LENEXA, KANSAS – [10/23/25] – Centralized Supply Chain Services, LLC (CSCS®), the exclusive supply chain cooperative serving the Applebee’s® and IHOP® restaurant systems, has been recognized for the second consecutive year as one of the Best Places to Work in Kansas City by the Kansas City Business Journal.

The Best Places to Work program honors companies that foster exceptional workplace cultures, based on confidential employee engagement surveys conducted by Quantum Workplace, a nationally recognized leader in employee feedback and workplace analytics. The survey measures key areas such as communication, leadership trust, professional growth, and overall employee satisfaction.

“Being named a Best Place to Work for the second year in a row reflects our team’s shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect,” said Mike Leikam, President and CEO of CSCS. “At CSCS, we believe our people are our greatest asset—and it’s their passion and dedication that make us both a great place to work and a trusted partner for our Member restaurant operators and the two iconic brands we support.”

Founded in 2009, CSCS manages the end-to-end supply chain needs for more than 3,300 Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants across the United States.  Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, the organization oversees more than $2 billion in annual spend on behalf of its Member operators. CSCS’s primary mission is two-fold. First, to assure that Member restaurants receive the benefit of continuously available goods and services in adequate supplies at the lowest sustainable delivered prices; and second, to coordinate with Applebee’s and IHOP in their ongoing efforts to develop new and innovative products and programs to promote their respective concepts.

Dustin Pittman, CSCS Chief Financial Officer, explained, “We believe “culture” creates competitive advantage, and that directly supports our company’s vision of ‘Creating a Competitive Advantage for Every Member Every Day.’  While being named one of Kansas City’s Best Places to Work by the KC Business Journal for a second year in a row is an honor, it more importantly reflects what every CSCS team member does to live our core values, engage in continuous improvement, and care for one another along the way.”

CSCS maintains high retention rates and strong employee engagement scores. The company supports community involvement and professional growth through volunteerism, wellness initiatives, and individualized professional development plans.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from our team members,” added Leikam. “We’re proud to be part of Kansas City’s dynamic business community and remain committed to being a workplace where people can grow, contribute, and thrive.”