Welbilt made a trio of updates to its sales organization. Jo Heitzman will retire from her role as vice president of global strategic accounts for Welbilt, effective October 2, 2023.
Migali Industries appointed John Babila to the position of president of national foodservice equipment sales for the New Jersey-based foodservice equipment manufacturer.
Gerry A. Fernandez, president and founder of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance, will retire effective December 31, 2023. Beginning next year, Fernandez will support MFHA in an advisory role. MFHA will conduct a national search for his successor.
Mark Klindera was named president of Venancio USA, a Brazilian commercial cooking equipment manufacturer with a U.S. headquarters in Florida.
Dunne Rite Solutions added Bob Alban to its team as a vice president of project management and partner for the New Jersey-based foodservice equipment and supplies distributor that also offers consulting services.
Bain Capital Private Equity has reached a deal to acquire Fogo de Chão from Rhône Capital, which has owned the company since 2018.
Acquisition activity is heating up in the restaurant space. The latest example is private equity firm Roark Capital reaching an agreement to acquire Subway, the quick-service sandwich chain.
Hatco Corp. promoted Ryan Catarozoli to director of key accounts for the Milwaukee-based foodservice equipment manufacturer.
RATIONAL USA made four updates to its key accounts team.
Welbilt named Nick Patterson senior vice president of technology. In addition, Welbilt increased Oscar Villa’s scope of responsibility to include Merco. Villa serves as president of Frymaster, too.
New York-based Winholt Equipment Group hired Michael Chick to serve as vice president of sales. Chick will lead both Winholt’s retail and foodservice sales teams.
Multiline foodservice equipment manufacturer Ali Group made changes at two of its operating companies.
Company veteran Ryan Blackman was named vice president of marketing and communications for the Ali Group, effective September 1, 2023.
Service agent Tech24 acquired Pronto Repairs, a provider of foodservice and commercial HVAC equipment repair and maintenance services for hospitals and medical centers in the New York City area.
Matt Kampert was named president of Lincoln Foodservice, a Welbilt brand, effective September 1, 2023. The company also announced plans to transition Lincoln’s manufacturing plant into its Shrevepark facility in the Shreveport, La., area.
Southern California Restaurant Design Group has purchased IKONIK Supply Co.’s foodservice division. As part of this acquisition, IKONIK will rebrand its furnishing and millwork division under a new name, Hatch Hospitality Supply. In addition, Hatch Design Group will continue to offer full-service kitchen and interior design services.
Manufacturers Electrolux Professional, Hoshizaki America, NBR Equipment and Quantum Foodservice all updated their rep networks while EMC Hospitality added to its line card.
TriMark USA made a series of personnel moves, including three promotions and one new hire. These moves come just a few weeks after TriMark promoted Tom Wienclaw to CEO.
Sweetgreen added two former Chipotle executives to its team, hiring Chad Brauze to serve as head of culinary and Michael Kotick to serve as vice president/head of marketing.
Kappus Company tapped Paul Geist to serve as general manager for the Ohio-based foodservice equipment provider and service agent.
