Chef Shannon Johnson

Vice President, Culinary at Applebee's

Speaker

A seasoned industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, Chef Shannon Johnson began his career with Applebee’s from 2003 to 2012. In 2023, he rejoined Applebee’s as the Vice President of Culinary, leading a talented team responsible for menu development and culinary innovation and strategy for one of America’s largest casual dining brands.

A Chattanooga, Tennessee native, Chef Shannon has studied at prestigious institutions including Johnson & Wales University, The Culinary Institute of America, Beringer Vineyards School for American Chefs, and the International School of Confectionary Arts. His extensive experience includes roles such as Executive Chef for Disneyland, Director of Menu Innovation for McDonald’s, and Chief Food Innovation Officer for Kentucky Fried Chicken. He also founded the Michael P. Hennen School of Hospitality and Culinary at Chattanooga State.

Chef Shannon has directed food development, ingredient and product improvement, new product innovation, and promotional menu item testing. He holds a Sommelier Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and was named the Chef of Grey Poupon.

Chef Shannon lives in Chattanooga, TN with his wife and young son and spends his free time developing a small farm. When dining at Applebee’s, his go-to is the Whole Lotta Bacon Burger.