Applebee’s announced that Peter Czizek has been named vice president of Culinary and Menu Strategy for the brand, tasked with leading the continuing evolution of the menu and regular introduction of fresh, flavorful dishes that provide both value and a unique culinary experience.
Czizek brings 29 years of experience to Applebee’s. He will report to Becky Johnson, senior vice president, Marketing and Culinary.
Before joining Applebee’s, Czizek served as the vice president of Food & Beverage Research and Development for Dave and Buster’s. There, he led the strategy, structure, and processes for product development and was responsible for alignment between guest satisfaction and kitchen operations for the nationwide chain.
“I’m honored to join the Applebee’s culinary team and excited to lead such a talented staff of chefs,” Czizek says. “Applebee’s has a long history of delivering delicious and wide-ranging menus that keep the neighborhood coming back for more, and I look forward to shaping what the Applebee’s menu of tomorrow looks like with more you¹ll-be-back flavor.”
Czizek was previously the Culinary and Beverage director at Romano’s Macaroni Grill and the Executive Chef at Mel Hollen Restaurant Concepts, both in Dallas.
“Peter's deep restaurant knowledge and extensive leadership experience will serve the brand well as we continue to define our See You Tomorrow experience through delicious and innovative come back cuisine, bite after bite, day after day," Johnson says.
Czizek earned a degree from the University of Wisconsin.
