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Lori Fulmer
Sr. Manager, R&D - Food at Peet's Coffee
Professional Background
Lori Fulmer is an innovative chef and culinary expert whose career is marked by a distinctive focus on driving growth and success through menu and process development. Armed with extensive experience in various sectors of the food industry, Lori has carved out a niche in research and development (R&D), blending technical prowess with creative culinary artistry. Her dynamic approach to innovation is characterized by a keen ability to harmonize strategy development with collaborative efforts, effectively enhancing menu offerings and operational practices.
Throughout her career, Lori has held significant roles that leverage her multifaceted skills. At Peet's Coffee, she serves as the Senior Manager of R&D, where she plays a crucial role in crafting competitive and compelling menu items that resonate with consumers. Her prior experience includes serving as the Chef and Director of Product Innovation at The Melt, where she was instrumental in developing new culinary concepts and spearheading seasonal limited-time offers (LTO) that successfully drew customers and boosted sales. Lori has also held several influential roles at Specialty's Cafe & Bakery, notably serving as the Director of Product Innovation and Manager for Product Systems. Her strategic oversight has led to immensely popular menu evolutions and enhanced operational efficiencies that have cemented the establishment's reputation for quality and innovation.
In addition to her focus on menu development, Lori's extensive background in training and education displays her commitment to nurturing talent and cultivating a high-performance environment. As the Director of Education for the Outdoor Science School at Mount Hermon Association, Inc., she adeptly led culinary training initiatives, ensuring that the next generation of food service professionals received guidance and support to thrive in their careers.
Education and Achievements
Lori's academic journey lays a solid foundation for her professional success. She earned her Associate Degree in Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management from Cabrillo College, which equipped her with essential culinary skills and hospitality knowledge. Additionally, she explored the scientific aspects of food by studying Molecular Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, deepening her understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin flavor development and food safety.
To further enhance her expertise in strategic management within the hospitality industry, Lori pursued additional studies in Hospitality Management at San Jose State University. This combination of culinary arts education and business acumen has propelled her into leadership positions across the food service spectrum, enabling her to drive innovation and operational excellence.
Notable Achievements
Lori Fulmer is recognized for various accomplishments in the culinary field, especially those that highlight her creativity and strategic thinking. Her specialized skills in fast casual menu development have not only resulted in satisfying dining experiences for customers but also significantly contributed to the financial success of the establishments where she has worked.
Moreover, she has established herself as a leader in sensory and menu engineering, creating culinary offerings that delight the palate while maintaining stringent quality systems. Her expertise in operational integration has resulted in seamless transitions during new concept launches, ensuring that processes remain efficient while enhancing customer satisfaction.
Lori is also celebrated for her contributions to food safety, emphasizing the importance of adherence to industry standards and regulations within the culinary landscape. Her commitment to upholding quality and safety protocols has garnered the trust of consumers and employers alike, adding value to the brands she represents.
In summary, Lori Fulmer’s journey as an innovation chef showcases her dedication to culinary excellence, strategic planning, and impactful leadership. Her diverse skill set, enriched by extensive education and hands-on experience, positions her at the forefront of the food industry, where she continues to set trends and inspire growth.
Achievements:
Successfully developed and launched numerous menu items that span various cuisines and dietary preferences, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty; Championed culinary innovation that resulted in a significant increase in sales and customer engagement for the establishments where she worked; Sourced high-quality ingredients and managed vendor relationships, optimizing supply chain processes and elevating product offerings; Created and implemented training programs for culinary teams, fostering skill development, teamwork, and adherence to food safety standards; Developed successful limited-time offers (LTOs) and seasonal menus that attracted new customers and generated excitement around the brand.
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