David Jones has partnered with Australian chef Neil Perry AM, in a bid to transform the department store giant’s food services business.

Under the partnership, Perry will be working as a part of the David Jones food service team to deliver a refreshed and innovative food experience to customers, David Jones announced.

The partnership’s initial focus will concentrate on the development and planning of new concepts, supply chain, training and food service infrastructure.

The department store giant signalled their will be ‘early improvements and additions to in store dining and eateries, and the David Jones convenience offering, in both the Market and Bourke Street Foodhalls.’

Perry’s tasks will include reviewing, advising and assisting with implementation across David Jones’ existing food hall offerings, inclusive of dine-in food bars and ready-to-go options. He will also play a key role in the identification and specialist training of food services professionals.

“This is an exciting and inspiring opportunity to work in partnership with David Jones. It was clear from our first meeting that we share the same values when it comes to food quality, provenance and sustainability, and that we aspire to excellence in our offering,” Perry said.

“We both want to create world class food experiences that delight our customers. I believe our combined expertise and shared commitment will enable us to deliver on this and I look forward to working closely with the David Jones team,” he added.

John Dixon, David Jones CEO, said Perry has an innate understanding of all things food in the Australian market and an unquestionable instinct for pleasing the Australian palate.

“He has proven success in delivering food services in a range of formats and we look forward to working with somebody of Neil’s passion and experience in this partnership,” Dixon said.

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