Rich Klein: The CEO of Applebee's

Early Life and Career

Richard J. Klein was born in 1963 in New Jersey. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in hotel, restaurant, and institutional management in 1986. After graduating, he began his career in the hospitality industry, working for several restaurant chains, including TGI Fridays and Red Lobster. In 2007, he was named president and chief operating officer of Applebee's.

Klein is credited with helping to turn around Applebee's, which had been struggling financially in the early 2000s. He implemented several changes, including a new menu, a new marketing campaign, and a new focus on customer service. These changes helped to improve Applebee's sales and profitability, and Klein was named CEO of the company in 2011.

Leadership at Applebee's

As CEO, Klein has continued to focus on improving Applebee's performance. He has overseen the launch of several new menu items, including the "Two for $20" deal, which has been a popular success. He has also invested in technology, including a new mobile app and a new online ordering system.

Under Klein's leadership, Applebee's has also become more involved in the community. The company has partnered with several charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the American Red Cross. Klein has also been a vocal advocate for the restaurant industry, and he has testified before Congress on several occasions.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite Applebee's recent success, Klein has faced some challenges during his tenure as CEO. In 2017, the company was sued by a group of former employees who alleged that they had been discriminated against based on their age. The lawsuit was eventually settled, but it cast a shadow over Klein's leadership.

In 2019, Applebee's was criticized for its handling of a sexual harassment scandal involving several of its employees. Klein apologized for the company's actions, and he promised to take steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Outlook for the Future

Despite these challenges, Klein remains optimistic about the future of Applebee's. He believes that the company has a strong brand and a loyal customer base. He is also confident that the company's recent investments in technology and marketing will continue to pay off in the years to come.

Only time will tell what the future holds for Applebee's and Klein. However, there is no doubt that Klein has been a major force behind the company's recent turnaround, and he is likely to continue to play a key role in its future success.