Yum! Brands has decided its future in China should be a stand-alone business.Although the China division expects 700 new restaurant openings this year, sales there are slowing, and the Louisville, Ky., company made the strategic decision to spin off its China business into a separate, publicly traded company. The new company, to be known as…

Smashburger, the fast-growing fast-casual chain, has entered into a definitive agreement to sell 40% of the company to Jollibee Foods, Asia’s largest restaurant company. The purchase price values the “better burger” chain at a US$335 million enterprise value. Launched in 2007, Smashburger has more than 335 units in 35 states, and in Bahrain, Canada, Costa Rica,…

Manitowoc Foodservice has named Philip Dei Dolori to the role of Senior V.P. and Managing Director-EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Dei Dolori is now responsible for all sales, operations and profit/loss functions in the region, where he’ll focus on driving growth, developing new products and establishing strong customer relationships. He reports directly to Chief…

Lancer Corp. and Blendtec have reached a strategic agreement to combine their global manufacturing, marketing and service capabilities. Lancer manufactures and markets beverage dispensing systems. Orem, Utah-based Blendtec makes commercial blenders and dispensers for the foodservice industry as well as commercial-grade blenders and appliances for home use. Under the terms of the agreement—called Blendtec Commercial…

TrustHouse Services Group, one of the largest contract foodservice companies in North America, has acquired Cura Hospitality, a Pennsylvania?based provider of dining services to the senior-living and healthcare markets. Cura serves more than 20,000 residents, patients and guests each day in the Mid-Atlantic region. TrustHouse, acquired in 2013 by French contract catering firm Elior, handles…

Mike Eckelberg has been promoted to Director of Nor-Lake Inc.’s Foodservice Sales. A 19-year veteran of the Hudson, Wis., company, he most recently served there as eastern region field sales manager. Eckelberg will lead internal foodservice sales efforts and guide manufacturers’ reps to identify and develop sales opportunities, support accurate and efficient order fulfillment and…

In spite of concerns about a slowdown in the global economy, the mood of exhibitors and attendees at Milan, Italy’s HOST was positive. The biennial event, which ran from Oct. 23-27, featured 2,004 exhibitors from 47 countries, primarily manufacturers and other suppliers of foodservice and coffee equipment, tableware and smallwares. A record number of visitors,…