The Latest News

FE&S delivers relevant news of the day to the foodservice equipment and supplies marketplace.

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Multiconcept operator CKE Restaurants Holdings appointed Joe Guith to serve chief executive officer for the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee’s.

UNOX hired two technical training instructors: Ryan Ocampo and John Porter.

A&W Restaurants promoted Betsy Schmandt to chief executive officer and president. She inherits the post from former CEO Kevin Bazner, who will continue his tenure as chairman.

Torchy’s Tacos appointed Paul Macaluso as chief executive officer, effective February 24, 2025. He succeeds founder Mike Rypka, who will transition into a new role as chief innovation officer.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf appointed Tara Hinkle to serve as its president and head of Americas for the global specialty coffee and tea house.

The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) recognized 42 allied industry leaders with its Doctorate of Foodservice Award for their contributions to their associations and the industry at-large.

Fast-casual chain Noodles & Company hired Joe Christina to serve as president and chief operating officer.

Iced tea concept HTeaO named Jodie Chau its vice president of supply chain.

Multiline foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturer CFS Brands acquired Mercer Culinary, a New York-based provider of commercial-grade cutlery, kitchen tools, bar supplies and apparel. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers presented the 2025 William W. Carpenter Award to Rob Connelly, CFSP, executive chairman and chairman of the board, Henny Penny Corp. and the Louise O’Sullivan Award of Excellence to Mike Whiteley, retired executive vice president, sales & marketing, Hatco Corp.

Jackson Warewashing Systems hired Brandy Pryor to serve as Western regional sales manager.

ACP, Hoshizaki America, Krowne, RSG, UNOX and Winston update their rep networks, while Maxwell McKenney adds to its line card. Plus, Greenwald Sales & Marketing, Wallin Foodservice Resources and Zink make personnel moves.

Hoshizaki America promoted Omar Marrero to regional sales director for the Southeast region. 

Sales of foodservice equipment and supplies returned to positive territory and beat industry estimates during the fourth quarter of 2024, per data from the Manufacturers Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry (MAFSI).

Cousins Subs promoted Joe Ferguson to executive vice president. He has more than 25 years of experience in real estate and franchise sales, including 20 years with Cousins Subs.

Bloomin’ Brands promoted Kelia Bazile to president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill. She will now lead the operations and development for more than 190 Carrabba’s locations. 

Culinary Depot has hired Jack Highfill to serve as director of procurement for the New York-based foodservice equipment and supplies dealer.

Two longtime foodservice consultants are joining together to setup a new company in Mexico City. FSC-Gastrotec Mexico plans to provide “customized foodservice consulting services” in Mexico, Central and South America.