Flynn Applebee's
EST IN 1998
Flynn Applebee's By the Numbers
SNAPSHOT OF WHERE WE ARE NOW
Flynn Group started its journey with the acquisition of 8 Applebee’s in 1999. Over the next two decades we grew by building new stores and acquiring other franchise operators to become the largest Applebee’s franchisee in the world. This strong foundation is what allowed Flynn Group to expand into other brands, countries, and industries.
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Flynn Applebee's Leadership
Premier in the Neighborhood
Our Flynn Applebee’s leaders have an average of 18 years of experience with Flynn Group, have won Applebee’s Operator of the year 4 times, and Franchise of the year 3 times
In 2010, 2017, 2019 and 2022 Dan was named Applebee\u2019s Operator of the Year. He serves on the Applebee\u2019s Franchise Operational Counsel and has served on the Beverage Counsel. Dan holds a degree in Business Management from the Minnesota School of Business. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Dan serves as President of Operations for Flynn Applebee\u0027s overseeing more than 440 Applebee\u2019s in 26 states. In this role he also directly manages the Market Presidents in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Minnesota and the greater New England markets. Dan joined Flynn Applebee\u0027s in 1998 as Director of Operations for the Washington Market as part of the company\u2019s initial acquisition of Applebee\u2019s restaurants. In the 10 years previous to his tenure with Flynn Applebee\u0027s, Dan worked his way from Applebee\u2019s General Manager in Minnesota to Washington Director of Operations. Dan has been with the Applebee\u2019s brand since 1988. <\/p>\nIn 2010, 2017, 2019 and 2022 Dan was named Applebee\u2019s Operator of the Year. He serves on the Applebee\u2019s Franchise Operational Counsel and has served on the Beverage Counsel. Dan holds a degree in Business Management from the Minnesota School of Business. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Dan Krebsbach
President, Flynn Applebee's
Tim joined Applebee\u2019s in 2005 as a General Manager with ASI and joined Flynn Applebee\u0027s in 2008 when we acquired the Southern California market. Tim was promoted to Area Director in Southern California after the acquisition and oversaw several different areas prior to being promoted to Director of Operations for Southern California and ultimately Market President. Tim started in the restaurant industry as a young teenager and has worked in fast food, fast causal and full-service segments over the past four decades. Just prior to joining Applebee\u2019s Tim spent ten years at Chili\u2019s in the Southern California market as a managing partner.<\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Tim serves as Vice President of Operations for Flynn Applebee\u0027s and is responsible for overseeing regional markets and directly managing Market Presidents and Directors of Operations in Southern California, Central California, New Jersey, Delaware and Colorado.<\/p>\nTim joined Applebee\u2019s in 2005 as a General Manager with ASI and joined Flynn Applebee\u0027s in 2008 when we acquired the Southern California market. Tim was promoted to Area Director in Southern California after the acquisition and oversaw several different areas prior to being promoted to Director of Operations for Southern California and ultimately Market President. Tim started in the restaurant industry as a young teenager and has worked in fast food, fast causal and full-service segments over the past four decades. Just prior to joining Applebee\u2019s Tim spent ten years at Chili\u2019s in the Southern California market as a managing partner.<\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Tim Flatley
VP of Operations
After spending six years running comedy clubs for the Funny Bone, Scott joined Applebee\u0027s in 1997 as a manager-in-training.\u202f In 2004 he became part of Flynn Applebee\u2019s when they acquired the Pennsylvania\/West Virginia market. <\/p>\n
Scott began his career in the restaurant industry as a teenager and has worked in fast food, fast-casual, and full-service segments over the past four decades. Since joining Flynn Group, Scott worked his way up the ranks from Assistant Manager through many positions of increasing responsibility culminating in Market President in his PA\/WV market.\u202f He recently enlarged his scope when he was named Vice President of Operations. <\/p>\n
He has achieved several notable awards since joining Flynn Group including \"The Chairmen\u0027s Award,\" presented by Greg Flynn to the Flynn Applebee\u2019s PA\/WV Team in 2004, a Flynn Applebee\u2019s \"Management Excellence\" award in 2005, presented to outstanding Operations Leaders of the Year and the \"Chairman\u0027s Award\" again 2017 for his contributions. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Scott serves as Vice President of Operations for Flynn Applebee\u2019s and is responsible for overseeing regional markets. He also directly manages Market Presidents and Directors of Operations in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, Georgia, and Alabama. <\/p>\nAfter spending six years running comedy clubs for the Funny Bone, Scott joined Applebee\u0027s in 1997 as a manager-in-training.\u202f In 2004 he became part of Flynn Applebee\u2019s when they acquired the Pennsylvania\/West Virginia market. <\/p>\n
