The Chicago-based foodservice research firm Technomic Inc. reported that fast-casual chains grew year-on-year sales nearly 8% in the third quarter, well outpacing an overall chain same-store sales increase of 2%. The overall numbers are weighted for chain size and include McDonald’s, which significantly pulls down the averages, because of recent declines in its same-store sales.…

Papa John’s has its eye on India. The Louisville, Ky., chain, which plans to expand its presence in that country, specifically in Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad, has acquired at least 40 Pizza Corner stores in South India and will convert them to Papa John’s stores. Pizza Corner, part of the Global Franchise Architects brands, is…

Brett Beaty has been appointed executive v.p. of Nieco Corp. He will be responsible for managing the marketing, sales and services functions for the Windsor, Calif., company. “Brett has over 20 years of valuable sales and marketing experience in the industry that will be a tremendous asset to the Nieco team,” said Nieco President Korey…

Reitano Design Group has celebrated its 10th anniversary. The firm, previously known as Foodservice Solution Group, makes its headquarters in Indianapolis. It’s headed by Scott Reitano. Restaurateur and Chef Donna Dooher is the new interim president and CEO of Restaurants Canada, the largest business association in the country for foodservice owners and operators. She is…

Among recent organizational changes made at Eaton, Ohio-based Henny Penny were three key promotions. Rick Cartwright has been elevated to director-product development and innovation; he previously served as director-controls engineering. Cartwright will lead Henny Penny’s initiative to build a new product development and innovation engine. Specifically, he will oversee electronic engineering, project management, product development…

Nancy Lane has joined the Sandstone Group Food Service Division as senior designer-visual merchandising and product concepts. She previously worked on the distribution side of the E&S business as an education-development account manager and focused on remodeling college and university dining facilities. Lane has served on the board of the National Association of College &…

Eight venerated members of foodservice industry were honored with awards from the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management during the association’s national conference Nov. 4-6 in Uncasville, Conn. SHFM President Sabrina Capannola presented the Bob Pacifico Above & Beyond Award to Eric Von Kaenel, Avtec product specialist at Unified Brands, and recognized her colleague, World…

Ing. José Luis Nicho, CFSP, has been named by Ali Group North America as v.p.-sales for Latin America. In his new role, Nicho will be responsible for developing and cultivating relationships within Latin America on behalf of Ali Group North America and its operating companies within North America. He brings 24 years’ experience in the…

Alto-Shaam has announced a few changes to its sales and marketing team. Todd Griffith, who has spent the last 18 months leading the functional development and integration of Alto-Shaam’s marketing support resources group, has moved to the office of v.p.-sales. He will lead the culinary resources team, as well as continue to be integral to…

Technomic is continuing its “Technomic Talks” webinar series, launched last year in cooperation with the Int’l. Foodservice Distributors Association. Each 20-minute webinar covers a major trend of interest to foodservice industry professionals. All sessions begin at 10 a.m. CT. October’s topics were “Reaching Consumers on a New Level” and “How 2014 is Reshaping Chains.” Upcoming…