Director Culinary Innovation

Cracker Barrel • Lebanon, TN

404d

About The Position

The Director of Culinary Innovation at Cracker Barrel is responsible for leading the food and beverage innovation strategy, ensuring alignment with the brand's vision and catering to guest needs. This role involves overseeing the development of new menu items, enhancing culinary excellence, and managing product development from concept to commercialization. The director will collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business goals and foster a high-performing culture among innovation chefs.

Requirements

• MBA or master's degree in relevant field preferred; Culinary Degree, Food Science or equivalent required.
• 10+ years of Culinary Innovation management experience in a multi-unit restaurant environment.
• Strong background in the development and creation of successful food and menu items.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills with the ability to lead a diverse team.
• Excellent communication skills and collaborative mindset.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a multi-unit restaurant company.
• Broad knowledge of Quality Assurance practices and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the food and beverage innovation strategy for Cracker Barrel.
• Establish the strategic direction of the food and beverage menu.
• Oversee best-in-class food innovation from concept development to commercialization.
• Develop and present product recommendations to key decision-makers.
• Enhance culinary excellence and elevate the brand experience.
• Develop a core offering and relevant menu introductions for long-term culinary vision.
• Collaborate with Menu Strategy and cross-functional teams to meet business goals.
• Support culinary innovation agenda setting and resource allocation.
• Synthesize strategy, consumer insights, and business targets into actionable plans.
• Manage implementation of product development plans and ensure timelines are met.
• Customize recipe creative based on development briefs and consumer targets.
• Manage food and product development projects in cooperation with operations and quality assurance.
• Assess competition and current trends to create compelling menu ideas.
• Collaborate with Culinary Operations and Training to ensure food execution.
• Conduct ongoing product improvement to elevate guest experience.

Benefits

• Competitive Annual Salary
• Annual Bonus Opportunities
• Medical, Rx, Dental and Vision Benefits on Day 1
• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage
• Paid Vacation/Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development
• 401k Plan with Company Matching Contributions
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• 35% Discount on Cracker Barrel Food and Retail items

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Food Services and Drinking Places
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 10,001+ employees