food and hospitality.

Here’s what you can expect from JWU:

Partnership tuition benefit toward a JWU program offered online, as well as graduate programs at the Providence campus
Flexible, 100% online format allows you to learn on your time, anywhere
Seven-week* courses and generous transfer policies so you can finish faster (NOTE: some courses are 15 weeks long)
Personalized advising and complete access to university academic resources

Getting Started with JWU

In less than 10 minutes, you can complete your application and be on your way to reaching your academic goals while taking advantage of your immediate 25% tuition discount! Follow these simple steps:

Read also: Internship Program Overview

Complete your application using the link below. Apply to JWU
On your application, please include “Bloomin’ Brands” under employment.

With multiple start dates, we’re always accepting applications. To help you find your way and, ultimately, succeed, Johnson & Wales University works hard to ensure educational opportunities are accessible and affordable, and we are excited to partner with Bloomin’ Brands to offer educational benefits to employees. As partners, both JWU and Bloomin’ Brands are committed to giving employees access to a real-world education, no matter what.

Tuition and Fees at JWU

All tuition charges for online classes are charged on a per-credit-hour basis. For information about the cost of a specific program, please refer to the Tuition and Fees page. Tuition and fees vary for evening and weekend classes at the Providence campus. Ask your admissions associate for more information.

Prior Learning Assessment Credit

Yes. JWU offers “prior learning assessment credit,” allowing you to earn credits for the knowledge or skills you’ve mastered. Credit can be earned through portfolio development or with departmental challenge examinations (credit by examination). JWU also accepts College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) examination credit. To learn more about taking these assessments, visit the Testing for Credit section of our Registration and Graduation Information site.

Financial Aid at JWU

Yes. Complete the FAFSA, and we will use that to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Tuition reimbursement will be taken into consideration. For more information, visit our Financial Aid page.

Online Classroom Experience at JWU

Each course has a syllabus that outlines expectations and requirements. Courses have activities, assignments, and assessments required throughout the course according to a schedule. In the online classroom, participation requirements may include posting a certain number of original messages, responding to a certain number of other posts, or logging in and contributing a certain number of times each week. You can use the following link to tour an online classroom. For graduate or continuing education classes held at the Providence campus, course delivery for most programs is in the form of face-to-face classes meeting once a week in the evening. A few classes are held on Saturdays with Culinary and Baking and Pastry labs meeting on Sunday.

Read also: Internship Opportunities

Time Commitment for JWU Courses

It is important that you stick to the schedule for the course. In the online classroom, the schedule exists to make sure you and your classmates are engaged in the same content and online discussions at the same time, which leads to a quality online learning experience. For undergraduate courses, be prepared to spend at least 6 hours per week on each course. For graduate courses, be prepared to spend at least 12 hours per week on each course.

Choosing a Program at JWU

With more than 50 programs available, we encourage you to have a conversation with your admissions associate in order to determine which degree is right for you. They can help match your career interests and academic goals to the best program for you.

Accreditation at JWU

Yes, JWU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Additional Information about JWU

For general questions about JWU or online learning, please refer to our College FAQs. If you are interested in attending class at the Providence campus, please refer to JWU Providence Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions.

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University has 100+ years of academic excellence. And we’re ready to support you on your educational journey. You put in the work to earn your degree - and we put in the work to streamline the process.

Leadership and Talent Development at Bloomin' Brands

Effective leadership and talent development help us foster a culture of continuous growth. We offer structured learning and development programs to prepare Team Members for new roles, including but not limited to:

Grow & Bloom Workshops: These 60- or 90-minute workshops focus on leadership competency development and provide an opportunity for Team Members at all levels to engage in education, training, and development around the skills and best practices they need to succeed.
Leading People at Bloomin’ Brands: This internally developed program for people leaders focuses on building coaching skills.

We take pride in hiring the best people in the business and in developing their strengths to maximize their full potential.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Bloomin' Brands

In recent years, we have expanded our ERGs into various local markets, allowing Team Members from our restaurants and the RSC to connect more deeply. Our ERGs have dedicated executive sponsors who support their missions and success.

We also sponsor local non-profit youth development organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Step Up For Students, and The Skills Center, which provides socioeconomically disadvantaged youth with education, health, and workforce readiness programs. Our dedication to fostering inclusion and belonging extends to our partnerships with the National Urban League and its affiliate chapters across the country.

FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Step into one of the most dynamic and rewarding industries in the world. Hospitality and tourism is a multi-trillion dollar industry and at FIU, we are preparing our students to be leaders in this exciting and high-paying profession. Graduates of our program can work in and run cruise lines, airlines, resorts, hotels, restaurants, entertainment and sports venues, real estate, night clubs and all kinds of businesses with a hospitality bachelor's or master's degree. Many of our programs are conveniently offered in-person and online.

Why FIU?

At FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, we offer a variety of majors, providing you with the leadership and analytical skills needed to enhance and prepare you for your career. Our top faculty, dedicated career services department and experiential learning opportunities are what set our school and our students apart. Plus, our students have the unique advantage of studying in Miami, Florida - right in the heart of hospitality. Our year-round warmth and location as a top tourist destination make FIU the perfect place to study, learn and work in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Hospitality Executive Education at FIU

From Hotel Real Estate Leadership to Advanced Hospitality Technology, our professional development programs are designed to elevate your career and sharpen your competitive edge in the industry through additional education and training.

Ph.D. Program in Hospitality and Tourism Management

Are you ready to become a leader in hospitality and tourism research? Our Ph.D. South Carolina’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Meet Our Ph.D. Candidates

Our Ph.D. leadership development for current and future researchers and educators. Meet our Ph.D. contexts with specific focus on social identity implications. and presented at national and international conferences. Doctoral Student Teacher of the Year. from the International Foodservice Executives Association. is an inaugural fellow of the 2022 Bloomin’ Brands AHEAD Fellowship. degree in Organizational Leadership and Change from Pfeiffer University. Nikki Chen is a Ph.D. management, and a master’s degree in environmental management. include marketing and sustainability in hospitality and tourism. University in the same field. policy, governance and organizational effectiveness in hospitality. Mina Kim is a Ph.D. for Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development. South Korea, she holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. Seonjin Lee began the hospitality and tourism management Ph.D. and is a Presidential Fellow at the University of South Carolina. Additionally, he has over five years of experience working as an interpreter. Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management in 2025. Omid Oshriyeh is from Tehran, Iran. management and his master’s degree in tourism management and marketing. use and cybersecurity. the field. for Teaching Excellence in 2025. degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. program at the University of South Carolina. service research, and service innovation. conferences. Yang (John) Zhuang is a Ph.D. the University of South Carolina. B.S. in hotel management from Macao University of Tourism and a M.S. wine management from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. wine tourism, consumer behavior, and information processing. He is also an amateur photographer.

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