The Rose Group, a franchisee of 56 Applebee’s locations and six Corner Bakery locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware, is pleased to announce that Kea Crowder, local York resident and Area Director for seven Applebee’s locations in the Baltimore region, has been elected to the Restaurant Association of Maryland’s Board of Directors.

“We’re very proud that one of our own is being tapped to help lead and improve the foodservice industry in Maryland,” explained Jeff Warden, CEO of The Rose Group. “We work very hard to build a tight-knit team of folks that work hard to grow and impact their community, and Kea is a perfect example.”

The Restaurant Association of Maryland is the most trusted source for restaurant advocacy, regulatory compliance information, foodservice employee training and restaurant-focused vendors. As a member of the Board of Directors, Crowder will not only serve as a guiding voice to promote, protect and improve the foodservice industry in Maryland, but also serve as a mentor for her fellow teammates.

Crowder began her career with The Rose Group in 2010 as a Manager at a local Applebee’s location, was the 2012 recipient of the Rose Group’s Above and Beyond Award in 2012, then worked the ranks to earn the responsibility of Area Director in 2013.

About the Rose Group

The Rose Group, headquartered in Newtown, PA, is the 55th largest restaurant franchise company in the United States. They currently own and operate 56 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurants in Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware. The company is the first franchisee for Corner Bakery Cafe, operating six cafes in Eastern Pennsylvania and one in New Jersey. The Rose Group also co-owns and operates two Shannon Rose restaurants, an independent Irish pub and restaurant in North Jersey. More information on The Rose Group can be found on their website at www.therosegroup.com.