January 9, 2013

Paul Martin’s American Grill Promotes Smith and Expands

Anthony Smith was recently promoted to president – partner of Paul Martin’s American Grill. He joined the restaurant chain as director of restaurant operations in 2011. In his new role, Smith oversees all day-to-day operations and all development for future locations.

Smith Becomes Pie Five’s VP of Operations

Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc. named Chris Smith vice president of operations for its Pie Five concept. In his new role Smith will lead the performance and expansion of Pie Five, an emerging fast-casual concept offering individual pizzas made to order and cooked in less than five minutes.

This Week In Foodservice: December Employment Statistics Remain Consistent and That Is Not Good

Despite strong results in the foodservice industry, overall job growth remains sluggish.

Segment Spotlight: Mexican Foodservice

With consumers’ maintaining healthy appetites for Mexican-inspired cuisine, fast-casual and quick-service operators continue to enhance their menus and expand their network of locations.

Chill with Alto-Shaam Alto-Shaam’s Quickchillers chill food quickly, safely and evenly. Produce food in advance to maximize time without hurting quality. Alto-Shaam CombiOvens and Combimate® heated holding cabinets seamlessly integrate all the equipment necessary for every step of the cook/chill process.

Church’s Chicken Veteran Perry Joins Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. named Patricia Perry its vice president of U.S. franchise development. In this role, Perry will coordinate completion of the company’s domestic franchising plans and lead its domestic franchise recruiting efforts.

Holmes Reunites with Unified Brands

Pam Holmes has returned to Unified Brands as director of marketing. Most recently she held the position of director of marketing for HORNE LLP, an accounting and business advisory firm. Prior to HORNE she was director of strategic marketing and communications with Unified Brands.

UL Acquires Everclean Services

UL has acquired Everclean Services, a North American food safety audit provider. Everclean Services provides an assessment service for restaurants, grocers and retailers, including audits of food safety, supplier qualifications, brand consistency and price integrity.

Wendy’s Franchisee Expands its System by 20 Locations

Meritage Hospitality Group, a Michigan-based restaurant operator and Wendy’s franchisee, has expanded its system by acquiring a total of 19 restaurants and opening 1 other. Meritage purchased two Wendy’s franchised portfolios consisting of nine Wendy’s restaurants in Atlanta and ten Wendy’s restaurants in Richmond, Va. The company also opened a Wendy’s restaurant in Jacksonville, Fla., marking its 111th location in operation.

Remembering John Birchfield

John Birchfield, founder and principal of Birchfield Consulting Systems, passed away on Dec. 29. He was 82 years old.

Baines is the One for Uno

UNO Restaurant Holdings Corporation named former Brinker executive Ian Baines its new president and chief executive officer. Frank Guidara, the company’s previous president and chief executive officer, will remain with Uno in a part-time consulting and advisory capacity until July 2014.

Bauscher to Distribute Luigi Bormioli Line

In a deal that takes effect on Feb. 1, Bauscher USA will market and sell Luigi Bormioli products throughout the North American foodservice market.

Chain Operating Report for Jan. 9. 2013

News from the chain restaurant segment this week includes McDonald’s expands a menu test, international expansion for Cheesecake Factory and Starbucks, and Tully’s Coffee’s new ownership has some star power.