Welcome to the first edition of FE&S for 2019 in what should prove to be an exciting and eventful year.

One lucky operator will win our second annual FE&S Kitchen Storage Makeover Contest sponsored by Metro. Check out the details and get your submission in early — you must enter to win!

Stay tuned for coming announcements regarding our 2019 FE&S industry award winners … again this year we have a strong roster of contenders in every category.

I recently reread an article that Joe wrote in 2017 prior to the last The NAFEM Show and, as he accurately predicted then, supplier consolidation continues to be a major driver in the unfolding foodservice equipment and supplies story. By the time this magazine reaches you, we will be ready to make, or will have just made, our 2019 Dealer of the Year selection. FE&S will hand out the 2019 Dealer of the Year and additional distinguished industry awards at a gala event which has been affectionately tagged the Golden Globes of Ovens and Stoves. It will take place May 18 at the Four Seasons in Chicago, the Saturday night of the National Restaurant Association Show. As in years past, the event is sold out. However, for the first time ever we are offering eight operator subscribers a chance to attend by requesting a special publisher’s invitation. Interested in attending this black tie event? Reach out at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For those attending The NAFEM Show 2019 in a few short weeks, the excitement surrounding this year’s exhibit is as high or higher than it’s been for any of the past events. Orlando will be hoppin’ Feb. 7-9 as the industry gathers for this biennial showcase of all things E&S.

And speaking of The NAFEM Show, I was thrilled to learn that Sheryl Crow has agreed to step in for a no longer available Darius Rucker. Although she is undoubtedly unaware of this fact, Sheryl was a former classmate of mine at Mizzou and would regularly regale us with song as she sailed past on her bicycle with guitar in tow. I look forward to almost catching up!

All the best,

P.S. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition of Aliworld that accompanies this issue. It’s proudly produced by the custom publishing wing at Zoomba Group and fresh off a 2018 Folio award for design.