British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has extended his restaurant footprint to a dozen countries. After opening 63 restaurants in 11 countries, including England, Ireland, Hong Kong, Australia, Russia, Singapore, and Dubai, Oliver has taken his two Italian concepts to India. This fall, Delhi will see the debut of the high-end Jamie’s Italian, which has 30…

The expansion pot bubbles over for a top fondue chain. The Melting Pot Restaurants, which just opened its third restaurant in Mexico City, is now looking to expand across Mexico with at least five additional locations there. The Tampa, Florida, chain is targeting cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puebla, Monterrey, Cancun and Los Cabos…

Smashburger, the fast-growing fast-casual American chain, announced last week that it 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,…

In a deal that would make it the second largest QSR chain in France, Burger King France’s majority shareholder Groupe Bertrand has started exclusive negotiations to buy Belgian burger chain Quick. No financial terms were given for the deal announced last month by Groupe Bertrand and Qualium Investissement, which owns 94% of Quick. Burger King…

Four major companies in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry announced noteworthy mergers and acquisitions in the past month: ·Ali Group, parent company of 76 global foodservice equipment brands, announced September 17 that it has closed on its agreement to acquire InterMetro Industries and its subsidiaries, including Metro, from Emerson. InterMetro has been manufacturing storage,…

Innovative, cutting-edge equipment introduced to the global marketplace in the past 24 months can garner more than customer raves and strong sales: It can get recognition from the U.S.-based National Restaurant Association’s 2016 Kitchen Innovations Awards program. The 12th annual KI Awards, accepting applications through December 4, recognize and celebrate meaningful advancements in foodservice equipment and technology.…

In the run up to this week’s HOST trade fair in Milan, Winterhalter secured one of 63 Smart Label awards given to highly innovative products. The company’s PT ClimatePlus– the first rack pass-through warewasher with an integrated heat pump—was lauded by judges impressed that the unit does not heat up the kitchen but instead cools…

Whether the operation is grilling, stir-frying, or deep-frying in front of guests,

Constant rotation makes for perfect grilling and sensory-enhanced marketing appeal. Ubert’s new automatic self-cleaning rotisserie goes a step further, cooking up to 40 birds an hour with three heating methods: infra-red for browning; convection for fast, even cooking; and steam for juicy tenderness. Beyond the easy access afforded by the pass-through doors, the RT608 has…

By the time you read this, you are likely en route to Italy to join thousands of buyers, specifiers and operators at HOST 2015 in Milan. The 39th edition of the biennial show, Oct. 23-27 at Fiera Milano Exhibition Centre offers a host of catering and foodservice equipment and supplies exhibits, events and presentations. HOST 2015 includes…