23-year veteran of the foodservice industry joins casual-dining brand.

Applebee's Services, Inc. named Steve Layt its senior vice president, operations. A 23-year veteran of the foodservice industry, Layt comes to Applebee's from Buffets Holdings, Inc., where he served as chief operating officer and executive vice president.

Prior to Buffet Holdings, Inc., he served as franchise head coach for Yum! Brands' Pizza Hut Division in the eastern United States.

In his new role Layt will provide strategic direction and focus on day-to-day management of domestic operations for the casual-dining brand.