GLENDALE, Calif., March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Applebee's
Neighborhood Grill & Bar® today announced the appointment of
Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer as
executive chef and vice president, culinary and menu strategy. With
more than two decades of culinary experience, Spillyards-Schaefer
joins a talented team in a dedicated effort to improve the
Applebee's dining experience across America, making great food more
accessible. She will lead the charge in revolutionizing the brand's
culinary vision with a focus on real, honest cooking that is
deliciously simple and vibrantly American.
"This is a pivotal moment for the Applebee's brand as we look to
make important enhancements, and Cammie is essential to driving
menu innovation," said Darin Dugan,
senior vice president, marketing and culinary, Applebee's. "With
her creativity and deep understanding of consumer palates, she will
ensure we are delivering incredible food prepared with care to our
current guests and creating a reason for new guests to give us a
try."
This year marks a key transition for Applebee's, with major
kitchen and menu changes at the center of it all. In partnership
with her team of chefs – who possess a combined 120 years of
culinary experience – Spillyards-Schaefer is committed to enhancing
kitchen operations and streamlining the current menu by developing
modern American cuisine that incorporates even more fresh, real
ingredients. While impressed by the amount of cooking already
taking place in Applebee's kitchens, Spillyards-Schaefer will
develop a culinary strategy that enables thousands of Applebee's
cooks across the nation to better serve each guest.
"Joining the Applebee's family is a tremendous opportunity,"
states Spillyards-Schaefer. "One of the most amazing things about
this brand is the ability to cook for and serve millions of people
– we are feeding America! We not only have an opportunity to change
the way guests feel about dining at Applebee's, but we also have
the opportunity to influence the palate of the entire country.
Knowing our work can impact so many people on that level is a huge
motivation for me to ensure we're delivering the best food we can,
from our culinary center to every Applebee's kitchen around the
world."
Spillyards-Schaefer has extensive experience in culinary
innovation, beginning with her first apprenticeship assisting Chef
Michael Bernard Platz of
L'Entrecote. After graduating with honors from the Culinary Institute of America, she served as a
private chef, owned two restaurants and oversaw menu innovation as
director of product development for Chili's Grill and Bar. Most
recently, she served as vice president of research &
development and innovation for Bloomin' Brands International, which
includes Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Fleming's
Prime Steakhouse.
About 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. All
Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs
dedicated to serving their communities and offering the best in
food and drinks with neighborly, genuine service. With more than
2,000 locations in 49 states, Guam, Puerto
Rico and 15 countries, Applebee's is one of the world's
largest casual dining brands. Applebee's restaurants are franchised
by DineEquity Inc.'s (NYSE:DIN) subsidiary, Applebee's
Franchisor LLC and its affiliates.
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SOURCE Applebee's