The Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management recognized 21 up-and-coming foodservice professionals with its 2025-26 Rising Stars recognition and the members of the Julie Flik Rising Star Continuation Program.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken hired Brian Seitz to serve as director of store design and construction.
John Guettler, a longtime service agent in Michigan and member of the Commercial Food Equipment Service Association, died on August 16, 2025. He was 96 years old.
Ryan Kime was promoted to national sales manager for Welbilt brands Champion Industries and Bi-Line Systems, effective September 1, 2025.
Chef Jeffrey MacDonald, CCC, chef de cuisine at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, was named the 2025 ACF Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.
Frontline International promoted Zack Palazzo to vice president of sales and finance. Palazzo has been with the company for more than a decade, previously serving as director of sales and finance for the maker of solutions for the management of fats, oils, and grease in restaurants and commercial kitchens.
As part of a planned leadership transition, Mokas Coffee & Eatery named Jason Ingermanson, CEO and founder of JRI Hospitality, the chain’s president. JRI Hospitality is Moka’s parent company. Ingermanson replaces Scott Redler, who will become a member of Mokas’ board of directors.
Jerrod “Jay” Wong will become chief operations officer for Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar + Grill, effective September 15, 2025.
Whataburger hired Jessica Reicher, a 30-year veteran of the restaurant industry, to serve as the chain’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. She will join the company on September 16, 2025.
Daniel Short was appointed director of consultant services for Welbilt’s Beverage-Air, Victory Refrigeration, Champion Industries, and Bi-Line Systems brands, all of which are Welbilt companies. In addition, Logan Noll will be promoted to vice president of sales for Beverage-Air and Victory Refrigeration, effective September 1, 2025.
Introducing Preferred Foodservice Specialists. Sun Marketing Agents and The Fischer Group update their line cards. Plus, 4 Star Reps' philanthropic efforts have a significant impact in its market.
Damien Harmon was introduced as president of Subway’s North American region.
Diversified Foodservice Supply introduced Lev Peker as its chief executive officer.
Fast-casual chain Noodles & Company promoted Joseph Christina to president and chief executive officer, effective August 31, 2025.
Cal-Mil hired Kim Bernard to serve as director of sales, Midwest. She will cover Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania.
Company veteran Rich Pinnella was named chief executive officer for Luna Grill Mediterranean Kitchen.
IRINOX Professional North America hired Darcy Frawley to serve as business development specialist for the K-12 market.
Smashburger tapped Jim Sullivan to serve as chief executive officer. He has served as the fast-casual chain’s president since February.
