Iced tea chain HTeaO hired coffee veteran Heath Nielsen to serve as its president.
Wood Stone Corporation, Marra Forni and Cal-Mil update their sales teams and Frontline International announces its new director of manufacturing.
Keith Kidwell will assume the role of executive director for the International Foodservice Equipment Distributors, effective January 2024. Kidwell will replace Mike McNeel, who will retire after 11 years leading the foodservice equipment buying group.
Frontline International tapped Max Palazzo to serve as director of manufacturing for the maker of cooking oil management solutions for commercial kitchens.
John Metz, the founder of Metz Culinary Management, passed away on May 8, 2023. He was 83 years old.
Cal-Mil will promote Jason Wange to executive director of sales and Noel Flather to director of strategic accounts. Both promotions take effect on June 1, 2023.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill named Angelo Freites vice president of operations for the fast-casual chain.
In a deal valued at $715 million, multiconcept operator Darden Restaurants plans to acquire Ruth's Hospitality Group, parent company for Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
Marra Forni hired Robert Bratton to serve as its regional sales manager for the Northeastern U.S. and Eastern Canada.
Kevin Vigeant of Lakeside Foodservice passed away on April 27, 2023. He spent 12 years with the Wisconsin-based foodservice equipment manufacturer, most recently serving as executive vice president.
Casual dining chain Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe hired Philip Parsons to serve as CEO. Parsons replaces Jeff Powell as Razzoo’s CEO. Powel, who co-founded the chain, will now serve as chairman of the board for Razzoo’s.
The Society for Hospitality & Foodservice Management recognized the accomplishments of five of its members with the organization’s Directors Awards and Rising Young Professional Awards.
Denny’s appointed restaurant industry veteran Alex Williams to serve as its sr. vice president, chief operating officer (COO).
Carpigiani, Crown Verity and Rational add to their rep networks, while Nexstep Commercial Products names its rep of the year. Also, PB&J bolsters its team.
High school teams from Plymouth Canton Educational Park in Canton, Mich., and Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, Conn., were the winners of the Culinary Competition and the Management Competition at the 2023 National ProStart Invitational.
Capping a career that will span four decades with the company, Steve Maggard will retire from his role as president of Henny Penny in May 2024. Henny Penny expects to announce Maggard’s successor this spring, per a company release.
Wood Stone Corporation appointed Todd Breiner to serve as vice president of global sales for the Bellingham, Wash.-based commercial cooking equipment manufacturer.
Multiconcept operator FAT Brands named Ken Kuick and Rob Rosen co-CEOs, effective May 5, 2023. As previously announced, Andy Wiederhorn will step down as CEO and continue in his role as chairman of the board.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Denny’s and Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe update their leadership teams. While multiconcept operator Darden Restaurants plans to acquire Ruth's Hospitality Group, parent company for Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
RATIONAL USA promoted Billy Buck to vice president of culinary for the company’s U.S. operations.