BOSTON — Au Bon Pain has announced that Jens Retlev, who joined the company three years ago as its corporate chef, has been named culinary director.
In his new role, Retlev will spearhead the adaptation of the company's core menu for its international franchises including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Kuwait and Thailand. Retlev will bring regional tastes and local flair to the menus in each market.
Retlev also will guide the restaurant's efforts to provide its guests with nutritious menu options. As corporate chef, Retlev initiated the introduction of new soups to the menu, including vegetarian options and international flavors such as Portuguese Kale and Thai Curry Coconut.
Prior to joining Au Bon Pain, Retlev co-founded a soup manufacturing company, Cooks & Butler, which provided fresh, high-quality soups to the foodservice industry in Rhode Island. In 2004, Cooks & Butler was acquired by Rhode Island-based Blount Seafood. Retlev remained with Blount for four years as its director of culinary until he joined Au Bon Pain in 2004.
