Pricing trends for materials and equipment and supplies are key components of Foodservice Equipment Reports‘ annual President’s Preview E&S Market Forecast. This year’s meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, July 28 at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill., will feature Lisa Reisman, managing director and CEO of Azul Partners, executive editor of the MetalMiner and the monthly…
Yes, the first quarter of 2015 turned out much worse than anyone expected, thanks to the strike that affected West Coast ports, another harsh winter and problems with federal Bureau of Economic Analysis seasonal adjustments. But the 50 leading economic forecasters polled monthly by Blue Chip Economic Indicators see a strong “snap-back” with stronger growth…
Low-wage restaurant jobs may be a current focus of the drive to raise the minimum wage in the U.S., but the summer vacation season has long been a source of seasonal employment for millions. Case in point: the National Restaurant Association forecasts that 522,000 seasonal jobs will be created for the summer season this year.…
The six months through April brought operators a welcome respite from rising food costs, but the California drought and avian bird flu finally caught up with the supply chain. Wholesale food prices dropped 5.4% from November 2014 to April, but jumped 1.4% in May according Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price data and the National…
GARLAND/MANITOWOC GAS XPRESS GRILLGarland’s Master Series Gas Xpress Grill is a 2-sided cooking device with a gas-fired grill and 2 independently controlled 11 1/2-in.W electric top heaters. Each 12 in. of the grill has 33,000 Btu/hr. of heat input via natural or propane gas as well as a built-in pressure regulator, gas shut-off valve and…
Stating that the stores were not sustainable for its long-term growth, Starbucks Corp. plans to close all 23 La Boulange bakery-café units by the end of September. The brand’s food will still be served at Starbucks coffeehouse locations. In addition to the stores, mostly located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Starbucks says it will…
Saladworks has been acquired out of bankruptcy by Centre Lane Partners, a New York-based private-equity firm. It was announced June 15 that Centre Lane will pay $16.9 million for the 108-unit fast-casual chain, including $15 million in cash and $1.2 million for a “brand development fund.” Saladworks President Paul Steck, who has been with the…
The American Culinary Federation has elected new national officers. They will begin serving their two-year terms in August. President: Thomas Macrina, Product Specialist Manager- US Foods, Philadelphia Secretary: Kyle Richardson, Culinary Arts Professor-Joliet Junior College, Joliet, Ill. Treasurer: William Tillinghast, Director of Culinary/Pastry Programs-The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Philadelphia. V.P.-Central Region:…
The Association for Healthcare Foodservice honored operator members with awards on June 5 during its 2015 Annual Conference in Salt Lake City. The Louisville, Ky., association presented Beth Yesford, Senior Director-Support Services & Facility Management, Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C., with its highest award, the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. Yesford, who has been in the…
James H. Little, one of the founders of Cini-Little International, died June 13 after a brief battle with leukemia. He is survived by his wife, four daughters and their families. “Jim was a visionary consultant to the industry, a generous mentor to our colleagues, and an outstanding partner, gentleman and friend,” said John Cini, who…