Scott began his career in the restaurant industry as a teenager and has worked in fast food, fast-casual, and full-service segments over the past four decades. Since joining Flynn Group, Scott worked his way up the ranks from Assistant Manager through many positions of increasing responsibility culminating in Market President in his PA\/WV market.\u202f He recently enlarged his scope when he was named Vice President of Operations. <\/p>\n
He has achieved several notable awards since joining Flynn Group including \"The Chairmen\u0027s Award,\" presented by Greg Flynn to the Flynn Applebee\u2019s PA\/WV Team in 2004, a Flynn Applebee\u2019s \"Management Excellence\" award in 2005, presented to outstanding Operations Leaders of the Year and the \"Chairman\u0027s Award\" again 2017 for his contributions. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Scott Blair
VP of Operations
Jenny Barkmeier is the Director of Operations for 24 locations in the Northern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin for Flynn Applebee\u2019s. Within our market we are Champions of development of our teams and community involvement. Jenny started in 1997 as a server in the Elk River ,Minnesota, rose thru the ranks becoming a Area Director in 2010. As an Area Director, her greatest accomplishments include: top district in SPA scores for three years and being the recipient of the Golden Apple award being as the top area director in the Applebee\u2019s brand. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Jenny Barkmeier
Director of Operations, Minnesota North
As Market President of the Flynn Applebee\u2019s Mountain Market, Susan and her team are proud of their \u201cfamily feeling\u201d culture. Despite being a part of the largest Applebee\u2019s franchise group in the US, all members are treated like family. She also focuses on all team member development to help everyone with a career path in Applebee\u2019s. \u201cOne Team, One Mission\u201d is her moto. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Susan began her career with Applebee\u2019s in 1993 as an Assistant Manager in the Denver market. She was instrumental in the growth of the Southern Colorado locations, serving as the opening GM for each location in the Area, amongst others in the Market. After her success as a GM, she was promoted to Area Director over the Southern Colorado locations. In 2014, she was promoted to the Director of Operations over the Flynn Applebee\u2019s Mountain Market and then promoted to Market President in 2019. <\/p>\nAs Market President of the Flynn Applebee\u2019s Mountain Market, Susan and her team are proud of their \u201cfamily feeling\u201d culture. Despite being a part of the largest Applebee\u2019s franchise group in the US, all members are treated like family. She also focuses on all team member development to help everyone with a career path in Applebee\u2019s. \u201cOne Team, One Mission\u201d is her moto. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Susan Belluscio
Market President, Mountain
Eleanor Clancy is the Market President of New England South for Flynn Applebee\u2019s. I have been with Flynn Group since June of 2010. I started as an Area Director after 15 years with Bertucci\u2019s, ten of them as an AD. I became a Market President in 2016. My past memberships include: Mass restaurant Association, the Chamber of Commerce and The Woman\u2019s Foodservice Forum. I graduated with a BA in History and English from UMASS. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Eleanor Clancy
Market President, New England South
Joe is a dedicated and results-oriented leader who is committed to providing excellent customer service. A veteran of the US Armed Forces and a Servant Leader at heart, Joe believes that the best leaders are those who put the needs of their team members first and create a positive and supportive work environment. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Joe began his career with Flynn Applebee\u2019s in 2001. As a General Manager, Joe lead teams through two new restaurant openings before being promoted to Area Director in 2005. In 2016, Joe stepped out of Operations and into a Business Analyst role where he was tasked with supporting Operations through analysis, reporting, and project management. Joe returned to Operations in 2021 as the Director of Operations for Flynn Pizza Hut in Central Virginia. In May 2022, Joe returned to the Applebee\u2019s brand as the Director of Operations for New Jersey and Delaware. In March of 2024 he was promoted to Market President where he is guiding his Team on their journey to Premier. <\/p>\nJoe is a dedicated and results-oriented leader who is committed to providing excellent customer service. A veteran of the US Armed Forces and a Servant Leader at heart, Joe believes that the best leaders are those who put the needs of their team members first and create a positive and supportive work environment. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Joe Donnelly
Market President, East Coast
