Cliff Pleau serves as Chief Innovation Officer at Artistry Restaurants.
Chef Cliff Pleau brings over 40 years of culinary leadership to his role as Chief Innovation Officer at Artistry Restaurants. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Chef Pleau’s journey began in the early 1980s with classical training at The Ritz-Carlton in Boston and the Boca Raton Resort & Club.
He embraced the West Coast’s farm-to-table movement as Executive Chef at the acclaimed Lark Creek Inn, and later took his talent to Europe, helping launch 65 themed dining concepts for Euro Disney in Paris.
At Walt Disney World, he co-created the California Grill, introducing market-inspired California cuisine to guests from around the world. As the founding chef and Vice President of Culinary Development for Seasons 52 at Darden Restaurants, he revolutionized the idea of healthful, seasonal dining.
Later, as VP of R&D for Bloomin’ Brands, Chef Pleau led menu innovation across national brands such as Bonefish Grill, Outback Steakhouse, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. His emphasis on ingredient integrity and culinary storytelling earned him accolades, including the Nation’s Restaurant News MenuMasters Award for Chef/Innovator and the CIA Augie Award.
In 2024, he partnered with Artistry Restaurants to launch The Chapman in Winter Park, Florida. By early 2025, he officially joined the executive team, bringing his extensive experience, creative energy, and heartfelt hospitality to every brand under the Artistry umbrella.
Chef Pleau’s four-decade journey in the culinary world reflects Artistry’s core values: a belief that people matter, that integrity and uniqueness must be at the heart of every dish, and that the best way forward is always forward.
