VP, Culinary; Applebee's

Overview

Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) franchises restaurants under Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar, IHOP and Fuzzy's Taco Shop brands. With over 3,500 restaurants in 18 countries and 354 franchisees as of December 31, 2023, Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the company's website at

Job Location Type
Hybrid

The Vice President, Culinary is a critical role in the guest dining experience and is responsible for the overall culinary vision and strategy. This role blends creative leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight to ensure that our menu delivers on the Applebee's Brand promise. The VP, Culinary reports to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and collaborates cross-functionally to lead the integrated strategic direction and innovation of menu development and product improvement to increase guest satisfaction while maintaining core brand attributes that guests expect from an Applebee's menu.

The VP, Culinary demonstrates strategic leadership and innovation, fosters collaboration across Applebee's with key stakeholders, guides the culinary team to consistently achieve operational excellence, and models uncompromising passion for quality.

Key focus areas

• Culinary Strategy – develops and implements a cohesive culinary vision, including menu concepts and brand standards, aligned with business goals.
• Menu Development & Innovation – creates new core and seasonal menu items that deliver the brand promise, differentiate from competition, and resonate with guests.
• Product Mix Management – ensures menu offerings are optimized and balanced to meet guest expectations, support marketing, and optimize business returns.
• Operations & Efficiency – ensures menu offerings are developed to support consistent execution and delivery.
• Budgeting & Cost Management – analyzes and guides financial viability of menu items, profitability, cost effectiveness, and guest satisfaction.
• Quality Control & Standards – establishes and enforces high standards for food preparation, presentation and service.
• Team Leadership & Development – recruits, trains and mentors culinary staff, fostering a strong culinary team with career development and succession plans.
• Franchise Partners – presents to Franchisee Committees to provide competitive, current, and compelling menu items that satisfy franchise partners’ expectations.
• Vendors – maximizes effectiveness of partnerships for both parties.

• Establish short- and long-term culinary and menu strategies that build upon and support the Applebee's brand promise, align with brand positioning, consumer insights, and operational and financial business needs.
• Oversee strategic development, testing, and deployment of a continuous pipeline of new menu items, addressing nutrition, wellness, taste, brand strategy, and business objectives.
• Partner with Marketing, Operations and Insights to determine how new menu items are promoted nationally and ensure consistent execution in Applebee's restaurants.
• Ensure the financial viability of new and existing products through accurate estimation and management of food cost, waste, labor, inventory, and SKU management.
• Communicate culinary innovation strategies across the organization and build relationships to relay opportunities and objectives.
• Build and retain a capable team to support growth and development of the culinary division.
• Foster effective relationships with senior management in operations, finance, brand management, training, purchasing, quality assurance, supply management, and vendor communities to ensure open communication and strong teamwork.
• Build effective relationships with franchisees through strong communication and appropriate participation.

• Industry Experience – 10+ years in a creative product development multi-unit environment including kitchen management/culinary experience, restaurant operations, and systems knowledge.
• Culinary Expertise – deep knowledge and passion for culinary trends, ingredients, cooking techniques, and nutrition.
• Innovation – proven track record…