This Week in Foodservice: IFMA Gold, Fast-Casual Resilience and Inflation Challenges
Wade strikes IFMA Gold. The resilience of fast-casual operators and a look at the challenging operating environment. Channel Manufacturing expands its reach. These stories and more This Week in Foodservice.
FE&S Names Durham 2026 DSR of the Year
Foodservice Equipment & Supplies named Jesse Durham of Avanti Restaurant Solutions its 2026 DSR of the Year.
What’s Driving Chili’s Record Growth? Plus GDP, FAT Brands & Chicago Job Losses
What’s the future have in store for FAT Brands? How did GDP fare during the first quarter? Is consolidation good for business? The U.S. owes how much? How many restaurant jobs did Chicago lose? Answers to these questions and more, This Week in Foodservice.
FE&S 2026 Facility Design Project of the Year: Dining and Community Commons, Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College’s Dining and Community Commons earned the FE&S 2026 Facility Design Project of the Year Award for transforming its original dining hall into a dynamic, purpose-driven campus hub that goes far beyond student dining.
FE&S 2026 Facility Design Project of the Year Honorable Mention: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana
Every cent matters to nonprofits, so when one opts to spend money on a foodservice renovation, it had best be money spent well. The approach to renovation by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana stood out for its high level of execution against its allocated budget. Because of that, the panel of independent judges convened by FE&S awarded the project an honorable mention in the magazine’s 2026 Facility Design Project of the Year competition.
Renovation Brings a Fresh Look
The Commons, Commons Market and Commons Express — located on the upper level of the Stevens Student Center at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio — feature multiple menu options in a spacious setting with beautiful views of Cedar Lake. While previous updates included additional food stations, aesthetic upgrades and changing menu options, this latest project represents the first complete renovation of this dining facility since it opened in 2000.
LIME Fresh Mexican Grill Takes Another Shot
This fast-casual concept seeks consistent success through international flavors, easy-to-execute sauces and a full bar.
FE&S Dealer of the Year 2026: Clark Associates
From 2016 to 2025, Clark Associates saw its revenues grow organically from $906 million to $3.97 billion. Those topline numbers may turn heads, but they only tell a small portion
of the company’s story.
Pizza Delivery Isn’t Dead: Why Chains Still Bet on In-House Drivers
Slicing up pizza delivery. A closer look at restaurant design costs. Exploring office attire for a pancake party. 7-Eleven’s new prototype enters the fast lane. Plus, meet the recipient of the National Restaurant Association’s 2026 Legends Award.
