Jack in the Box hires culinary managerJack in the Box hires culinary manager

SAN DIEGO Jack in the Box Inc. said it has named Dennis Samala senior culinary manager for its namesake quick-service chain.

Samala, an 18-year veteran of the food industry, will have responsibility for developing and implementing new menu items as well as managing the day-to-day operation of Jack in the Box’s test kitchen and culinary lab.

He most recently was a research chef and culinary service manager for Ventura Foods, based in Brea, Calif.

Jack in the Box operates or franchises more than 2,100 namesake units, along with the more than 450-unit Qdoba fast-casual chain.