Peter Gibbons '78
Class Year:
1978
Degree:
A.O.S.
Major:
Culinary Arts
Biography:
When faced with the challenge of leading Denny's menu innovation, Peter Gibbons summoned his inner child.
As vice president of product development for America's largest full-service family restaurant chain, Peter oversees all aspects of menu development and management for Denny's 1,600 units throughout the world. When he took the position last year, he knew right away where his focus had to be—in the "Zone." It wasn't long before the company launched its D-Zone menu with a brand-new outer space theme, complete with Smiley Alien Pancakes, Flying Saucer Pizza, Moons & Stars Chicken Nuggets, and Astro Dogs. Healthy, nutritious side dishes were also introduced, offering Far Out Fruit Medley, Anti-Gravity Grapes, and Goldfish Galaxy to discriminating young diners. Adding to the atomosphere are alien masks and beverages served in rocket shaped cups.
"Encouraging fun, family interaction and providing children with nutritional food options have always been top priorities for Denny's," Peter says. "Our updated D-Zone children's menu holds true to our commitment to family dining." With that in mind, the restaurant is also expanding its American Dinner Classics™ menu, so mom and dad won't miss out on the fun.
Peter certainly knows his way around a menu. During an accomplished 26-year career, he has worked in both the restaurant and suppplier side of the business, and even spent time as a culinary teacher. He most recently worked at Noble & Associates after enjoying a successful run as senior director of research and development at Burger King. "I never wanted to be a fine-dining chef," he says. "I went to the CIA to learn about food and the restaurant industry, but I always knew that I wanted to do research and development."
At Denny's, he's not only doing it—it's child's play.
As vice president of product development for America's largest full-service family restaurant chain, Peter oversees all aspects of menu development and management for Denny's 1,600 units throughout the world. When he took the position last year, he knew right away where his focus had to be—in the "Zone." It wasn't long before the company launched its D-Zone menu with a brand-new outer space theme, complete with Smiley Alien Pancakes, Flying Saucer Pizza, Moons & Stars Chicken Nuggets, and Astro Dogs. Healthy, nutritious side dishes were also introduced, offering Far Out Fruit Medley, Anti-Gravity Grapes, and Goldfish Galaxy to discriminating young diners. Adding to the atomosphere are alien masks and beverages served in rocket shaped cups.
"Encouraging fun, family interaction and providing children with nutritional food options have always been top priorities for Denny's," Peter says. "Our updated D-Zone children's menu holds true to our commitment to family dining." With that in mind, the restaurant is also expanding its American Dinner Classics™ menu, so mom and dad won't miss out on the fun.
Peter certainly knows his way around a menu. During an accomplished 26-year career, he has worked in both the restaurant and suppplier side of the business, and even spent time as a culinary teacher. He most recently worked at Noble & Associates after enjoying a successful run as senior director of research and development at Burger King. "I never wanted to be a fine-dining chef," he says. "I went to the CIA to learn about food and the restaurant industry, but I always knew that I wanted to do research and development."
At Denny's, he's not only doing it—it's child's play.
©Copyright 2007. The Culinary Institute of America
