Name: Brian Sullivan
New title: VP of culinary and beverage innovation, Red Robin
Previous title: SVP of culinary innovation, California Pizza Kitchen
As part of Red Robin’s “North Star” turnaround plan, Sullivan, who has over 40 years of industry experience, will focus on the company’s efforts to improve the guest experience, including investing in higher food quality and a menu refresh, according to a press release. Sullivan has experience in food and beverage innovation, menu strategy, franchising and retail food development.
"I am excited [Sullivan] has joined Red Robin and will be leading our culinary and beverage strategy,” G.J. Hart, Red Robin president and CEO, said in the press release. “Menu quality and innovation is a major component of our comeback plan and Brian and his team are making great progress on menu enhancements we will roll out later this year."
During his 34-year career at California Pizza Kitchen, Sullivan oversaw the pizza chain’s creative development and the rollout of new menu items. Hart and Sullivan’s tenures overlapped at CPK, during which time the brand went through a major refresh. Sullivan has also written three cookbooks highlighting his take on California cuisine and California-style pizzas. Sullivan left CPK in December amid a broader shakeup of the company’s C-suite, which included the appointment of board member Jeff Warne as CEO and president.
