Cini-Little’s Bill Eaton Retires

William Eaton, whose 45-year career at Cini-Little Int’l. spans nearly the history of the foodservice, laundry and waste-management consulting firm, has retired. As a Principal, he will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board.

Eaton was not just a daily presence at Cini-Little, but active in the industry—most recently seen walking the show floor at last week’s NRA Show.

His portfolio at the Germantown, Md.-based firm spanned high-profile assignments, including one that he and company founder, John Cini, designed in the early 1970s: the “Big Kitchen” for the World Trade Center, in collaboration with restaurateur Joseph Baum. The “market concept” helped introduce the idea of open kitchen design. The firm’s involvement with the WTC continued until 9/11, when a meeting on the 74^th floor had been scheduled.

“Bill has been a mentor and friend to me through the years and will be missed by me, our staff and our profession,” stated Dick Eisenbarth, President of Cini-Little.

Eaton is a past president and fellow of FCSI and a trustee and life member of the Cornell University Council; he also has held leadership roles with the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management. He has been active as a judge for the NRA’s Kitchen Innovations Awards since the program’s creation in 2004.