While the cancellations of sporting events and, closer to home, foodservice-related conferences continues to make headlines, foodservice operators from all industry segments will need to come to grips with consumer concerns caused by the rapid evolving pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus. As a result of the coronavirus, nearly 60% consumers are now concerned about eating out and roughly 1 in 5 consumers have definitely avoided doing so, according to a study by Datassential.
Minneapolis-based private equity firm FS Funds has agreed to purchase Parasole Restaurant Holdings, an Edina, Minn.-based owner and operator of 14 full-service restaurants.
Nissco, a dealer-based foodservice equipment and supplies buying group, recognized 4 manufacturers with its Vendor of the Year Award and 14 factories with its New Horizons Award.
The first few months of 2020 have been busy for Clark Service Group. The Pennsylvania-based service agent kicked off the year by hiring its first-ever corporate trainer and followed that up a few weeks later by acquiring Georgia-based Pierce Parts and Service. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Foodservice Equipment & Supplies named Peterson Dining Hall at Camp Southern Ground the recipient of its 2020 Facility Design Project of the Year Award.
The Middleby Corporation has added to its burgeoning beverage portfolio with the acquisition of Deutsche Beverage Technology, a maker of beverage brewing and processing systems. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the company has $40 million in annual revenues.
In a move aimed to help members grow and spur membership growth, PRIDE Centric Resources appointed Bryan Spencer to serve as director of business development for the Colorado-based foodservice equipment and supplies buying group.
Hoshizaki America made three new hires: Bret Eldridge, director of national accounts; Rod Johnson, director of consultant services and Ty Jones, director of e-Commerce strategy.
Dominique Morales was appointed marketing director for FOH.
Marc Zimmerman has rejoined Boston Showcase Company, a Newton, Mass.-based foodservice equipment and supplies dealer. A 12-year veteran of the foodservice industry, Zimmerman previously spent more than a decade with Boston Showcase as an account executive.
Smart Care Equipment Solutions continued to grow via acquisition with its purchase of Advanced Mechanical Plus, an Ohio-based company that provides services commercial foodservice equipment and HVAC systems. This is Smart Care’s fifth acquisition and comes a few months after it purchased Texas-based Turbo Technicians.
The National Restaurant Association Show named 18 products from 16 companies as the recipients of its 2020 Kitchen Innovations Awards. Determined by a panel of independent judges, these awards honor foodservice equipment that increases efficiencies and productivity in commercial kitchens.
Chipotle Mexican Grill CEO Brian Niccol was named chairman of the board for the fast-casual restaurant chain. Niccol replaces company founder Steve Ells, who held that position for two years. Neil Flanzraich will continue to serve as lead independent director.
As the coronavirus remains a top news story, it’s a reminder to everyone in the foodservice industry the importance of food safety measures. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that so far this season 26 million people have contracted the flu. It is very likely that many of these consumers ate at a restaurant around the time they were contaminated. Now is a great time to reassess sanitation measures: How strong is your strategy to prevent the transmission of the flu virus?
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation recognized four individuals and three organization’s for their accomplishments and contributions in the areas of diversity and inclusion, community service and leadership with its 2020 Restaurant Industry Awards.
Former Hilton executive Jim Holthouser was appointed CEO for multiconcept operator FOCUS Brands. Holthouser replaces Jim DeSutter, who retired after six years with FOCUS Brands.
Turbo Air tapped foodservice equipment industry veteran Suzanne Painter-Supplee to serve as director of facility design services.
The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers has implemented a new, yearlong program to support the Feeding America network of 200 food banks located across the U.S. To kick start this initiative, NAFEM donated $500,000 to Feeding America.
Meet the eight foodservice operators named recipients of the 2020 IFMA Silver Plate Award.
Karen McCain will become executive vice president for TriMark USA’s south region, effective the end of February. She will replace Marty Monnat who will retire at the end of the month.
