Foodservice management companies and self-operated institutions in noncommercial segments will grow slightly faster than eating and drinking places in 2012, the National Restaurant Association predicts in its annual industry forecast. It’s a realistic acknowledgement that many restaurant operators continue to deal with flat traffic and stagnant same-store sales growth, as the effects of the Great…

An analysis of the National Restaurant Association’s forecasts for state and regional growth reveals some surprising shifts. Before the recession, foodservice growth in Sunbelt states, including the West, typically outpaced that of other parts of the United States. For 2012, Texas and Florida remain among the top five states with the fastest growing foodservice sales,…

Nine industry professionals have been selected to receive the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association’s 2011 Silver Plate Awards. These annual awards recognize excellence in nine segments of foodservice operations. They honor winners for outstanding industry achievements, commitment to innovation, and contributions to the advancement of their segments and the foodservice industry as a whole. The 2011…

With a fourth year of record sales expected, structural changes and executive promotions have been announced at

Two Chicago-area dealers have merged. Schweppe Kitchen Equipment & Supply, based in Lombard, Ill. “The two companies clearly share the same operating philosophy,” said Schweppe Pres. Jeff Schweppe. “We are very excited to be able to offer our customers an even broader selection of products and expanded delivery capabilities.”  The Schweppe family will continue to…

By the time you read this, you’ll only have only two days left to submit a nomination for NSF Int’l.’s 2012

Standex Food Service Equipment Group. Standex recently won the Outstanding Exclusive Brand Support Award at the U.S. Foods Culinary Equipment & Supplies annual sales and training conference in Savannah, Ga. It was the first time an entire group of brands has received the award. Standex has 11 brands: American Foodservice, APW Wyott, Bakers Pride, Bevles,…