It’s a new look and long-term strategy for St. Louis-based Panera Bread Co. Chain execs convened last week in Charlotte, N.C., a 10-unit test market for the chain’s new bakery-café format, to formally unveil “Panera 2.0,” which includes an emphasis on kiosk and mobile ordering, operational modifications and plans for smaller restaurants. The new format,…

The influence of Panera and Chipotle on the fast-casual market continued last week in Baltimore when Fazoli’s debuted its entry into the competitive market segment. Its new Venti Tre Modern Italian offers an ordering format familiar to patrons of these pioneering chains: Customers choose either a piada, salad or pasta as the base of their…

Americold, the Atlanta-based maker of temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics, has named COO Fred Boehler as its new president. Boehler will hold both titles as he assumes the senior executive leadership role at Americold. Jeffrey Gault, president/CEO, is retiring; he’ll continue to serve on the company’s board of trustees and work with Boehler to ensure a…

Sentinel Capital Partners, the private equity group which purchased Checker’s/Rally’s earlier this year, has closed on its acquisition of Newk’s Holding Co. LLC, the owner and operator of the Newk’s Eatery franchise. Terms of the purchase agreement were not disclosed. The fast-casual chain, founded 10 years ago in Oxford, Miss., offers made-from-scratch sandwiches, soups, salads…

The private-equity owners of El Pollo Loco Holdings are planning an initial public offering of shares in the quick-service chicken chain. Details of the El Pollo Loco offering, including timing, have yet to be announced. The Costa Mesa., Calif., chain, which specializes in flame-grilled chicken and Mexican entrees, operates about 400 company-owned and franchised stores…

Industry veteran Rob Geile has been appointed vice president of consultant services for Ali Group North America. Geile has already assumed the office, where he is responsible for developing and cultivating relationships within the consultant community on behalf of Ali Group North America and its operating companies, namely: Aladdin Temp-Rite, ACP/Amana, Belshaw/Adamatic, Beverage-Air, Burlodge North…

Brian Kearins has joined Star Mfg. as vice president and general manager. Kearins will be working with David Brewer, chief operation officer-Middleby Foodservice Group, on sales and operational initiatives related to the six brands in the Star portfolio. “Brian’s track record, ability to meet goals and get results speaks for itself. His past experience in…

The Association for Healthcare Foodservice has elected members to serve on its 2015 board of directors. They’ll begin their terms on Aug. 1 of this year. President-Elect: Randy Sparrow, system director-food and nutrition services and environmental services, ProHealth Care, Waukesha, Wis. Secretary: Joanne McMillian, director-food and nutrition, Saint Clare’s Health System, Denville, N.J. Treasurer-Elect: Jacqueline…

GMCW has tapped Rick Burr as its new sales director for the Northeast area. From his base in Solebury, Pa., Burr will be responsible for managing the Louisville company’s sales activities in the Northeastern portion of the U.S. David Haimes, who previously managed the region, has retired after 27 years with GMCW. Burr most recently…

Fifteen finalists have been selected for the NRA’s Third Annual Operator Innovations Awards, which recognize and celebrate operational excellence and ingenuity in health and nutrition, marketing, menu development, sustainability and technology.  One will be chosen as Innovator of the Year, and all will be honored during May’s NRA Show. The finalists are:  Health & Nutrition: …