Vice President, Menu Strategy and Innovation

At Cracker Barrel, our mission is Pleasing People. This is evident from the moment you walk through our doors, with the first smile that greets you, from the items in our retail store to the food on the table, we welcome you home!

As the Vice President of Menu Strategy and Menu Innovation, you will play a pivotal role in leading our culinary transformation. This executive role requires a visionary leader who can apply strategic business acumen to reinvent our menu offerings. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in menu innovation driving business results and a deep understanding of market trends and consumer preferences in the casual dining industry.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive menu strategy that aligns with our brand’s vision, operational capabilities, and business objectives.
• Lead the menu innovation process from concept through to execution, ensuring a seamless introduction of new menu items across all locations.
•  Conduct extensive market research to stay ahead of industry trends and consumer preferences, adapting our menu to meet changing demands.
•  Collaborate with marketing, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure successful roll-out and sustainability of new culinary offerings.
•  Foster a culture of creativity and innovation within the culinary team, encouraging ongoing development and refinement of menu items.
• Manage and mentor a team of culinary experts, food scientists, and menu strategists.
•  Oversee the budgeting, forecasting, and reporting on menu-related financial performance.
• Engage with customers and frontline staff to gather feedback and insights that inform menu development strategies.
•  Lead sustainability initiatives within menu development, focusing on sourcing local and environmentally friendly ingredients.

Experience and Education

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in menu strategy and innovation leadership roles, with at least 5 years in a strategic menu development capacity within the casual dining or related industry.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale menu transformations and innovations.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, capable of inspiring a team and partnering with other executives.
• Deep knowledge of the food and beverage industry, including market trends, culinary techniques, and health regulations.
• Proficient in data analysis and customer insights to drive decision-making.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously under tight deadlines.