March 19, 2014
National Restaurant Association Announces Operator Innovations Awards Finalists 
An independent panel of foodservice operator experts from across the industry has selected finalists for the third annual 2014 Operator Innovation Awards.
This Week in Foodservice: Commerce Department’s Surprisingly Positive Advance Sales Numbers, Obama Administration Reviewing Overtime Rules and More
This Week In Foodservice covers the Commerce Department’s positive advance sales numbers for February, looks at higher food prices, reports on strong hiring trends in the foodservice industry and much more.
Atlanta Fixture Updates Management Team
Foodservice equipment and supplies dealer Atlanta Fixture announced a series of executive promotions, including naming Ron Bruck president.
Star Manufacturing Names Kearins VP
and GM
Brian Kearins was named vice president and general manager for Star Manufacturing, a part of the Middleby Foodservice Group.
Geile Joins Ali Group
Rob Geile was named vice president of consultant services for Ali Group North America, a multi-line foodservice equipment manufacturer. In his new role, Geile is responsible for developing and cultivating relationships within the consultant community on behalf of Ali Group North America and its operating companies within North America.
AHF Names New Board
Five AHF members were elected to serve on the association’s board beginning Aug. 14, 2014.
Metz Culinary Management
Promotes Russo
Metz Culinary Management promoted Tony Russo to district manager, overseeing a number of independent schools and public school district accounts. Prior to his promotion, Russo served as senior area manager and general manager at Richland School District.
Green Seal Develops New Restaurant Sustainability Certification
Green Seal, an independent non-profit providing sustainability certification for products and services, launched a new sustainability standard for restaurants and non-commercial foodservice operators in conjunction with The Green Chicago Restaurant Coalition and The Rosenthal Group.
Case Study: Bruegger’s Bagels
After 30 years in business, Bruegger’s Bagels is poised to shake things up at its approximately 300 locations. A cobranding agreement with Minneapolis-based Caribou Coffee for its Minneapolis and Raleigh, N.C., sites was a natural evolution for two brands that were operating side by side in these markets.
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