Julia Stewart became the CEO of Applebee’s in 2008, after IHOP purchased Applebee’s. It was truly a full-circle experience for Stewart. Then 52 years old at the time of her appointment as CEO, she had started within the company at just 16 years of age. She worked at IHOP as a waitress, beginning in her high school days, and she says she fell in love with the company and the restaurant business. She poured the coffee, wore an apron, and delivered food to the tables. After leaving to attend college and work in restaurant marketing, Stewart returned to IHOP in 2001. During her years away from IHOP and Applebee’s, she even worked as a night shift assistant manager at Taco Bell to make ends meet while staying in the industry. She finally came back as CEO of IHOP, after Applebee’s turned her down for a promotion, then she got the chance to take over her former company. Julia Stewart’s story is a true Cinderella story—from serving food, to earning a spot on Forbes’ list of 50 Most Powerful Women in 2007.
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