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Culinary Innovation Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Passion for high-quality food, culinary innovation, and attention to detail. * Knowledge of kitchen operations, safety standards, and inventory control. * Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team ...

Sous Chef

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Passion for high-quality food, culinary innovation, and attention to detail. * Knowledge of kitchen operations, safety standards, and inventory control. * Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team ...

Collaborate with leadership on seasonal menus and culinary innovation Ideal Qualifications: * 3+ years as a CDC or Executive Sous in upscale dining * Strong leadership, organization, and calm ...

Sous Chef

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$65K/yr

Lead culinary innovation using fresh, local ingredients and refined techniques. * Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and efficiency. * Manage financials, including labor ...

Sous Chef

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Lead culinary innovation using fresh, local ingredients and refined techniques. * Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and efficiency. * Manage financials, including labor ...

Career path to Head Pastry Chef, Culinary Innovation Lead, or Education Director * Continuing education support in nutrition, pastry, and wellness certifications * Access to wellness programs and ...

Career path to Head Pastry Chef, Culinary Innovation Lead, or Education Director * Continuing education support in nutrition, pastry, and wellness certifications * Access to wellness programs and ...

Pastry Chef

Douglasville, GA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Career path to Head Pastry Chef, Culinary Innovation Lead, or Education Director * Continuing education support in nutrition, pastry, and wellness certifications * Access to wellness programs and ...

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Culinary Innovation information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

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How much do culinary innovation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary innovation in Atlanta, GA is $18.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a professional in Culinary Innovation typically collaborate with other departments within a food company?

Professionals in Culinary Innovation regularly work cross-functionally with teams such as product development, marketing, quality assurance, and supply chain. They often translate culinary trends and consumer preferences into viable product concepts, collaborating with food scientists to ensure recipes are scalable and meet safety standards. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as they participate in brainstorming sessions, attend product tastings, and provide culinary expertise during product launches. This collaborative environment allows them to influence multiple stages of the product lifecycle and see their ideas brought to market.

What is the difference between Culinary Innovation vs Food Scientist?

AspectCulinary InnovationFood Scientist
Required CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degrees, culinary arts experienceFood science degrees, certifications in food safety and technology
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, R&D kitchens, culinary labsResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, food development centers
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, food companies, culinary startupsFood manufacturing, research institutions, regulatory agencies

While both roles focus on food development, Culinary Innovation emphasizes creating new recipes and culinary concepts, often in a kitchen setting. Food Scientists focus on the scientific aspects of food, including safety, preservation, and formulation, typically working in research labs. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is culinary innovation?

Culinary innovation refers to the process of creating new food products, recipes, or dining experiences by combining creativity with culinary expertise. It often involves experimenting with flavors, techniques, and presentation to meet evolving consumer tastes and industry trends. Professionals in this field may work in restaurants, food manufacturing, or hospitality, collaborating with chefs and product developers to bring fresh ideas to the table. Culinary innovation helps businesses stay competitive by offering unique and exciting options to customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Culinary Innovation, and why are they important?

To excel in Culinary Innovation, you need a strong background in culinary arts, food science, and recipe development, often supported by experience in professional kitchens or a relevant degree. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and product development software is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong collaboration skills help drive the creation of unique dishes and successful teamwork. These abilities are crucial for developing innovative food concepts that meet market demands and maintain high-quality standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Innovation jobs in Atlanta, GA? The most popular types of Culinary Innovation jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
Infographic showing various Culinary Innovation job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,908 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Culinary Innovation Specialist - Arby's

Inspire Brands

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Inspire Brands rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 106 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Supports the Culinary Development Team's workstreams by executing product preparation and kitchen testing. Responsible for supporting the delivery / planning of product development food showings, special events, Inspire and AFA Board meetings, CLT's, Executive Team meetings, focus group taste panels, and agency showings. Owns day-to-day product preparation and Arby's areas of Inspire Test Kitchen. Support execution of assigned new product development menu items, equipment / smallwares, and processes to support Arby's Culinary Team objectives. Culinary is the heartbeat of the Arby's brand strategy & business - our equity is based on menu diversity that sets new standards for quality in QSR.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide project support for Culinary Development Team

    • Support organoleptic evaluations of test and production samples as assigned.

    • Assist in the execution of product presentations for key stakeholders.

    • Assist in the planning and execution of food preparation for product showings.

    • Manage and maintain Arby's test kitchen storage areas for product availability, ease of access, organization, and shelf life.

  • Support Product Development special events and product showings for internal stake holders to include but not limited to AFA Board, Inspire Board, executive team, agency reviews, merchandising / ops reviews, company special events, pre-production showings for photo shoots and TV commercials.

    • Support labor needs for each event and manage team and the execution in the venue.

    • Manage the setup of Test Kitchen or special facilities for food showings.

    • Assist with the management of special food ordering requests for the test kitchen for product showings, taste panels, and photo shoots.

  • Assist with Product Development external special events and product showings for all external stakeholders to include but not limited to CLT's, Focus Groups, Franchise Convention / Conference, photo shoots, TV commercials, and Agency Showings.

    • Support labor needs for each event and manage team for the execution at each facility.

  • Assist with Culinary innovation & product development, including core menu and LTO innovation. Partner with cross-functional teams throughout the innovation process, including concept/ideation, product development, in-market testing & commercialization for system launch.

    • Support translating culinary briefs into product innovation that drives new guest acquisition and industry-leading guest satisfaction.

    • Assist Insights Team to conduct consumer/guest research to understand consumer needs & product optimization, including execution/preparation of product for testing.

    • Support vendor partners in developing new products from concept to prototype, prototype to costed commercially viable sample, and through system commercialization process.

    • Research culinary trends and competitive innovation

Requirements:

  • 4 Year Degree with a Concentration in Culinary Arts or Food Science / Food Technology / closely related scientific discipline

  • 0-3 Years of Experience preferred: Restaurant culinary, restaurant operations, food manufacturing, food laboratory

  • Passion for Food & Culinary Arts - deep interest in food and flavors

  • Collaboration - ability to work collaboratively across teams of varying backgrounds

  • Strategy & program development - ability to take idea to execution, while managing multiple priorities

  • Strong organization - balance multiple priorities, keep timelines & records, clear written & verbal communication

  • Thrives in ambiguity - ability to multi-task and move quickly on tight timelines while maintaining strong work product & quality standards.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)


Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,300 Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and SONIC restaurants worldwide. We're made up of some of the world's most iconic restaurant brands, but we're much more than just a restaurant company. We're a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple-it's an experience. At Inspire, that's our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.

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About Inspire Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Inspire Brands Inc., located in Atlanta, GA, United States, operates in the foodservice industry as a multi-brand restaurant company, making it among the biggest restaurant companies globally. Their portfolio includes well-known restaurant brands such as Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, and Jimmy John's, reflecting their commitment to innovation and quality. Founded in 2018 as a result of a consolidation of various restaurant brands under one corporate umbrella, Inspire Brands was formed with a vision to invigorate excellent brands and supercharge their long-term growth.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Year founded

2018