The Rose Group

Our executive team was honored to represent the Rose Group at the annual Applebee’s Conference this week.     30 Year Milestone: The Rose Group was recognized for being an Applebee’s Franchisee for 30 years. Our first Applebee’s opened 30 years ago in Annapolis, MD. We have come a long way since that first restaurant, building an impressive team and becoming unstoppable! Golden Apple Winners: In Nashville, we were joined by our Golden Apple GMs- Summer Breese & Melissa Oliver, as well the 2023 GM of the year- Jackie Mokychic. Summer Breese was also honored with an impressive video as a top 3 finalist for GM of the Year. Congratulations to these exceptional leaders, being recognized as the top 1% of all GMs in the country!   HR Excellence of the Year: Paul Rockelmann was again recognized for his contribution to not just the Rose Group, but for providing HR leadership for the brand as a member of the Franchise People Committee for over 15 years. He challenges the status quo with innovative ideas and programs that help lead us to not just “Be the Best” but to “Remain the Best”.    Taking Care of Your People Award: We have an exceptional team of leaders at all levels. Our innovative people practices play a crucial role in our success and have been recognized for their impact on the retention of managers and team members. Some examples of unique practices that set us apart include: the Rose Career Academy led by Evelyn, our new approach to benefits led by Paul, and the 4-day work week once per period initiated by operations leadership. We are proud to lead the way in creating a positive and fulfilling work environment for all our staff. President’s Partnership Award: Our President and CEO, Jeff Warden was again recognized by the President of Applebee’s for his leadership and partnership in all aspects of the business.  Jeff provides brand leadership on numerous councils: the Franchise Business Council, Chair of the Franchise Operations Committee, Chair of the Franchise People Committee, Franchise Marketing Committee, Head of the Test & Learn Committee for ongoing testing and innovation.  Jeff is a role model for all. Jeff received a standing ovation as the entire Applebee’s community honored him for his exceptional leadership.   Franchisee of the Year: A 7-time winner! WOW!!! Congratulations to our entire Rose Group team! Every person on our team contributes to making us great.  We were recognized for our people practices, great operations (highest SPA results) and our leadership for not just the Rose Group but for the entire system. Our leadership team is constantly coaching and leading others on numerous committees, various project teams, and in everyday interactions. Through our consistent execution and commitment to everyone’s success we are recognized as leaders that truly represent the best of Applebee’s brand.  It is everyone’s commitment to being the best that makes us great! Thank you everyone for all that you do.

Thank you Michaela for giving these guests an amazing experience they'll never forget! "Michaela went above and beyond for my daughter and I, and I'm not just referring to her amazing service. Michaela took the time to get to know my daughter as well as help her talk to some high schoolers who were on their way to prom. They were giving out compliments to the girls and their dresses, Michaela gave us excellent service but really created a connection with us and made us feel like family. This is something my daughter won't forget...the night she met Michaela and two princesses (prom kids). Thank you for making this a wonderful experience for my daughter". 

Congratulations Cassandra! Keep making those friendly, personal connections with guests. “I wanted to share with you my most recent and amazing dining experience I had at your Audubon Applebee’s. Everything was great! The restaurant was clean, the food was great, but the bartender, Cass, did an unbelievably amazing job. I rarely dine at chain restaurants, and a lot of the reason is because of turnover. I think it’s challenging to establish any type of regulars, yet Cass had many guests coming in who were clearly visiting because of her. It was very refreshing to see. Cass was super helpful, knowledgeable and personable. Thanks for taking such great care of us. We will DEFINITELY be back!”

Amazing job to Annamarie for giving the guest a great experience! “I recently dined at your West Hazleton Applebee’s, and had a pleasant dining experience. Our server, Annamarie, was extremely nice and very competent in her abilities. She is an asset to your organization! Very few people can do a very demanding job like dealing with people. Annamarie is caring, knowledgeable, very compassionate for the elderly and has lots of patience. Above all, we had a great experience because Annmarie treated my family with dignity and respect. Kind regards and many blessings.”

Some of our top fundraisers were able to join us at the 18th Annual Lemon Ball on Saturday night. Thank you for all that you do to support ALSF!  

A huge congratulations to Gerald Guignard on his certification for Off-Premise Manager at Bensalem! Gerald has been the driving force behind Bensalem’s high level of execution of off-premise. His consistent coaching of the staff has elevated Bensalem’s execution of off-premise to the next level, which can be seen through his consistently low error rates, low guest complaints and high OSAT scores. Gerald’s leadership and passion for execution results in a great guest experience which will continue to grow Bensalem’s off-premise business. Congratulations Gerald, and we look forward to your continued success!

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Jackie Mokychic on achieving GM of the Year from Applebee’s! This is a well-deserved and overdue achievement for her. She surely is an exceptional leader in not only our franchise but across the entire country! Jackie, we really appreciate and recognize all your hard work and dedication. You truly run a top-notch restaurant and also do an outstanding job leading D1 and training our new managers. Thank you for being you!!

Adam, thank you for showing an excellent example of a making a real connection with our guest and showing that we care. “Adam absolutely *made* our dining experience! He turned a simple night out into a memorable one. He was incredibly personable, taking a minute to connect with us. I could tell he was exhausted, yet he didn't allow that to impact the service he provided. He was efficient in making sure we were always taken care of and satisfied, addressing our needs before they even arose. This was far from a "chain" restaurant experience. Adam made us feel valued, as though we were the only patrons in the restaurant. When we visit this location again, I will be crossing my fingers that Adam will again be our waiter! I truly hope these words are shared with him. He deserves the recognition.”

A second WOW for an outstanding team. A great example of hospitality and showing we care for our guests. “This is my second time reaching out to your management at Bloomsburg Applebee's. Some months ago, I had my elderly father there when he experienced a medical issue and I had to share the kindness, compassion and care shown by your server, Cooper. Fast forward a few months - Dad and I visited the same location again. Unfortunately, during dinner my father had the same issue. (He has a narrowing of his esophagus which causes food to get lodged in his throat and he’s able to breathe, but unable to swallow. This causes him to have to expel whatever may be in his windpipe and ends up drooling/spitting/etc.) I took him to the bathroom & returned to my table. While I waited, Olivia, our wonderful server came over to ask if we needed anything. I explained the situation & said I may need to ask her to have a male employee check on him, which she readily offered, should we need it. Soon after, I saw Cooper at the door, once again helping my father. He then came over to my table to let me know what had happened & assured me he would continue to check on him. I waited a short bit, then walked over to the bathroom again to find Cooper right there making sure all was okay. Cooper offered to stand at the door so I could enter the men’s room to help my father. Cooper has gone above & beyond for us and I will be forever grateful. He is an outstanding young man. He was so helpful in my distress. Thank you, Applebee's, Cooper & Olivia for exceptional customer service.”