AyrKing, a manufacturer of food preparation equipment for commercial kitchens, named two mechanical engineers: Alex Baker and Rushi Bhakta.
Jessica Frankhouse was promoted to vice president of sales and customer experience for Ice-O-Matic, which is a Welbilt company. She most recently served as Ice-O-Matic’s director of sales and national accounts.
The Society for Hospitality & Foodservice Management presented its Bob Pacifico Above and Beyond Award to Amy Lewis of Kitchens to Go. Additionally, Stephanie Gilbert of Food Service Holdings received the President's Award.
Potbelly has a goal to reach 2,000 restaurants system-wide. And it believes it has found a partner in RaceTrac to help the fast-casual sandwich chain hit that goal. C-store chain RaceTrac has inked a deal to acquire Potbelly in an all-cash deal, valued at $566 million.
Multiconcept operator SPB Hospitality appointed G.J. Hart to serve as chairman and chief executive officer.
Sean Tresvant was promoted to chief executive officer for Taco Bell, effective October 1, 2025. Tresvant will also become chief consumer officer for Taco Bell’s parent company Yum! Brands.
Eastern Tabletop appointed Jason Lee to serve as director of national key accounts.
For the second quarter of 2025, sales of foodservice equipment and supplies increased 1.6% compared to the previous quarter, per data from Business Barometer published by the Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry. Over the past five quarters, MAFSI members have reported sales changes of 0.0%, -1.0%, -0.6%, 0.2%, and 0.0%.
As part of a series of personnel moves, Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream named Christopher Anschutz as vice president of restaurant operations and Jenny Culp as vice president of purchasing and supply chain.
Gabriel Group, a Michigan-based rep firm, hired Angie Davis to serve on its sales team.
RealFood Hospitality Strategy & Design appointed CJ Ametrano to serve as vice president, design development. Ametrano will lead the firm’s RF DesignStudio, a design house within RFHSD that provides community planning, interior design and specialized foodservice design for the hospitality segment.
Chicago-based restaurant chain Portillo’s is in need of a new chief executive officer following the resignation of Michael Osanloo. Michael Miles, a member of the chain’s board of directors, will serve as Portillo’s CEO on an interim basis while the company conducts a search for Osanloo’s successor.
Commercial cooking equipment manufacturer Unox hired Joseph Day to serve in the newly created role of western regional service manager.
John Boos & Co. has acquired JK Adams. Headquartered in Dorset, Vt., JK Adams’ product portfolio includes cutting boards, serving trays, and kitchen organizers made from sustainably sourced hardwoods.
Caribou Coffee appointed Scott Kennedy to serve as its president and chief executive officer. Kennedy previously served as Caribou’s chief financial officer and was appointed to the role of interim CEO in March 2025.
Polar King hired Nicole Nicely to serve as regional sales manager for the manufacturer of fiberglass outdoor walk-in coolers and freezers.
Fast-casual restaurant chain Jersey Mike’s Subs appointed Stacy Peterson to serve as president and chief operating officer.
Krowne hired Michael Racamato and Nason Frizzell to serve as eastern and western regional sales managers for its foodservice sales division. In addition, Krowne’s Justin Minder will transition into the role of western strategic accounts manager, effective October 1, 2025.
Andrew Wiederhorn has reclaimed his role as chief executive officer for FAT Brands, a multiconcept operator. Co-CEOs Ken Kuick and Taylor Wiederhorn will return to their roles as chief financial officer and chief development officer.
