Applebee's Names Michelle Chin New CMO, COO Effective September

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar has appointed Michelle Chin as its new Chief Marketing Officer, effective September 2, 2025, and Jerrold (Jay) Wong as Chief Operations Officer, starting September 15. Chin brings over 20 years of marketing and brand strategy experience, having held senior roles at Starbucks, Godiva, and Unilever, and will oversee national advertising, digital engagement, menu innovation, and integrated campaigns aimed at deepening guest engagement and evolving the brand. Wong will focus on operational consistency, growth, and enhancing the guest experience through collaboration with teams and franchisees. These leadership changes come amid a positive shift in Applebee's performance, with increased customer traffic and sales in the second quarter of 2025. The appointments are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Applebee's marketing capabilities, refine menu offerings, and improve customer experiences. Applebee's president and Dine Brands CEO John Peyton highlighted the brand's iconic status and the team's efforts to attract the next generation of guests.