Dave’s Hot Chicken promoted Jim Bitticks to president and chief operating officer. He joined the chicken chain as chief operations officer in July 2020.
Pie Guys Restaurants has acquired Rapid Fired Pizza, a 30-unit fast-casual restaurant chain with locations spanning 6 states. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
PT Holdings, the parent company of foodservice equipment parts distributor Parts Town, has acquired another service company: K&D Factory Service. K&D also owns Pine Tree Food Equipment, which it purchased in 2019. Both K&D and Pine Tree will be part of PT Holdings Service division.
Phil Kafarakis will become president and CEO of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, effective November 1, 2021. He takes over for Larry Oberkfell, who announced his intent to return to industry earlier this year. Oberkfell’s time with IFMA spans 12 years.
BradyIFS has acquired San Antonio-based Millennium Packaging & Distribution.
The Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management unveiled its leadership for 2021-22. Rob Gebhardt of JLL will become the 2021-22 SHFM president in December. Damian Monticello of GuideWell will transition to immediate past president from president at that time.
Multiconcept operator FAT Brands will add Fazoli’s to its growing portfolio of companies. In a deal valued at $130 million that is expected to close in mid-December, FAT Brands will acquire Fazoli’s from Sentinel Capital Partners, which purchased the Italian quick-service restaurant chain in July 2015.
Two longtime associates acquire Preferred Source. 4-Star Reps adds to its culinary acumen while Greenwald and Mirk add to their line cards.
Bargreen Ellingson acquires Bintz Restaurant Supply Co., a Salt Lake City-based foodservice equipment and supplies dealer that was founded in 1893.
Papa John's International promoted Max Wetzel to executive vice president, chief commercial officer.
Smart Care Equipment Solutions has acquired PureMist Corporation and VP Coffee.
Middleby Companies Pitco and QualServ are poised to make investments in their infrastructure.
Stuart Sharp has joined Clipper Corporation as senior vice president of the manufacturer’s foodservice division.
Bernard Acoca has resigned from his roles of president, CEO and director for El Pollo Loco. Acoca left El Pollo Loco to pursue other opportunities, per a release announcing the transition.
As part of its growth plan, NRD Capital, which owns fast-casual restaurant chain Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, has formed Experiential Brands. The goal of this new entity is to “acquire truly experiential brands in the food and beverage space.”
Nexstep Commercial Products promoted Erin Busch to vice president of sales and marketing.
Commercial cooking equipment manufacturer Vulcan plans to open a facility dedicated to training, research, support and other activities. The first phase of the facility is set to open in 2022.
Former Domino’s Pizza executive John King was named senior vice president of operations for Marco’s Pizza.
Zaxby’s CEO and co-founder Zach McLeroy will become company chairman, effective January 2022. Former El Pollo Loco executive Bernard Acoca will become Zaxby’s CEO.
Graton Resort & Casino named William Becker its vice president of food and beverage. Becker will oversee all food, beverage and restaurant facilities at the 65-acre resort. The property features five foodservice operations as well as a series of bars.
