The Society for Hospitality & Foodservice Management recognized the contributions of several of its members with a series of annual awards.
Alto-Shaam named Steve Maahs its new CEO and announced former CEO Karen Hansen will now serve as chairman of the board.
Marcone Commercial Kitchen Group, a distributor of parts for commercial foodservice equipment, added two people to its sales team: Donny Smith, southern regional director and Eric Holder, northern regional director.
Foodservice industry veteran Jennifer Rennon Allen was named director of sales for Tuxton, a wholesaler of dinnerware and ovenware products for the foodservice industry.
Ken Harris will become vice president of sales for ACP, Inc., an Ali Group company, effective October 2.
Former Franke Foodservice Systems executive Jason Meredith is now director of sales for Carpigiani, a North Carolina-based factory that’s part of Ali Group.
Franke Foodservice Systems tapped Toby Campbell to serve as vice president of global marketing.
Pokeworks promoted Regina Cheung to chief executive officer from chief financial officer. She will pull double duty as she retains the title of CFO, per a company release.
Papa Johns International, Inc. made several updates to its leadership team.
TGI Friday’s promoted Brandon Coleman III to the casual dining chain’s chief executive officer. He joined TGI Friday’s in October of 2022 as the chain’s U.S. president and chief marketing officer.
Tom Rose is the new brand president for Del Taco. He replaces Chad Gretzema, who has stepped down from the role to pursue a new opportunity.
Michael Montagano will assume the newly created role of CEO for Dog Haus, starting in September. He comes to Dog Haus from ghost kitchen operator Kitchen United, where Montaagano also served as CEO since 2020.
Applebee’s named Chef Shannon Johnson its vice president of culinary. A classically trained chef, Johnson served as Applebee’s interim head of culinary since June.
Welbilt made a trio of updates to its sales organization. Jo Heitzman will retire from her role as vice president of global strategic accounts for Welbilt, effective October 2, 2023.
Sales of foodservice equipment and supplies increased 4.1% in the second quarter of 2023, per data from The Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry.
Gerry A. Fernandez, president and founder of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance, will retire effective December 31, 2023. Beginning next year, Fernandez will support MFHA in an advisory role. MFHA will conduct a national search for his successor.
Zunzi’s introduced Kevin Nelson as vice president of operations for the Savannah, Ga.-based fast-casual chain.
Dunne Rite Solutions added Bob Alban to its team as a vice president of project management and partner for the New Jersey-based foodservice equipment and supplies distributor that also offers consulting services.
Michael Reinert was named vice president of procurement for the restaurant chain Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken.
Acquisition activity is heating up in the restaurant space. The latest example is private equity firm Roark Capital reaching an agreement to acquire Subway, the quick-service sandwich chain.
