In a move to further integrate the companies’ products and services, Ali Group North America and Welbilt have merged and will now go to market in North America under the Welbilt name. In support of the merger the company made a series of organizational changes.

Tech24 has acquired Central GA Refrigeration, a Georgia-based commercial refrigeration, HVAC, and cooking equipment repair company.

Two weeks into 2024 and Tech24 has made two acquisitions. The company has purchased Total Tech Corporation, a Pennsylvania service agent. And just last week, Tech24 purchased 1-2-3 Equipment Solutions, a service agent based in Virginia.

Tech24, a national industry commercial foodservice equipment repair and maintenance company, has acquired 1-2-3 Equipment Solutions.

Restaurant mergers and acquisitions gain momentum, but will it hold? Who’s the recording artist behind the latest vegan restaurant opening in Los Angeles? Did consumer confidence improve in November? Which foodservice designer just became a hall of famer? We answer these stories and more This Week in Foodservice.

Stainless Specialties Inc. has been acquired by North American Kitchen Solutions, an Ohio-based foodservice equipment manufacturer.

Indianapolis-based service agency Vanco has expanded its reach by acquiring PFES, a service company in the Ft. Wayne, Ind., area.

In a move that will help bolster the chain’s dessert menu, Chicken Salad Chick has acquired Another Piece of Cake, a regional bakery concept with ten locations.

Software company Revalize has added to its foodservice portfolio by acquiring KCL, a software provider for commercial foodservice design.

Broadline distributor Sysco plans to expand its presence in foodservice equipment and supplies distribution in a big way.

Literally hours after announcing it had received an investment from Vestar Capital to help drive, in part, its acquisition strategy, Tech24 unveiled it had purchased Big Fish, a Texas-based service agent.

In a move to further support its ambitious acquisition and growth strategy in both new and existing markets, service agent Tech24 added Vestar Capital Partners as an investor. Existing Tech24 investors include HCI Capital Partners and the service agent’s management team.

Multiline foodservice equipment manufacturer CFS Brands has added to its portfolio by acquiring The Foodware Group, which manufactures and sells front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house supplies and smallwares. Founded in 2018, The Foodware Group consists of two more widely known foodservice brands: G.E.T. and Winco.

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.

Bain Capital Private Equity has reached a deal to acquire Fogo de Chão from Rhône Capital, which has owned the company since 2018.

Service agent Tech24 acquired Pronto Repairs, a provider of foodservice and commercial HVAC equipment repair and maintenance services for hospitals and medical centers in the New York City area.

Southern California Restaurant Design Group has purchased IKONIK Supply Co.’s foodservice division. As part of this acquisition, IKONIK will rebrand its furnishing and millwork division under a new name, Hatch Hospitality Supply. In addition, Hatch Design Group will continue to offer full-service kitchen and interior design services.

Multiline foodservice equipment manufacturer Winco acquired Bar Maid Corp., a producer of products for bars, restaurants, hotels, convention facilities and event catering. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Ace Mart has acquired Lubbock, Texas-based foodservice supplies dealer Big Plate Restaurant Supply.

Tech24 has acquired Total Mechanical Repair Services.

In a deal valued at $715 million, multiconcept operator Darden Restaurants plans to acquire Ruth's Hospitality Group, parent company for Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

The consolidation bug bit the manufacturers’ rep community the week of April 17.

San Antonio-based Ace Mart Restaurant Supply has acquired Wichita Restaurant Supply Company, based in Wichita Falls, Texas. The move extends Ace Mart’s presence in Texas.

Hoffmaster Group, Inc. has purchased Paterson Pacific Parchment

Multiline foodservice equipment manufacturer Middleby Corp. has added to its coffee and beverage offerings through its acquisition of Marco Beverage Systems. The Dublin, Ireland-based company also manufactures hot water dispensers and has annual revenue of $30 million, per a

North American Kitchen Solutions was acquired by Valesco, a Dallas-based private equity firm. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Multiconcept operator Dine Brands Global will add another restaurant chain to its portfolio by acquiring Fuzzy’s Taco Shop from Experiential Brands. Applebee’s parent company will pay $80 million in cash to NRD Holding Company for the 138-unit fast-casual chain. ...

Bargreen Ellingson has expanded its chemical and leasing business by acquiring Advanced Chemical Solutions.

Hatco Corp. continued to add to its portfolio as the Wisconsin-based company has acquired Food Warming Equipment Company, a manufacturer specializing in heated holding cabinets, cook and hold ovens, smokers, refrigerated cabinets, transport carts, and more, with locations in Crystal Lake, Ill., and Portland, Tenn. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Webb Foodservice Design Consultants has acquired Dieli Murawka Howe, a foodservice design firm with offices in San Diego and Las Vegas. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.