February 13, 2013

NAFEM Presents Carpenter and President’s Awards

The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) presented Steven D. Cobb, CFSP, chairman and CEO, Henny Penny Corporation, Eaton, Ohio, with the 2013 William W. Carpenter Award and David Ek with the NAFEM President’s Award.

Reflections on The NAFEM Show

Editor Joe Carbonara reviews some of his key takeaways from The NAFEM Show 2013.

Dickey’s Barbecue Names New VP of Purchasing

Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants named Jeff Forrester its vice president of purchasing and research and development.

DSR of the Month, February 2013: Amador “AJ” Reyna, Jr., Director of Business Development, Restaurant Equipment Paradise, East Hartford, Conn.

Amador “AJ” Reyna, Jr. recalls being at a foodservice equipment show in the beginning of his career when a DSR of the Month sign caught his attention. “Since then, I’ve aspired to accomplish this,” he says. “It was always very important to me.”

Donoho Enlists with Alamo Drafthouse

Alamo Drafthouse appointed Jason Donoho to the newly created position of research and development chef.

Ignite to Acquire Romano’s Macaroni Grill

In a deal valued at $55 million, Ignite Restaurant Group has agreed to acquire Romano’s Macaroni Grill from private equity firm Golden Gate Capital. The deal is expected to close in the second fiscal quarter of this year.

This Week in Foodservice: Sysco’s Quarterly Report Provides A Peak Into Foodservice Performance

Foodservice industry forecasts project moderate but real sales growth and the most recent earnings report from Sysco seems to fall in line with these prognostications.

NAFEM Honors Industry Association Leaders

The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) honored 50 foodservice industry association leaders with a Doctorate of Foodservice (DFS) award. These association leaders accepted their awards during a special ceremony that took place on Feb. 7 during The NAFEM Show in Orlando.

Standex Opens Culinary Center

The Standex Food Service Equipment Group has opened a culinary development center in Allen, Texas. The new 21,000-square-foot facility, known as the Standex Culinary Development Center, will be used for training, product development and customer visits.