Casual-dining brand Pancake House is expanding to the United Arab Emirates as part of the global expansion plan of its parent, Max’s Group Inc. The deal was signed with Abu Dhabi-based Lulu Group to build at least eight of the concept’s units in the UAE in the next five years. The Pancake House, like parent…

Leon Restaurants, the London-based “healthy” quick-service chain, plans to launch in Holland this year. The move onto the continent comes soon after Leon ramped up its domestic expansion. The concept, which serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as roasted vegetable salads and sweet potato falafels, opened its first outlet in 2004 on London’s Carnaby Street and turned…

Azzurri, which owns 250-plus Ask Italian, Zizzi and Coco di Mama restaurants, says it has invested a record amount in opening and refurbishing restaurants over the past year. The company spent a record £18.6 milllion (US$26.8 million) to open seven restaurants—four under the Ask brand, and three as Zizzi—and carry out 35 refurbishments. Now the…

Gill Ashton Publishing, LLC, parent of Foodservice Equipment Reports and its foodservice equipment- and supplies-oriented media, including Worldwide Report, has been acquired by Wolters-Althoff Investments, LLC. GAP was founded in 1996 when it began publishing FER magazine. WAI, based in Chicago, is the private equity and venture capital arm of the Wolters Family Office headed…

Itsu, the London-based sushi shop concept launched by Pret a Manger co-founder Julian Metcalfe in 1997, is looking to expand internationally over the next three years. It recently received the funding from HSBC of £40 million ($US61 million) to do so. “Itsu is a dynamic fast-food retailer with high growth prospects, a respected brand and…

Some of the world’s major foodservice and catering equipment manufacturers’ associations sat down in November to discuss issues and seek international solutions to challenges that face the global foodservice industry, ranging from the need to meet climate change commitments to the growing regulatory burdens on equipment manufacturers and suppliers. The inaugural Global Foodservice Equipment Summit,…

The first-ever mandatory EU energy labelling for commercial refrigerators and freezers are coming into effect this July. Ahead of that curve is Electrolux Professional, which has introduced a new generation of ecostore refrigeration already compatible with the requirements of top classes: ecostoreHP. The new line is in class A, denoting the most efficient energy-saving products.…

Rotisol is keeping the spin going with a new range of ergonomically designed rotisseries. Its Grand Flame series boasts innovative features increasing both functionality and appearance. Yesterday’s plastic switches and gas knobs have been replaced by modern and durable brass fittings; cabinet edges have been rounded and patented low-level stainless burners incorporated for superior flame-cooking…

It’s an undercounter refrigerator and a chef’s stand and a worktop. It’s Hoshizaki America’s Commercial Series CRES98 Refrigerated Equipment Stand. The 2514mm (98”) -wide two-section chef stand’s exterior and worktop are constructed of high quality stainless. The easy-to-clean worktop boasts 680kg (1500 lb.) equipment capacity with a built-in high-temp heat shield. The CRES98 features a…

It’s hard to disagree that HOST Milano is, as the show organizers claim, “the leading worldwide exhibition for the professional hospitality industry,” or at least for the equipment and supplies aspect of it. The show, held at Fiera Milano Oct. 23-28, attracted 150,968 visitors with 60,383—40% of them—from outside Italy. Both were records. Overall attendance…