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Culinary Research Development Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$33K - $44K/yr

RaceTrac Company Overview The Culinary R&D Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all information and assets related to food products that are taken through ideation ...

This role is hands-on: you'll be responsible for implementing kitchen programs, systems, and routines, driving culinary R&D, hiring and training staff, managing inventory, and delivering outstanding ...

This role is hands-on: you'll be responsible for implementing kitchen programs, systems, and routines, driving culinary R&D, hiring and training staff, managing inventory, and delivering outstanding ...

R&D and Culinary Oversight * Provide executive leadership over R&D and Culinary functions with a strong focus on commercialization. * Prioritize innovation pipelines aligned to approved product ...

R&D and Culinary Oversight * Provide executive leadership over R&D and Culinary functions with a strong focus on commercialization. * Prioritize innovation pipelines aligned to approved product ...

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Culinary Research Development information

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How much do culinary research development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary research development in Georgia is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in a Culinary Research Development role and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in Culinary Research Development often encounter challenges such as balancing creativity with cost-effectiveness, adapting recipes for large-scale production, and meeting diverse dietary requirements. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—like marketing, nutrition, and manufacturing—is essential to ensure that products are innovative yet feasible. Staying up-to-date with food trends and consumer preferences also requires ongoing research and flexibility. Success in this role often depends on strong project management skills and open communication within the team.

What Are Culinary Research and Development Jobs?

Culinary research and development jobs focus on using food science and the culinary arts to create new food and drink options for a menu. Common job titles include research chef, culinary research and development specialist, and culinary research and development chef. In any of these roles, you may select the ingredients for each recipe, help determine whether or not a dish should go on the menu, and focus on using innovation during the R&D process to meet the company's goals. This job has two major components. First, on the culinary side, your job is to create the best dishes you can. On the other hand, employers also expect you to consider the practical and business aspects of a dish. This includes how costly the ingredients are, how easy the ingredients are to get, whether or not it's possible to work the ingredients into a supply chain, and how easy it is for another chef to replicate the dish in a timely manner.

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

To excel in Culinary Research Development, a strong background in culinary arts, food science, and recipe formulation—often supported by a relevant degree or certification—is essential. Familiarity with food safety regulations, sensory evaluation tools, and product development software is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for innovating new food products that are both safe and appealing, while meeting industry standards and consumer needs.

What is the difference between Culinary Research Development vs Food Scientist?

AspectCulinary Research DevelopmentFood Scientist
CredentialsCooking and culinary certifications, culinary degreesFood science degrees, certifications in food safety
Work EnvironmentTest kitchens, culinary labs, product development kitchensLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, research centers
Industry UsageFood companies, restaurants, product development firmsFood manufacturing, research institutions, quality control

While Culinary Research Development focuses on creating and testing new recipes and culinary concepts, Food Scientists analyze food properties, safety, and quality. Both roles often collaborate but serve different primary functions within the food industry.

What is Culinary Research and Development?

Culinary Research and Development (R&D) is a specialized field that focuses on creating, testing, and improving food products, recipes, and cooking techniques. Professionals in this area work in various settings, such as food manufacturing companies, restaurants, and test kitchens, to innovate and develop new menu items or packaged foods. They blend culinary creativity with scientific principles to ensure products are safe, tasty, and marketable. Culinary R&D often involves collaborating with chefs, food scientists, and marketing teams to bring new food concepts to life.
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Research Development jobs in Georgia? The most popular types of Culinary Research Development jobs in Georgia are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Research Development jobs in Georgia? For Culinary Research Development jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Research Development jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Research Development jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Culinary Research Development jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Culinary Research Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Culinary Research Development job openings in Georgia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,759 per year, or $22 per hour.
Culinary Specialist

$33K - $44K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


RaceTrac rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 194 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 47 rated convenience stores


Job description

RaceTrac Company Overview
Job Description:
The Culinary R&D Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all information and assets related to food products that are taken through ideation, and recipe formulation. They will ensure items are developed to meet the safety, operational, nutritional, and financial requirements of the organization. This individual will draw from their strong food science background to ensure developed menu items meet all technical and regulatory criteria, while continually delivering on quality and value expectations.
Responsibilities:
  • Assists the Corporate Executive Chef with documenting and testing of Culinary Prototypes and coordination of Product Samplings, Gate Presentations and Studies.
  • Assists the Corporate Executive Chef with development and documentation of propriatary product commercialization and testing.
  • Responsible for maintaining a database of all samples, equipment tests, yield, shelf life and hold time tests to track and document findings and analysis of results.
  • Responsible for development, conducting, and recording sensory evaluations for all food products within the Food Programs and Offers Team.
  • Thorough knowledge of food safety standards, HAACP, GMP practices, and Serve Safe Certification.
  • Work cross-functionally with Food Safety, Category, Demand Planning, Marketing and Operations on projects.
  • Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Test Kitchen, including inventorying all incoming products, cleaning and sanitizing equipment and managing the Test Kitchen schedule.
  • Develops nutritional panels, maintains nutritional information and database, coordinates approval and validation with Food Safety and Quality Team and internal teams when updates are required.
  • Conduct regular audits of digital and physical assets to ensure compliance with ingredient specs, recipe builds, and product formulations.

Qualifications:
  • 2-3 years' experience in food product R&D for QSR, institutional, manufacturing, or retail food service required.
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Culinary Science & Nutrition preferred.
  • Culinary Degree a plus.
  • Ability to create & document sensory studies, recipe cards, interpret technical data sheets, and develop nutritional panels with a focus on FDA requirements.
  • Experience working in ESHA Genesis or other Nutrition Management Systems
  • Working knowledge of HACCP and SQF Practices. Strong knowledge of food product labeling requirements
  • Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
  • Strong math skills including calculations of percentages, scaling recipes & yields, and unit of measurement conversions, statistical analysis, etc.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with others and participate as part of a team.
  • Serve Safe certification a plus.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with RaceTrac without regard to their race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

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