Foodservice consultant Rich Kukla has retired from Robert Rippe & Associates, after having spent 27 years with the Minnesota-based firm.

Kukla was a principal.

"Rich leaves a strong legacy as a mentor to our design staff, passion for his work, and a devoted representative for our clients. His honesty and fairness is a tradition of Robert Rippe & Associates and was evident in everything he did," said Steve Carlson, president of Robert Rippe & Associates. "We will be left with constant reminders of Rich's contributions to our well-being and success over the years."

Connie Dickson, also a principal at Rippe & Associates, will assume leadership of Kukla's team, which includes Jessica Dengel, Mark Nilson and Megan Patterson.