Staff Profile: John Todd – Director of Dining Services – Assisted Living & Healthcare
John Todd
In October 2022, Applewood welcomed John Todd’s return to Dining Services as the new Director of Dining Services – Assisted Living & Healthcare. From 2012 to 2016, John served as the executive chef in Independent Living until he transitioned to a managerial role at another CentraState senior community.
John’s passion for the culinary arts began in his youth, working on his grandfather’s Morganville farm. He graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and soon took on key roles in five-star resorts and hotels, including the Ritz Carlton, in the Caribbean and Las Vegas. Locally, he served as the executive chef at Martell’s Waters Edge in Bayville for eight years.
“I’m truly happy to be back at Applewood,” John remarked. “The residents are enthusiastic about expanding our culinary opportunities and adding fresh interactive experiences to mirror Independent Living events.” Dining Services in Assisted Living & Healthcare will launch bi-monthly culinary Pop-Up events, starting this week with an impromptu pizza party.
“We’re also introducing a Culinary Institute of Applewood (CIA) series in the coming months,” he notes. John worked with Heath Braunstein, senior director of Dining Services, to launch the CIA program in 2015. The monthly seminar provides an educational and hands-on approach to appreciating the epicurean art of food, wine and fine dining.
John says his department’s goal for 2023 is to make Assisted Living, Thrive Memory Care and Skilled Nursing dining a more personal event, especially around the holidays. “For example, on Thanksgiving, the residents gathered in the dining room and we carved the turkeys with them, just like a family,” he notes.
Looking ahead, Dining Services plans to introduce another program that originated in Independent Living, “Recipes from Home.” Residents can propose their favorite family recipes and the culinary team will incorporate the selected entrée, side dishes or desserts into upcoming menus for everyone to try. “What better way to make residents feel at home than enjoying their favorite family meals with friends and neighbors?”
John also chairs the Dining Services Assisted Living Resident Council (12-15 residents) and the Skilled Nursing Resident Council (5-6 residents), which promote Dining Services resident suggestions and ideas, troubleshoots issues and plans special events. “Applewood management prioritizes resident input and involvement because this is their home and their satisfaction is essential,” John says. “It is an attribute that truly sets Applewood apart—everyone has a voice here. Besides, what’s more fun than talking about food, holidays and parties?”