Creating a great culture is what drives Bob and his team, resulting in high tenure and employee satisfaction in the manager ranks.\u202f <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Bob oversees the New England North market for Flynn Applebee\u2019s, operating 33 restaurants in 5 states: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and New York, and has one of the highest average unit sales in the company.\u202f\u202f Bob started with the Applebee\u2019s brand as an assistant manager in 1992 when there were only 8 Applebee\u2019s in New England.\u202f Bob was promoted to GM in 1993, to Area Director in 1995, to Director of Operations in 2001 and then to Market President in 2014.\u202f <\/p>\nCreating a great culture is what drives Bob and his team, resulting in high tenure and employee satisfaction in the manager ranks.\u202f <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Bob Harrington
Market President, New England North
Brian Inmon serves as Human Resources Director for the Midwest and Northeast where he oversees 8 markets for the Flynn Applebee\u2019s brand. Brian was hired with Applebee\u2019s as an HR Manager for the Minnesota market in 2010 and joined the Flynn Applebee\u2019s brand later that same year. In 2020 Brian moved in to a Sr. HR Manager and in 2022 was promoted to HR Director. Brian earned his Bachelor\u2019s degree from the University of Arizona and has been working in human resources since 2000. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Brian Inmon
Director of Human Resources
Dave Johnson Joined Flynn Applebee\u2019s in 1998 as an Area director and part of the original Greg Flynn Applebee\u2019s Acquisition.\u202f At that time, Dave had been with Applebee\u2019s-Strang group, for nine years, relocating from Minnesota to help develop the Washington market. \u202fDave was promoted to Director of Operations for the Washington market in 2001. \u202fIn 2014, Dave joined the Flynn Team, as a partner becoming a Market President. In 2005 Dave received the Chairman\u2019s Award, from Greg Flynn, for his commitment to Operational Excellence. \u202fPeople Development is Dave\u2019s passion, and this shows in both the WA retention and turnover metrics (consistently in the top performers of Flynn Applebee\u2019s, year over year) and career development. \u202fHe genuinely cares for his team and has assisted several of those team members to achieve next level leadership within Flynn Group, including the promotion of three Director of Operations and a Director of Human Resources. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Dave Johnson
Market President, Washington
During his time in Washington, Mark worked as a General Manager and Area Director. In 2016, Mark was promoted to the role of Director of Operations for our Indiana market and to Market President of the Indiana Market in 2021. Mark believes in taking responsibility for the outcomes of the \"moments of truth.\" He understands that as a leader, he sets the example for accountability and integrity. Whether the outcome is positive or negative, Mark takes ownership and uses it as an opportunity for growth and learning. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Mark is the Market President for Flynn Applebee\u2019s 30 restaurants in the Indiana Market. Mark began his career with Flynn Applebee\u2019s as an assistant manager in the Washington market in 2004. Mark quickly realized that he was a perfect cultural fit for the company. The values and principles embraced by the organization resonated deeply with his own personal beliefs and work ethic. Moreover, the company\u0027s commitment to excellence and innovation aligned perfectly with Mark\u0027s own professional aspirations. He saw firsthand how Flynn Group fostered a culture of continuous improvement and encouraged employees to think outside the box, which fueled his own passion for creative problem-solving. <\/p>\nDuring his time in Washington, Mark worked as a General Manager and Area Director. In 2016, Mark was promoted to the role of Director of Operations for our Indiana market and to Market President of the Indiana Market in 2021. Mark believes in taking responsibility for the outcomes of the \"moments of truth.\" He understands that as a leader, he sets the example for accountability and integrity. Whether the outcome is positive or negative, Mark takes ownership and uses it as an opportunity for growth and learning. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Mark Kahler
Market President, Indiana
I started working for Applebee\u2019s in 1991 as a line cook. I quickly moved up through the ranks and was promoted to Kitchen Manager in 1995 and then GM in 2002. In 2004 my franchise was purchased by Flynn Group, and in 2007 I was promoted to Area Director, and 2021 Director of Operations. Overall I have 32 years\u2019 experience with Applebee\u2019s. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Keith is a Director of Operations for the Flynn Applebee\u2019s Pennsylvania and West Virginia Market \u2013 managing the day-to-day business for 27 locations. <\/p>\nI started working for Applebee\u2019s in 1991 as a line cook. I quickly moved up through the ranks and was promoted to Kitchen Manager in 1995 and then GM in 2002. In 2004 my franchise was purchased by Flynn Group, and in 2007 I was promoted to Area Director, and 2021 Director of Operations. Overall I have 32 years\u2019 experience with Applebee\u2019s. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Keith Kaiser
Director of Operations, Pennsylvania-West Virginia
I started in 2005 as an assistant manager in Minnesota, was promoted to GM and then to Area Director. I relocated to the East Bay of San Francisco where I was an Area Director until promoted to Director of Operations in 2021. <\/p>\n
