Sales at the top 200 restaurant chains in Canada grew 3% in nominal terms last year, according to a new report by Technomic Inc. and Kostuch Media. While an improvement over ’09, the performance “does reflect an industry still operating in a difficult economic environment,” the release announcing the new research said. Net unit growth…

Both the Producer Price Index and the Consumer Price Index fell in June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as recent drops in energy prices pushed down the measures of inflation. But after falling last month at the producer level, wholesale food prices rose again. While the overall PPI fell 0.4% in June, the…

LoneStar Restaurant Supply announced July 1 that it has acquired CPAPC Restaurant Design and Supply; both are based in Dallas. The combined company will now operate from seven locations in Texas and South Carolina, and continue offering consulting, design, project management and installation in addition to E&S sales. There will be few changes made at…

There’s still time to register for Foodservice Equipment Reports’ E&S Market Forecast President’s Preview meeting, scheduled Wednesday, July 27, at the Hotel Orrington in Evanston, Ill. FER’s annual, one-day meeting offers dealers, manufacturers, operators and others in the industry an early look at the foodservice equipment and supplies industry next year and beyond, in time…

Virginia "Ginny" Heil, 54, who worked in the E&S industry for nearly 40 years, died June 24. She joined Moccia Enterprises in Riverton, N.J., in 1973, and became a partner in the manufacturers’ rep firm in 1993. The company said she was the “behind the scenes” strength and guidance that kept it all together over…

Summertime is no vacation from paperwork, especially some very important forms due soon to the Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association. Members need to fill out and submit their 2011 Profit Survey by Aug.1. The report, free to FEDA members, provides a financial and operating profile of the entire E&S industry, complete with financial benchmarking information and…

Two appointments have been announced by Manitowoc Foodservice. Robert Wonder has joined the New Port Richey, Fla., company as senior v.p.-global accounts. He will be responsible for directing and executing all aspects of sales strategies for targeted global accounts. Wonder has more than 35 years of experience in the foodservice industry, most recently with IMI…

As economic recoveries go, this one doesn’t seem overly anxious to kick in. But the economy is growing, and some parts are doing notably better than are others. Foodservice, for example, is doing better, and equipment and supplies appear to be doing better too. Over the past few months, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance…

Three chains toasted the work of three equipment manufacturers at June suppliers’ awards events. Henny Penny Corp., along with two of Unified Brands’ four divisions–Avtec and Randell–were honored with Yum! Brands Star Awards. Henny Penny received KFC’s 2010 U.S. Supplier of the Year, which honored the company for its development of the AHC-993 Holding Cabinet…

Garland, a Manitowoc Foodservice company, has appointed Bill Smithers as its director of customer service. Smithers will oversee global customer and aftermarket service for the Mississauga, Ontario, company. He brings 20-plus years of multinational business experience to the post. For the past five years, he has worked on several key account projects for Garland. Smithers…