ATLANTA – Church’s Chicken and its international sister brands Texas Chicken and Church’s Texas Chicken, announced Eric Stein has joined the company as International R&D Chef.

In this role, Stein is tasked with advancing operations in brand-directed new product development. His responsibilities will include ideation and recipe development, consumer validation, as well as working closely with franchisees to launch localized new menu products. He will report to Mitch Langston, senior Director, International Marketing for the brand.

“I am beyond thrilled to serve the brand through culinary innovation and new product development,” said Stein. “The legacy of brand integrity and successful leadership made joining Church’s a great option for me, and I look forward to contributing both creatively and in mentorship for the team.”

Stein joins the company from Buffalo Wild Wings, where he was Culinary Innovation Manager. Prior to that he served as executive chef, Menu Administration for GateGourmet, executing 200 million first-class, premium, and business-class in-flight meals delivered from 100 flight kitchens in more than 25 countries. His culinary experience also includes work at Newly Weds Foods, Johnson & Wales University, and The Greenbrier Hotel and Spa.

“Eric's high-level culinary insight and expertise is a valuable addition to the Church’s family,” Langston said. “His diverse experience developing core menu concepts and brand strategy initiatives as well as demonstrated capabilities in leadership positions will inform his new role, while helping us grow and evolve our international leadership in bold, innovative tastes that can only be found at Texas Chicken and Church’s Texas Chicken.”