Prior to joining Flynn Group, I was a GM for Black Bear Lodge and Saloon Minnesota from 1996-2005. I received an Associate in Arts degree from Manatee Community College and a BA in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Niki Laimer is the Director of Operations for 26 locations in the Florida Region for Flynn Applebee\u2019s. Within our markets we are Champions of Diversity with employees being our greatest asset. <\/p>\nI started in 2005 as an assistant manager in Minnesota, was promoted to GM and then to Area Director. I relocated to the East Bay of San Francisco where I was an Area Director until promoted to Director of Operations in 2021. <\/p>\n
Prior to joining Flynn Group, I was a GM for Black Bear Lodge and Saloon Minnesota from 1996-2005. I received an Associate in Arts degree from Manatee Community College and a BA in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Niki Laimer
Director of Operations, Florida
Frank has been in the restaurant hospitality industry for 46 years. He started working with Flynn Applebee\u2019s in 1999. In 2016 was promoted to Market Leader for the NorCal market. The NorCal market is comprised of 29 restaurants in Northern California and Northern Nevada. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Frank LaMaina
Market President, NorCal
Jeff\u2019s career started as a dishwasher for Pizza Hut while in college at the University of Akron. While this is only the third company he has worked for, Jeff says that he knew within weeks that this would be his last. Our commitment to people, standards and ethical behavior is what led him to Flynn Group and is also what has kept him here. He often points to the people he works with as the reason for his success and for making this his home. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Jeff is the Market President for Flynn Applebee\u2019s in Northeast Ohio overseeing 35 restaurants. Being a native to the area, Jeff is proud to say that he and his team support the very neighborhoods he grew up in by raising an average of $125,000 each year for charities. Jeff started with Applebee\u2019s in 1995 as an Assistant Manager. During his time managing restaurants, Jeff served as a Training General Manager and Area Director. He won ten Excellence Awards for performance during his time in the restaurants. <\/p>\nJeff\u2019s career started as a dishwasher for Pizza Hut while in college at the University of Akron. While this is only the third company he has worked for, Jeff says that he knew within weeks that this would be his last. Our commitment to people, standards and ethical behavior is what led him to Flynn Group and is also what has kept him here. He often points to the people he works with as the reason for his success and for making this his home. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Jeff Lingel
Market President, Ohio
Cindy Lubs is the Human Resources Director for the Western and Mountain areas of the U.S. and oversees 7 markets for the Flynn Applebee\u2019s brand. Prior to joining Flynn Group, Cindy has worked in the hospitality industry for her whole career starting in operations. Her first job was a host\/drink person at a 50\u2019s diner called Dinah\u2019s Family Restaurant when she was 15 years old, then worked as a server\/take-out at California Pizza Kitchen until she moved into their Human Resources department in 2009 after earning her Bachelor\u2019s Degree in English Literature from CSU Long Beach. In June of 2021, Cindy was hired as an HR Business Partner in the MidCal market overseeing 28 Applebee\u2019s locations, and was promoted to HR Director in February of 2024. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Cindy Lubs
Director of Human Resources
I\u2019ve been in the restaurant industry for over 45 years. I started my career with McDonald\u2019s after attending the University of Oregon. Afterwards I built a regional chain of family restaurants called Shari\u2019s in Portland. As the Director of Operations, I helped run daily operations while pushing for steady growth, finishing with 104 restaurants in 6 states. I then bought a Franchise to Ruby Tuesdays for the Oregon Market where I built 4 restaurants, before selling back to the franchisor in 2011. In 2012 I joined Amrest, which ran 103 Applebee\u2019s in the Northwest \u2013 they were purchased by Flynn Group the following year. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Steven Merrill is the Market President for the Flynn Applebee\u2019s West market, made up of 31 restaurants in Oregon, Idaho, and Eastern Washington. I have 6 Area Directors, and together we focus on building a culture that puts our people first while maintaining a strong profitability position. Our restaurant teams are made up of 4 to 5 managers that are extremely focused on crew retention and strong controls. We strongly believe in the Premier Card and try to live up to its lofty standards daily. <\/p>\nI\u2019ve been in the restaurant industry for over 45 years. I started my career with McDonald\u2019s after attending the University of Oregon. Afterwards I built a regional chain of family restaurants called Shari\u2019s in Portland. As the Director of Operations, I helped run daily operations while pushing for steady growth, finishing with 104 restaurants in 6 states. I then bought a Franchise to Ruby Tuesdays for the Oregon Market where I built 4 restaurants, before selling back to the franchisor in 2011. In 2012 I joined Amrest, which ran 103 Applebee\u2019s in the Northwest \u2013 they were purchased by Flynn Group the following year. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Steve Merrill
