TriMark offers foodservice operators an unparalleled level of service by combining the hands-on support and local market knowledge of a strong regional supplier with the purchasing strength, industry expertise, delivery and installation capabilities of a national company. We work closely with our customers; who include national restaurant chains, independent restaurant operators, healthcare facilities, entertainment venues…

In 1989, challenged with the task of finding a wood-fired stone hearth oven or “brick oven” that could withstand the intense rigors of the restaurant world, Keith Carpenter set out for perfection. Inspired to create a better wood-fired oven, Carpenter pitched some ideas to Harry Hegarty, an experienced builder of large-scale, high-temperature ceramic incinerators. This…

Driven by surging equipment sales, the quarterly Business Barometer maintained by the Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry rose 5.1% in the second quarter compared with the same quarter in 2014. It was the strongest gain since the second quarter 2013 and topped the first quarter’s 4.7% increase. But the results may be the…

Visits to foodservice establishments hit their highest number since 2009-10, according to data from The NPD Group’s CREST research, but overall traffic for the year ended May 2015 still was flat compared with the comparative year prior. Additionally, the number of net restaurants in the U.S. fell 1% for the year ended March 31, compared…

The Vollrath Co., announced August 17 that it has acquired Miguel Pujadas, S.A. The Santa Coloma, Spain-based company, founded in 1921, makes and distributes a wide range of cookware, steam-table pans, buffet and servingware, warewashing racks and light equipment. The acquisition allows Sheboygan, Wis.-based Vollrath to expand its global manufacturing base and diversify its distribution channels…

It isn’t just large equipment that this magazine focuses on or that makes foodservice kitchens run smoothly and look good. Small things matter too, as was made clear when 14 winners emerged last month at FER’s Smallwares & Tabletop Awards. Six judges pored over and admired the uniqueness, efficiency, utility, durability and design of nearly…

David Prudhomme has joined Jackson, Miss.-based Robot Coupe U.S.A. in the new position of Market Solutions Advisor.  Prudhomme, who will be based in Dallas, is focused on expanding opportunities in multi-unit environments throughout the Southeast as well as Oklahoma and Texas; he also has responsibilities in healthcare, school foodservice, culinary schools, and chain segments and…

Broaster Co. has hired Sharon Schwengler as its new National Accounts Manager. Schwengler brings more than 20 years of industry experience to the Beloit, Wis., company, including tenures at Libbey Inc., Nemco Food Equipment, Standex Int’l. and PepsiCo Foodservice. At Broaster, she will focus on multiunit national account development. “We’re very excited we found someone…

Food prices at the wholesale level fell 0.5% in July, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Restaurant Association. The declines come on the heels of strong 1.4% and 1.7% gains in May and June, respectively. The increases in May and June followed six consecutive months of declines beginning in November…

Things are getting busy at Fisher-Nickel (fishnick), operator of Pacific Gas & Electric’s Food Service Technology Center. Fishnick has unveiled a technical advisory committee for its “Demonstration of High-Efficiency Hot Water Systems in Commercial Food Service” project. Fishnick was awarded a “Building Natural Gas Technology” grant last fall to demonstrate and document system efficiency from…