Globe Food Equipment Co. has acquired Commercial Pro International’s line of countertop cooking equipment. The line acquired by Globe includes an electric soup kettle; conveyor toaster; rice cooker; food warming lamp; electric fryers and griddles; sandwich, panini and roller grills; and an induction range. CPI is headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn. The CPI products are available…

Potbelly Sandwich Shop has taken its first steps into franchising. In a freshly inked deal, the Chicago-based restaurant chain will celebrate the opening of the first franchised Potbelly before the end of the year in El Paso, Texas. The shop will join more than 30 other Potbelly locations in the Lone Star state. The closely…

“Compliments to the chef” is a thought more often shared with those gathered around the dinner table than passed onto chefs and operators. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation wants restaurateurs and chefs to get the recognition they deserve, and honors outstanding leaders in the hospitality, restaurant and foodservice industry each year through several awards.…

Southern Stainless Equipment Co., a manufacturer of walk-in freezers and stainless steel kitchen equipment, has completed its purchase of former competitor W.A. Brown & Son in Salisbury, N.C. The Waynesboro, Va., manufacturer bought half of the company earlier this year and acquired the rest about a week ago. Southern Stainless Pres. Larry Rouse told The…

To Russia with love: Wendy’s/Arby’s Int’l., a subsidiary of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, has announced the signing of a major agreement with Wenrus Restaurant Group Ltd. to build 180 dual-branded Wendy’s/Arby’s restaurants in Russia over the next 10 years. Headquartered in Moscow, WRG is affiliated with Food Service Capital, which currently operates 28 restaurants, including Goodman Steak…

Unified Brands has acquired the assets of Intek Manufacturing, a privately held Fort Wayne, Ind., maker of boilerless steamer ovens. Intek joins A la Cart, Avtec, Groen and Randell in the Unified Brands’ portfolio. The deal was announced Aug. 17; financial terms were not disclosed. “We are excited to conclude the acquisition of the assets…

In what it calls an “experimental” move, Chick-fil-A is heading for the big city. As previously reported in Fortnightly, three Chicagoland locations are already under construction. Now the suburban Atlanta chain, which has thrived in mall locations, plans to expand its urban presence in at least two more cities. Executives at the privately held company…

Quiznos is planning to bring its sandwiches to 15 new markets in the next two years, boosting its total international presence to 40 countries and territories. The Denver-based chain, which now has nearly 4,000 restaurants in 25 countries and territories, is focusing on opening new ones in Europe, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and…

A self-service prototype is expected to give a fresh feel to 30-year-old frozen yogurt chain TCBY. The proto, which debuted in July in Salt Lake City, lets guests serve their own yogurt and toppings. The new store design offers more of a loungelike ambience for customers, with bold colors and modern furnishings. Future stores will…

The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers and The Culinary Institute of America have announced that Brad Barnes, the CIA’s associate dean for food production, is the first recipient of the NAFEM Professorship in Culinary Arts. The new post is dedicated to specialized research in foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturing, curriculum development and industry…