Market President, West
Brad started with Applebee\u2019s in 1997 as an Assistant Manager and was promoted to General Manager in 2000.\u202f In 2004 he was awarded both Regional and National GM of the Year for ASI.\u202f In 2005 Brad became an Area Director in Texas and eventually moved to California in 2011 where he joined Flynn Group and took over our Southern California Market in 2019.\u202f Brad came to Applebee\u2019s after an 11-year career with Pizza Hut.\u202f \u202f\u202f <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Brad serves as Market President for the 26 Applebee\u2019s located in Southern California and is responsible for overseeing Area Directors, General Managers, Assistant Managers, and hourly team members in 4 of the most densely populated counties in the US.\u202f The Southern California Market has one of the lowest hourly turnover percentages and the highest average weekly unit sales in the Flynn Applebee\u2019s system.\u202f \u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f <\/p>\nBrad started with Applebee\u2019s in 1997 as an Assistant Manager and was promoted to General Manager in 2000.\u202f In 2004 he was awarded both Regional and National GM of the Year for ASI.\u202f In 2005 Brad became an Area Director in Texas and eventually moved to California in 2011 where he joined Flynn Group and took over our Southern California Market in 2019.\u202f Brad came to Applebee\u2019s after an 11-year career with Pizza Hut.\u202f \u202f\u202f <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Brad Miller
Market President, SoCal
Neal serves as Market President for the Southeast Market, overseeing 19 stores in Georgia and Alabama. Neal began his career with Applebee\u0027s in 1996 as a bartender while attending the University of New Orleans. After moving back home to New Jersey, he joined the team in the Flynn Applebee\u2019s NJ\/DE Market as a server and quickly moved through the manager path and became an Area Director. In 2013 Neal moved to Georgia to take on the Director of Operations role in Flynn Applebee\u2019s newly acquired market.\u202fNeal has a proven track record of leading change, having led or participated in numerous companywide projects over the past 20+ years.\u202f <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Neal Musmanno
Market President, Southeast
Katy started her restaurant career with Steak and Ale traveling the country opening restaurants for that Brand. Katy left to join forces with the first Franchise Group for Applebee\u2019s (T.J. Applebee\u2019s Prescription for Edibles and Elixirs) opening in Minnesota and she has never looked back. Katy started with the Brand in 1987 as a manager and worked her way to General Manager, Training General Manager, Area Director, Director of Operations, and now Market President. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#"> 
Katy Sienko is the Market President of the Flynn Applebee\u2019s Minnesota South Region. She oversees 21 Applebee\u2019s locations in the Twin Cities Metro area to the southern border of Minnesota. Katy joined Flynn Group in 2010 and was promoted to Market President in 2012. The Minnesota South team is built from years of experience and a tenured team of dedicated people working together to achieve our vision of being the Premier Applebee\u2019s Market. The Journey to Premier is an incredible ride. <\/p>\nKaty started her restaurant career with Steak and Ale traveling the country opening restaurants for that Brand. Katy left to join forces with the first Franchise Group for Applebee\u2019s (T.J. Applebee\u2019s Prescription for Edibles and Elixirs) opening in Minnesota and she has never looked back. Katy started with the Brand in 1987 as a manager and worked her way to General Manager, Training General Manager, Area Director, Director of Operations, and now Market President. <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Katy Sienko
Market President, Minnesota South
Rafael Vazquez is the Director of Operations for 28 locations in the MidCal, Central and Southern California Region for Flynn Applebee\u2019s. Within our markets we are Champions of Diversity with employees being our greatest asset. Rafa\u2019s career began as a dishwasher (first job ever) for Applebee\u0027s in 2003 straight out of high school, using the income to pay for his college tuition and books. He was promoted to Manager in 2006 and then Training General Manager in 2012. Rafa was promoted to Area Director in 2020 and Director of Operations in 2024. Inspired by his favorite quote from Kobe Bryant, \u201cHard work outweighs talent \u2014 every time.\u201d <\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Rafael Vazquez
Director of Operations, MidCal
Carl Wilson is Market President of the Flynn Applebee\u2019s Southwest Market.\u202f The Southwest market includes 25 restaurants throughout New Mexico and Las Vegas, NV.\u202f The Southwest team has a strong focus on culture, and providing support for our restaurants to be great.\u202f Carl brings over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry and has been with Flynn Group since 2012.\u202f He believes the best part of his job is seeing Team Members grow their career in the Flynn family.\u202f<\/p>\n","linkedin":"","twitter":""})' href="#">Carl Wilson
Market President, Southwest
