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Humans of Applejack: Jenni Manninen & Julie Bang

Meet The Applejack Team: Jenni, RAFI Sous Chef & Julie, RAFI Junior Sous Chef.

Jenni & Julie are both longtime Applejack legends, working in several Applejack venues before moving into the RAFI kitchen when we launched in 2022.

As leaders in the RAFI kitchen, both Jenni & Julie have played a significant role in the restaurant’s success, and we are so excited to get to know them a little better. We chatted about all things Applejack, their hospitality careers, and their current roles in the RAFI kitchen team, keep reading to find out more and discover how you could become part of the Applejack Chef family.

Let’s Chat…

What has your career progression looked like with Applejack?

Jenni: 3 years ago I joined the Bopp & Tone kitchen team before being promoted to Sous Chef. Last year I made the move across the bridge to North Sydney for the launch of RAFI as Sous Chef.

Julie: Similar to Jenni, I worked as a Chef for 3.5 years at The Botanist, before being promoted to Junior Sous Chef there. I then joined the RAFI team as Junior Sous Chef.

What do you love about working in the kitchen team at RAFI?

Jenni: RAFI is one of my favourite places I’ve worked, there is so much light and fresh air in the kitchen, so you don’t feel tired when working long hours. It is an extremely beautiful place and the team is also one of my favourites, even on busy days we have fun and keep happy faces.

Julie: I love the beautiful teams who are enthusiastic and passionate about food, and look after each other.

What are some of your favourite memories at Applejack?

Jenni: My favourite memory is actually every Christmas season. It’s very busy and tough, but when you make it through with the team it’s the best feeling ever!

Julie: When I won unicorn of the year, last year at the Applejack Staff Party, that made me feel supported by the whole Applejack team. Also when RAFI was awarded a Chefs Hat, it was an amazing experience working with Head of Culinary Patrick Friesen and Head Chef Matias, I’ve learnt so much from them, not only about food but how to manage a team.

Why should someone look at joining the Applejack team as a Chef?

Jenni: Applejack provides great job stability, and it’s a fun working environment. I think Applejack is for everyone.

Julie: Applejack looks after their staff like family! Applejack is also growing remarkably in the hospitality industry, which will give Chefs more opportunities to build a fantastic career.

What is your go-to RAFI dish?

Jenni: Definitely our South Coast Tuna, can’t go wrong with that. I love so many of our dishes but that one is just bang on & so popular too!

Julie: Of course its the dish of the year, our South Coast Tuna.

*Callan Boys from Good Food named this his favourite dish of 2022! Book in for a taste here >

Looking for a job with career progression, training, and where every day is different? Interested in working with Jenni & Julie? A job in the Applejack Kitchen team is for you!

We are looking for awesome Chefs of all levels to join the crew, apply today at the link below.