JANUARY 2002
Why We'll Be Okay
Dealers, consultants and manufacturers' reps all report business down. Meanwhile, the average American continues to eat out. God bless the average American. full story

FEBRUARY 2002
Make Things Happen
Our publisher comes away from a high-powered dealer meeting with this thought: business success comes from making the most of the times you're living in. full story

MARCH 2002
This Ain't Easy
There's more to these Product Evaluation Guides than you might think. Many weeks of updating -- which includes checking in with manufactureres on product changes, line extensions, etc. -- goes into this one-of-a-kind guide each year. full story

APRIL 2002
Back in the Black
Having spoken with suppliers and operators on both sides of the Atlantic, our economy-minded publisher -- "it affects us, too" -- concludes things are looking up all over. full story

JUNE 2002
MAFSI and NAFEM are Stealing My Avocation
The good news is that new market research projects from both MAFSI and NAFEM will bring a new era in industry data collection and sharing. The bad news is that our publisher, who absolutely loves numbers crunching and crystal balling, will have to find a new hobby. full story

JULY 2002
Mid-Year E&S Update: Waiting for the Upturn
Eating-and-drinking sales are ahead slightly this year, and chains are even reporting moderate traffic gains. Still, operators seem to be holding off on the big purchases.  full story

SEPTEMBER 2002
Eyeing the Future of Distribution
Today's distribution channel looks remarkably similar to the channel of 1987, and chances are that's not going to change. Kitchen design and supply are fragmented, and relationships drive the business. And that's what keeps some 1,100 E&S distributors going year after year. full story

OCTOBER 2002
Coming Up For Air
Pent up demand, you say? Despite a waffling economy and impending war, our publisher beleives next year will be better for the equipment and supplies market, precisely because it's been down or flat for more than two years. full story

NOVEMBER 2002
So What's A MUFES?
The first Multiunit Foodservice Equipment Symposium -- designed as an educational networking op for top chain purchasers, specifiers and equipment suppliers -- was a roaring success, and we have a lot of folks to thank. full story

DECEMBER 2002
Rocks on the Road to One World
Free trade comes with unique problems, especially when you're trading on a worldwide basis. But those problems are nothing we can't handle with time and patience. full story