We knew the brutal winter in most parts of the U.S. was hurting restaurant and other foodservice sales. But we had no idea it was this bad. New research from Technomic Inc., the Chicago-based research firm, indicates just how bad it’s been.Technomic research in February found 40% of restaurant operators in every region of the…
The MKN FlexiChef was awarded the Manufacturer of the Year 2013 honors at the FCSI EAME (Europe, Africa, Middle East) meeting in Warsaw in October. The multifaceted cooking unit, equipped with the first automatic cleaning system for horizontal cooking technology, was honored by the consultants for its distinguished design, and optimizing factors related to energy,…
Mike Whiteley, the new president of the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers, has goals and a vision. The Hatco executive was installed as president in New Orleans on Feb. 8 during the group’s Annual Meeting & Management Workshop. He takes over from Tom Campion of Franke, who, among other achievements, was the first…
Two events last month reminded me of how advancements in energy and water efficiency as well as programs and technologies that push sustainability in foodservice facilities are accelerating. Early in January, Richard Young, senior engineer and director of education at Pacific Gas & Electric’s Food Service Technology Center, San Ramon, Calif., and I presented our…
Below is a list of stories in the current issue of Foodservice Equipment Reports.
Unified Foodservice Purchasing Co-op, LLC has changed its name to Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions LLC. The Yum! Brands purchasing organization manages more than $5.8 billion in food, packaging, non-food items and equipment from its main headquarters in Louisville, Ky. Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions also will continue support operations from its locations in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.;…
The Middleby Corp., best known for its broad presence in the cooking equipment market, announced Dec. 18 that it has acquired Automatic Bar Controls Inc. 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.…