Hoshizaki America promoted Steve Wright to senior director of strategic segments. He most recently served as director of strategic dealers.
California Pizza Kitchen is about to come under new ownership. A collection of companies reached a deal to acquire the casual dining chain and the transaction is expected to close by the end of December.
Multiconcept operator Twin Hospitality Group Inc., parent company of Twin Peaks Restaurants and Smokey Bones, appointed Andy Wiederhorn to serve as chief executive officer.
Riko's Pizza promoted Carl Bachmann to chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026. He has most recently served as president and chief operating officer since January of 2025. Bachmann succeeds Riko’s founder and longtime CEO, Rico Imbrogno, who will become the company’s executive chairman.
Company veteran Daniel Schmidt was named chief commercial officer for Antunes, a Carol Stream, Ill.-based manufacturer of foodservice equipment.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream appointed Deepak Kahlon vice president of operations and Garrett Snyder vice president of real estate, construction and design.
Kamran Amiri was appointed president of Kamran & Company, and the California-based foodservice equipment dealer received an investment from New York-based Turning Rock Partners.
Ovention hired Miguel Baquero to serve as sales manager for the Wisconsin-based oven manufacturer. Baquero’s 13 years of foodservice industry experience include working with Unisource, which is part of Ovention’s rep network.
Layne’s Chicken Fingers promoted Alex Camp to vice president of operations services. Camp will oversee “the intersection of corporate infrastructure and real operations throughout the franchise network,” per a company release. He’s been with the company for two years.
Commercial cooking equipment manufacturer Alto-Shaam appointed Brian Hageman to serve as senior regional sales manager for the company’s South Central territory.
Neil Tell, co-founder of The Sam Tell Companies, died on December 15, 2025. He was 93 years old.
Pizza chain Little Caesars promoted four senior leaders, including Dave Scrivano, who will become vice chairman and Paula Vissing, who will become president and chief executive officer. These promotions take effect January 1, 2025.
A longtime coffee executive will look to keep things percolating at Mountain Mike’s Pizza as the 315-unit chain named Sumi Ghosh president and chief operating officer.
Eagle Group has appointed company veteran Kevin King to the newly created role of chief sales officer. King has been with the Delaware-based foodservice equipment manufacturer for more than 17 years.
Nathaniel Ru will retire from his role as chief brand officer for Sweetgreen, effective January 1, 2026. Zipporah Allen has assumed Ru’s responsibilities.
AeriTek expanded its North American foodservice leadership team with the appointments of Sean McGrann as vice president of sales for North America and Anthony Tortoriello as director of sales for the U.S. and Canada.
Commercial oven manufacturer Unox hired Christina Rabas and Jessenia Rios to serve as customer engagement specialists. Unox also hired Ariel Holder as manager of content development.
Valorie Silvestri joined Middleby as vice president of sales for the Middleby Beverage Group.
EPI adds a partner and a VP of sales, while Fisher Manufacturing and LTI update their rep networks.
Golden Chick made two updates to its leadership team. Bobby Brannon rejoined Golden Chick as vice president of operations, while the quick-service chain promoted Tony Eisermann to vice president of development.
