Legislation that would inhibit foodservice equipment dealers and others from practicing, or in some cases bidding on, interior design work continues to land in state legislatures. Much of the momentum is due to a 30-year legislative lobbying effort by the American Society of Interior Designers to require all interior designers be licensed for the “public’s…
A first of its kind state law took effect last October in Massachusetts. It requires restaurants to post notices on their menus, asking customers to tell their server if anyone in their party has a food allergy. The law also requires hanging a poster in staff areas detailing food allergy information. Phase two of the…
Here’s a new one: Legislation to ban legislation. Last year’s San Francisco ban on toys in Happy Meals (and other children-directed fare) has prompted politicians in at least two states to propose legislation prohibiting cities and counties in their states from doing likewise and banning toys with meals. The Arizona House of Representatives recently passed…
Canada’s provincial governments are making running a business a bit more difficult for operators. In Vancouver, B.C., the general minimum wage has been boosted 28% over the next 14 months. The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservice Association says the three scheduled wage increases will cost the restaurant industry an estimated $295 million in additional payroll costs.…
The hits keep coming. The 2011 Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association Show in Toronto March 6-8 has been declared a “resounding success” by its sponsors. The CRFA reports that the show’s 13,000 visitors visited 1,200 exhibit booths and attended 31 educational and 38 chef demos. Beyond the numbers, there were awards. Four exhibitors—Ecolab, Garland/Manitowoc, Libbey Foodservice…
The shipping origin label might look a bit different if you’re a dealer for Electrolux Professional in the southeastern United States or an operator on the receiving end of a shipment. The company’s new regional distribution center in Fairburn, Ga., will be operational next month. The manufacturer says the location optimizes service for customers in…
One of the country’s largest Taco Bell franchisees has been acquired. K-Mac Holdings Corp. has been purchased by the Los Angeles-based equity investment firm Brentwood Associates. K-Mac, located in Fort Smith, Ark., operates 190 restaurants in six states, including 166 Taco Bell, 19 KFC and five Golden Corral restaurants. Its stores are located in Arkansas,…
Busy times in the Middle East, and busy times at Beautiful Brands Int’l. Just months after the Tulsa, Okla., company announced plans for 100 Dixie Cream Donut Co. units in the region—including stores in Iraq—BBI says it will open at least 40 stores in Saudi Arabia. The agreement with Khalid Al-Sudairy to franchise and open…
Henny Penny Corp. is reporting a couple of honors. In January, the Eaton, Ohio-based manufacturer was awarded McDonald’s 2010 Worldwide Equipment Partnership of the Year Award at the chain’s Equipment Supplier Summit. Henny Penny attributes the award to its LVE Series 200 fryer, designed specifically for the chain’s high-volume production. In 2008, the manufacturer won…
It looks like spring is coming, both literally and figuratively. Industry indicators have been improving for a while now. The MAFSI Business Barometer was up in the fourth quarter last year. The NAFEM Show was upbeat, with booth space sold out and an 8% jump in attendee traffic. So, what’s that mean to you? As…