Scotsman Industries is joining The Ali Group, the Italian-based foodservice equipment conglomerate. Ali will acquire Scotsman and all of its brands, including Ice-O-Matic, in a deal announced Nov. 6. The companies did not disclose terms of the transaction, but The Wall Street Journal reported it as a $575 million deal.The Vernon Hills, Ill., company has…

As we all now know, Sandy wasn’t just a storm or even a hurricane; it was a “superstorm.” Calling around to our friends to see how everyone fared, it’s clear the storm and its aftermath created severe challenges for those who equip and supply foodservice operators in the Northeast. Several major dealers in New York,…

The vibrant East Coast foodservice industry took a terrible hit last week with Hurricane Sandy. Operators, dealers, service agents and manufacturers are pulling together and responding energetically to the devastation. Dealers, including M. Tucker and Total Food Service, have created a comprehensive Hurricane Foodservice Relief website, which includes vital information, such as city health department…

Veteran’s Day is Monday, Nov. 12. We received a note from SC Equipment Funding noting that it will close its offices in Placentia, Calif., that day in observance of it. The editors here at FER thought we’d pass it along. SC Director Bruce Braviroff wrote: “We at SC Equipment Funding want to honor and show…

Jim Webb, the founder of Webb Design, died Oct. 24 from cancer. He was 58. Webb started the Tustin, Calif., firm in 1989 and became known as a top designer across the foodservice spectrum. His projects included schools, colleges, healthcare, B&I, hotels, resorts and restaurants. Managing Principal Gina Brinegar, who will take over management of…

TableCraft Products Co. has acquired Professional Bakeware Co., a maker of cast aluminum and coated buffetware. All of Professional’s products are now available under TableCraft’s protective product line. Its cast aluminum products will be wrapped into TableCraft’s SaferFood Solutions line. “Because of their durability and superior heat retention abilities, Professional Bakeware’s aluminum-based products are perfect…

Learn how Edzo’s Burger Shop, a 50-seat restaurant north of Chicago, dished out burgers and fries to thousands of rock music fans at Lollapalooza.

Failure was not an option when the Metropolitan Toronto Convention Centre decided to renovate its main dishroom in only six months.

Check out the latest in air shields, griddles, mixers and more!

No matter the weather, it’s showtime. Organizers of the Nov. 10-12 International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show are forging ahead as the New York/New Jersey area continues to recover from Hurricane Sandy, and there is lot to look forward to for attendees. FER reader can receive free registration through the show’s website by entering FER2012 in…