Orders for soft-serve machines and freezers should be going up soon, at least if Dairy Queen is your customer. International Dairy Queen plans to increase its presence in China by more than 60% by the end of 2011. The Edina,... »

Halton, the Finland-based company specializing in air-flow management, fire safety and kitchen ventilation, has stepped up its presence in the energy-management business by acquiring Current Energy. The Dallas-based company... »

Brazil, host of the 2016 Summer Olympics, is going to be eating more Whoppers. Burger King Corp. has signed the largest multi-unit development agreement in its six-year history in Brazil with one of its newest franchisees, the... »

Never let it be said that Focus Brands doesn’t have wide-ranging taste in foodservice companies. In a deal expected to close later this fall, Focus has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Auntie Anne’s, adding soft pretzels... »

Tom Dirkx has joined Robot Coupe USA as the company’s new international regional manager. Dirkx, who has more than 20 years experience in the foodservice industry, will cover Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. Robot Coupe, based... »

The Windy City has become the first U.S. market outside of New York and Washington, D.C. to welcome a Pret A Manger restaurant. The London-based quick-service chain opened a store in the downtown Loop two weeks ago, and has plans... »

While most major global foodservice markets continued to experience negative traffic trends, increased spending per visit had some markets returning to positive sales growth, according to second-quarter data from NPD Group. In... »

Jobs growth remained sluggish in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Oct. 8. Total nonfarm payroll employment fell by 95,000, as government employment dropped by 159,000. The private sector added 64,000 jobs. The... »

Strongly higher food prices at both the wholesale and consumer levels helped push both the Consumer Price and Producer Price Indexes higher in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported last week. After declines four of... »

After several months of declining forecasts, the economic outlook for the U.S. mostly stabilized in this month’s consensus forecasts from Blue Chip Economic Indicators. The more than 50 major economic forecasting groups the... »

Foodservice Equipment Reports E&S Market Forecast package is available for purchase for $449. Purchasers will receive the entire seven-section forecast, including detailed data and analysis of economic and operator trends,... »

It’s been years of diner beware for food truck fans left questioning the literal meaning of roach coach. Now, it looks as though health-department letter grades are coming to food trucks in Los Angeles County. Last week, the... »

Now here’s a case study on just how crucial spec’ing and placement of the right ventilation system is to a foodservice operation. In August, we told you about the court battle between a popular Washington, D.C. burger joint and a... »

Quick update on McDonald’s and healthcare: The burger giant and 29 other companies that provide very limited health insurance benefits to nearly one million workers have been granted 1-year waivers by the federal government from... »

The clock is ticking, mid-term elections are nearing, and it doesn’t look likely that the federal food safety bill that’s been gathering dust in the Senate is going to go anywhere soon. Despite broad bipartisan support, S.510... »

Foodservice Equipment Reports has announced the winners of its annual Industry Service Awards. The annual awards, presented since 2005, honor those who have made substantial, sustained contributions not just to their own firms... »

It was a busy few days in San Antonio for members of the Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry. The group held its 45th annual conference there late last month, where 300-plus attendees saw Michael... »

The Edlund Co., a leading maker of commercial foodservice equipment and smallwares, has been acquired by Ali Group, joining the Italian company’s large stable of foodservice equipment manufacturers. The acquisition was publicly... »

In a deal that combines two powerhouse dealer bid houses, Duray/J.F. Duncan Industries has purchased Baring Industries, a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., subsidiary of Electrolux Professional. Duray is headquartered in Downey, Calif. Duray... »

Dipo Induction, a South Korean maker of induction cooking and warming equipment, has established North American operations in Troy, Ohio. Dipo Induction USA Ltd. is headed by 35-year Hobart veteran Kurt Wacker, CFSP. “Dipo... »

The names stamped on the plates are still the same, but Homer Laughlin China Co. and Hall China Co. have joined forces and are operating under common ownership. Since late spring, the two china manufacturers have operated as... »

One of the biggest casual-dining chains is entering the fast-casual segment. Ruby Tuesday has inked a deal to open and operate up to 200 fast-casual Mexican restaurants. Ruby Tuesday signed a licensing agreement in mid-September... »

Red Mango, the South Korean-owned frozen yogurt and fruit smoothie chain, continues to expand south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Over the summer, the chain announced franchise agreements that would bring five units to Georgia and... »

The Food Safety Modernization Act and Child Nutrition Act are both languishing in Washington, victims of intraparty fighting and the looming mid-term elections. But a few things are getting done on the state level. Last... »

McDonald’s is refuting a story in the Sept. 30 Wall Street Journal that it will drop health insurance for its employees. In a statement posted on the company’s corporate website, Steve Russell, senior v.p and chief people officer... »