Q: Alternative Careers In F&B: What Does A Research Chef Do? share this article 1 min Have you ever wondered how food manufacturers come up with product innovations, or how restaurants, coffee shops or hotels develop new menu items that aren't just original but also uniquely delicious? Well, it turns out that behind these types of food innovations sits someone with a unique background in not only the culinary arts but also food science, and that's a research chef. Advertisements What is a Research Chef? A research chef (also often referred to as a culinary scientist or an R&D chef) is someone who's responsible for guiding recipe and food product development by testing and (re)formulating products, recipes and innovations.