Heritage Food Service Group has acquired Toronto-based R.G. Henderson & Sons Ltd., one of Canada’s largest foodservice equipment repair and OEM parts distributors. Heritage, based in Fort Wayne, Ind., is the foodservice equipment industry’s largest independent distributor of OEM service and replacement parts in North America. Henderson, founded in 1986, is the biggest firm of…

Ignite Restaurant Group, which operates 129 Joe’s Crab Shack and 15 Brick House Tavern+Tap restaurants, is adding Romano’s Macaroni Grill to its casual-dining stable. Ignite is purchasing the 210-unit chain from Golden Gate Capital; the $55 million acquisition includes Brinker International’s minority share in Romano’s. The casual-dining Italian food chain was founded in 1988 and…

The world’s largest restaurant brand will be more aggressive this year in its pursuit of sales and customers. The pledge from McDonald’s Corp. CEO Don Thompson comes as the company announced global same-store sales were up 3.1% in 2012. Sales numbers slipped a bit in the fourth quarter, but the chain is investing big in…

Burger King Worldwide just reported a strong finish to 2012 and progress on key strategic initiatives. The Miami-based chain’s fourth-quarter results include full-year data, and revealed that in 2012, BKW grew comparable sales 3.2% and added 485 net new restaurants, for nearly 4% unit growth. Additionally, it refranchised 871 restaurants, bringing it to a 97%…

Steve Spittle, CFSP, has been named v.p.-sales and marketing at Pitco Frialator, home to the Pitco, MagiKitch’n, Anets and Perfect Fry brands. Spittle most recently served as regional v.p. of sales with Pitco and Blodgett Ovens. Prior to joining Pitco three years ago, he was v.p. of Ohio-based Restaurant Outfitters. Spittle will report directly to…

Follett Corp. has appointed Pasquale Striano as regional sales manager for the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa. He’ll be responsible for implementing foodservice sales programs and plans for those regions, including India and Africa. Striano, based in Milan, Italy, has more 10 years of experience in international sales of ice equipment. Follett, based in…

Reitano Design Group is the new and more memorable moniker for Foodservice Solution Group. The foodservice design and consulting firm is helmed by Scott Reitano, along with Jim Kessenich and Julie Sullivan. The address and phone number remain unchanged at 748 E. Bates St., Ste. 200, Indianapolis, Ind., 46202. The firm’s renaming process can be…

It’s a new look, logo-wise, for Electro Freeze. In what it calls the most dramatic change to its visual identity since 1969, the East Moline, Ill., soft-serve maker has debuted a new logo and website. The new logo incorporates the cone image that had been displayed on the company’s machines in the 1930s and ’40s.…

The world of correctional foodservice is never dull. The Association of Correctional Food Service Affiliates has a lot on its plate these days. In addition to planning for its upcoming annual convention in August, there are only 10 days left for ACFSA members to submit applications for scholarships and nominations for awards. Forms need to…

Advancements in energy efficiency and sustainability, online tools for tracking and monitoring and intelligent controls stand out among the foodservice equipment honored with 2013 Kitchen Innovations Awards from the National Restaurant Association. The KI Awards recognize and celebrate cutting-edge equipment and supplies that specifically improve the back of the house and benefit operators. An independent…