About Evoke Hospitality

Culinary Consultant | Innovation Strategist | Brand Builder
Turning Culinary Vision into Scalable, Market-Ready Success

Scott Popovic is a nationally recognized culinary consultant and food innovation strategist with over 20 years of experience helping restaurants, hospitality brands, and food manufacturers grow through results-driven, market-focused solutions. He is known for blending culinary creativity, operational expertise, and brand alignment to deliver real-world business results in both the restaurant industry and the CPG/food manufacturing space.

Scott partners with clients across the food and beverage spectrum—from independent restaurateurs and hospitality groups to national food manufacturers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. His mission: to help food businesses develop profitable menus, launch scalable products, and build brands that resonate with today’s evolving consumer.

Scott has led high-impact culinary initiatives for both global corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. As Culinary Innovation Manager at Nestlé Professional Solutions, he collaborated with R&D, marketing, and sales teams to develop and commercialize foodservice products—including custom sauces, marinades, and proprietary menu solutions that delivered measurable ROI. His work helped transform culinary ideas into manufacturing-ready products optimized for foodservice operators.

Previously, as Senior Corporate Chef at Certified Angus Beef, Scott worked with leading restaurant chains like The Cheesecake Factory and Saltgrass Steakhouse to align menu development with consumer expectations and brand identity. He also represented the brand at major culinary events including South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Aspen Food & Wine, and James Beard Foundation dinners—solidifying his role as a trusted voice in the national food conversation.

As a co-founder of Vita Urbana, a Cleveland-based urban market and wine bar, Scott translated his vision into a beloved neighborhood brand—showcasing his ability to merge culinary entrepreneurship with community-driven hospitality. He has also mentored the next generation of chefs as a Chef Instructor at Polaris Career Center, where he designed and led career-focused culinary training programs.

• Culinary Innovation & Product Development
• Menu Strategy & Profit Optimization
• Food Manufacturing Consulting & Commercialization
• Operational Systems for Restaurants & Foodservice
• Brand Positioning & Culinary Marketing Strategy
• Concept Development & Trend Forecasting
• Cross-Functional Team Collaboration (R&D, Sales, Marketing)
• Culinary Education, Mentorship & Workforce Training

• James Beard Foundation
• American Culinary Federation
• Research Chefs Association

Scott has been featured as a culinary expert on major media outlets including:
ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, Food Network, and The Travel Channel.

Today, Scott brings his diverse background and proven strategies to clients across the country through Evoke Hospitality Consulting. Whether you need support with menu development, product scaling, restaurant operations, or food manufacturing strategy, Scott provides hands-on expertise that moves your business forward.

Ready to elevate your food business?
Contact Scott to schedule a consultation and start bringing your culinary vision to life—on the plate and in the marketplace.