SCHOOLS CAN GET KITCHEN-EQUIPMENT GRANTS FROM USDA
If your school didn't get help from last year's program, you might have a shot this time around. ...[full story]

CALIFORNIA, VERMONT GET THE LEAD OUT
Two states now require virtually lead-free plumbing for water consumed by humans, and UL announces a certification service. ...[full story]

ASHRAE UPDATES HVAC PRINCIPLES
The handbook is good. The new textbook is better. ...[full story]

NRA NAMES NEW LOBBYING CHIEF
Longtime lobbyist Scott DeFife arrives from the securities industry. ...
[full story]

FOOD-SAFETY CONFERENCE NEARS
The Food Safety Education Conference comes to Atlanta March 23-26. Time to sign up. ...[full story]

By Robin Ashton

NRA FORECASTS FLAT REAL GROWTH FOR 2010
NRA projects a slow uphill improvement in sales will just about break even with inflation. ...[full story]

TECHNOMIC CUTS OPERATOR-SALES FORECAST TO 3% REAL DECLINE
Technomic tweaks its original forecast downward a little. ...[full story]

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE UP IN JANUARY, MCDONALD'S U.S. COMP SALES POSITIVE IN DECEMBER
Anything fueled by state tax revenue is hurtin'. ...[full story]

FRESHENED FER E&S FORECAST AVAILABLE AFTER MUFES
Foodservice Equipment Reports will have a fresh revision at the MUFES equipment symposium next month. ...[full story]

OBITUARY: TACO BELL FOUNDER GLEN BELL
The man who launched Taco Bell and Der Weinerschnitzel, among others, passes at age 86. ...[full story]

RICCHIO RETIRES, IBRAHIM TO HEAD STAR
A familiar face retires, leading to two promotions at Middleby. ...[full story]

WINGSTOP SPREADS ITS WINGS
The aviation-themed chain, fueled by takeout, has big plans. ...[full story]

RED ROBIN PLANS 15-PLUS COMPANY UNITS
And another chain with wings is gaining altitude. ...[full story]

JAPAN TO SPROUT HUNDREDS OF SBARROS
Now here's a plan—how about 1,250 new openings over a 20-year period? ...[full story]

CAPTAIN D'S LOOKS FOR NEW OWNERS
Ahoy there, matey. Be that a new owner on the horizon? ...[full story]

CFESA SETS DATES FOR 2010 EGS TRAINING COURSE
That's electric, gas and steam training. And the next date is March 1-6. ...[full story]