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 to expand in Chicagoland during the next three years. Pret A Manger is a privately…

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 Pres. Johnny Wong told FER Fortnightly that the two contract E&S dealers will operate as separate brands. Key management at Baring, including company…

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 and professional associations, but to the E&S industry as a whole. They are presented to a standout in each segment of the…

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 Turetzky, Chernoff Sales, elected president; Danny Collis, Collis Group, named v.p.; and Mike McGuire, Zink Foodservice Group dba Zink…

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 announced Sept. 30. According to Edlund Pres. Peter Nordell, there will be no visible changes at the company, which will remain based in…

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 equal partners under the leadership of Joe Wells III, who previously served as CEO of Homer Laughlin.…

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 with LFMG International for the development rights to open and operate units of South Florida-based Lime Fresh Mexican Grill. Ruby…

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 three each to Alabama and Louisiana. Now, after the successful debut of its first Florida store last March, Red Mango…

ITW continues to make news. Just days after announcing an organizational restructuring (reported in the last Fortnightly), the multinational conglomerate has acquired Elro Group, a Bremergarten, Switzerland, maker of thermal foodservice equipment. Elro, founded in 1934, manufactures products including combis, steamers, ranges, kettles and pressure cookers. It will operate as a separate business as part…

The appetite for American fast food continues to grow in Asia. In May, Carl’s Jr. debuted as the first Western fast-food hamburger chain in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Last month, CKE Restaurants opened a Carl’s Jr. unit in Jakarta, Indonesia, the first of at least 25 stores planned for that country over the next…