Despite government shutdowns and tax hikes, operator prospects look brighter in 2014.

As we kick off a new year, we should be focused on the future. But unfortunately, in the past few weeks, we’ve lost three good friends and significant industry participants. We need to honor them. But first, the good news.  Most of the indicators that drive foodservice and the foodservice equipment and supplies business look…

The Middleby Corp., best known for its broad presence in the cooking equipment market, acquired Automatic Bar Controls in December. Also known under its brand name, Wunder-Bar, the Vacaville, Calif., company manufactures beverage dispensing systems for restaurant chains, c-stores and foodservice operations; it has annual revenues of approximately $30 million.    “The beverage business is…