It’s that time of year. Tomorrow (March 1) will be the beginning of meteorological spring: time to consider cleaning your windows, time to pay your taxes, time to fill out the here. Drop me a note if you have any questions at the e-mail below. Or call me at 800/986-9616. Cheers, Robin Ashton Publisher rashton@fermag.com

Equipment and supplies sales continued to grow at a healthy rate in the fourth quarter of 2011 according to the quarterly Business Barometer maintained by the Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry. The first quarter forecast and other data from the reps surveyed suggest the E&S market recovery will continue. The overall index, a…

In spite of a recent flurry of good economic news about jobs, housing and international trade, an unusual jump in winter gasoline prices has both consumers and restaurant operators wondering if this year will be a repeat of last spring. Last year, prices leapt almost 80 cents a gallon between early February and late April…

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…