Applebee’s parent company Applebee’s Services Inc., a division of DineEquity Inc., said Thursday it named Steven Layt its new senior vice president of operations.
Layt will begin his new position immediately, replacing former senior vice president of operations Sam Rothschild, who left Applebee’s in September.
Layt will provide strategic direction and focus on day-to-day management of domestic operations for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants, and will report directly to Applebee’s president, Mike Archer, the company said.
“Steve will bring a tremendous blend of experience and fresh thinking to our brand,” Archer said in a statement. “Applebee’s is in the midst of a system-wide revitalization initiative, updating everything from our menu to our buildings. Steve’s leadership will help guide the brand during a critical time in our growth.”
Layt, a 23-year foodservice industry veteran, most recently served as chief operating officer and executive vice president of Buffet Holdings Inc. Prior to that he was head coach for Yum! Brands’ Pizza Hut division in the eastern United States.
Applebee’s operates or franchises more than 2,000 locations worldwide.
Contact Charlie Duerr at [email protected].