Applebee’s Hires Chief Culinary Officer for ‘Menu Innovation’

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar has hired Stephen Bulgarelli as chief culinary officer, the company announced Tuesday. The restaurant chain is owned by DineEquity Inc. in Glendale. In his new position Bulgarelli will manage a culinary team that “is starting a new chapter of menu innovation focused on returning to (Applebee’s) roots. The team will elevate Applebee’s neighborhood position around familiar favorites with an emphasis on abundant, indulgent value,” the company said in a statement. Previously, Bulgarelli served as vice president of food and beverage at Chili’s. He also held executive positions at O’Charley’s, T.G.I. Friday’s and LSG Sky Chefs. “Applebee’s is America’s neighborhood kitchen, and I am honored to create original and downright good food that millions of people will be able to enjoy each week,” Bulgarelli said a statement. Shares of DineEquity (DIN) closed Tuesday down 43 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $39.46 on the New York Stock Exchange.