October 26, 2022 // Franchising.com // GLENDALE, Calif. - Applebee's announced today that Chef Scott Rodriguez has joined its leadership team as Senior Vice President and Chief Culinary Officer. A classically trained chef, Rodriguez brings deep casual dining innovation experience to Applebee’s talented culinary team.
"Scott possesses a unique blend of culinary creativity, operational pragmatism, and big-brand leadership. Most importantly, Scott loves food and the role it plays within Applebee’s Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood® positioning.” said Applebee’s President, John Cywinski.
“I have a life-long admiration for Applebee’s and am thrilled to be part of this incredible leadership team,” said Applebee’s Chief Culinary Officer, Scott Rodriguez. “A successful culinary strategy begins with our guests and restaurant-level excellence. I’m spending my first few months in-restaurant learning from our teams and franchise partners and listening to our guests in terms of what they love and expect from Applebee’s.”
Chef Rodriguez will also be a member of the Operations and Marketing Committees helping to drive alignment on future innovation alongside brand leaders and franchise partners.
With more than 20 years in the casual dining restaurant industry, Chef Rodriguez has previously worked with recognized brands like Papa John's and BJ's Restaurants Inc. He helped these brands develop new offerings for guests through a focus on research and development, new product innovation and menu strategy. He is a graduate of Food Service Management, Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University.
SOURCE Applebee's®
Applebee's Grill & Bar brings together a lively bar & grill experience offering hand-crafted drinks and cravable, simple, American food with flare featuring vibrant flavors and real, fresh ingredients.