TriMark USA, LLC has added Danny Austin as a senior vice president of supply chain. Austin will also be part of the foodservice equipment and supplies dealer’s senior leadership team.
Foodservice equipment manufacturer Atosa USA made a series of personnel moves that will take effect on January 1, 2024.
Huddle House introduced restaurant industry veteran Brian Shortreed as brand president for the family dining chain. In this role, Shortreed will oversee company operations, the franchise system, marketing and culinary innovation.
Sales of foodservice equipment and supplies increased by 2.0% during the third quarter of 2023, per data from the Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry. This was 1.5% less than what reps had forecast for the period, according to the MAFSI Business Barometer.
Multiline foodservice equipment manufacturer Middleby Corp. has made a few personnel updates. Mark Easterday will retire from his role as executive vice president of Middleby Brand Sales at the end of the year. Company veteran Christina Barker has been named vice president of marketing and digital sales for Middleby’s Commercial Foodservice Group and Mitch Cohen will expand his current role as group vice president to oversee Middleby brand sales.
Parts Town plans to open a 420,000-square-foot distribution center in Glendale, Ariz. The Illinois-based distributor of OEM foodservice equipment parts expects this location to be operational by late 2024.
EMC Hospitality, Greenwald Sales & Marketing and 4-Star reps update their personnel, while Mikasa Hospitality added to its rep network. In addition, Pecinka Ferri updates its café.
Cousins Subs promoted Hilary Krekling to vice president of operations.
Former MGM Resorts executive Dominique Bertolone was appointed president of Brinker International chain Maggiano’s Little Italy. In addition to leading the Italian dining chain, Bertolone will become part of Brinker’s executive leadership team.
Big Table Restaurants hired Donald Gale to serve as director of culinary for the Atlanta-based multiconcept operator. The company’s portfolio of concepts includes HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern, Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar and Big Table Events & Catering.
Uncle Julio's Restaurant Group named Scott Lawton its CEO and RJ Thomas its president and chief operating officer.
Looking to better leverage its internal resources and accelerate its growth, multiconcept operator Inspire Brands realigned its corporate structure across three key areas: brands, commercial and company restaurants and growth.
Drew Madsen was named interim CEO for Noodles & Company while the fast-casual chain conducts a formal search for a permanent CEO. The move coincides with the departure of Dave Boennighausen as CEO as the company declares it is transitioning to new leadership.
Winco hired Christian Yungbluth and Mark Massey to serve as category sales director – equipment division and regional sales director – east region.
Laurence Roberts is stepping down from his position as president and CEO of El Pollo Loco Holdings after more than 10 years with the company. Roberts will continue to provide consulting services to the company through December 28, 2023.
Stainless Specialties Inc. has been acquired by North American Kitchen Solutions, an Ohio-based foodservice equipment manufacturer.
Eggs Up Grill named Mira Stsiapanau vice president of operations and training for the breakfast, brunch and lunch concept. Stsiapanau will lead Eggs Up Grill’s field support team, the brand’s training function and its flagship restaurant in Spartanburg, S.C.
Rippe Associates added Matthew Anderson as an associate principal for the Minneapolis-based foodservice consulting firm.
Refrigerated Solutions Group hired Brian Kadel to serve as director of dealer sales for the parent company of Norlake and Master-Bilt. He replaces Bob Stevens who will transition into the newly created role of director of consultant services.
