Foodservice Equipment & Supplies articles from December 2005

Foodservice Equipment & Supplies archives from December 2005

We are family.(editor's perspective)(Editorial)
December 1, 2005... In 1979 when the Pittsburgh Pirates won baseball's World Series, they did so under the leadership of Willie "Pops" Stargell and with Sister Sledge's lone hit "We are Family" as their unofficial theme song. En route to their victory over the...

Competition for takeout takes off.
December 1, 2005... Although Americans eat 70 billion meals from more than 870,000 foodservice establishments a year, a report from Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, concludes that takeout sales have caused a tremendous shift in the way both...

Wilson new Master-Bilt V.P. of operations.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... Master-Bilt appointed Kevin Wilson vice president of operations. Wilson is responsible for the company's New Albany, Miss., manufacturing facilities and heads up the purchasing/materials and distribution efforts. With 20 years of combined...

CKE crafts Canadian expansion plans.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... CKE Restaurants has hired Parker & Associates, a Canadian consulting firm, to assist with expanding its Carl's Jr.[R] brand into Canada. Growing its international presence remains a priority for CKE, which operates a total of 204 Carl's Jr. and...

IHOP franchisees ink expansion deal.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... IHOP Corp. announced that franchisees signed agreements to build 46 new restaurants over the next 11 years. These agreements provide for the development of new IHOP restaurants in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas,...

Changes rising in Krispy Kreme management.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... Krispy Kreme Doughnuts appointed JeffJervik to the position of executive vice president of operations. In a separate announcement, Krispy Kreme announced its board of directors' executive search committee is working with James Mead & Co., an...

Lone Star announces management changes.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon announced the resignation of T.D. O'Connell from his position as president. Mark Mednansky, formerly vice president--Sullivan's and Del Frisco's, and president of Texas Land & Cattle, has been named Lone Star's...

BEVCORe buys Northern Parts.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... BEVCORe, an Osseo, Minn.-based beverage parts distributor, has acquired Northern Parts & Service, a commercial foodservice equipment OEM parts distributor. Key members of Northern's management team will remain in place and continue to fully...

Fisher closes Harden subsidiary.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... Fisher Manufacturing Co. announced the closure of its wholly owned subsidiary Harden Industries, effective Dec. 1, 2005. The company committed to fulfill any back orders placed prior to Nov. 1, 2005. "The Harden subsidiary was unable to...

Hoshizaki to acquire Lancer.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... Hoshizaki America announced the pending acquisition of Lancer Corp. The transaction is reportedly valued at $215 million and completion of the deal is contingent on regulatory review and approval by the shareholders of Lancer Corp., which is...

Win-Holt buys Texas Custom Metal Works.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... Win-Holt Equipment Group has acquired stainless-steel fabricator Texas Custom Metal Works, located in Grand Prairie, Texas. Darrell Johnson and Jeff Taylor, owners of Texas Custom, will join Win-Holt, with the responsibility to operate and grow...

Tomlinson buys C&K assets.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... Cleveland-based Tomlinson Industries has purchased the assets of C&K Manufacturing and Sales Co. As a result of the purchase, Tomlinson will bring the C&K product line to market as C&K Products, a Division of Tomlinson Industries. ...

Management changes at REW.(people & events)(Restaurant Equipment World )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Orlando, Fla.-based Restaurant Equipment World has named Jerry Pierce chairman of its board of directors. Assuming his role as president is Brad Pierce, a member of the Restaurant Equipment World team for nine years. In his new role, Jerry...

Mission Restaurant Supply opens showroom, warehouse.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... Mission Restaurant Supply, San Antonio, has combined its retail showroom and warehouse under one, larger roof. Previously, the company operated out of three separate facilities in San Antonio's "South Town" area. "This has definitely improved...

Deitering new Belleco v.p.(Belleco Inc. appointed Steve Deitering )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Belleco Inc. appointed Steve Deitering to the post of vice president, sales and marketing. Deitering comes to Belleco from Delfield, An Enodis Co., where he served as western zone manager. With more than 37 years of sales and marketing...

New Cres Cor director of sales and marketing.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... Cres Cor named Michael Capretta director of sales and marketing. He comes to Cres Cor after having spent two years with ICI Paints, serving in many positions in the sales and marketing area, including vice president. Capretta is a graduate...

Women's Foodservice Forum hosts Executive Summit.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... Alice Elliot, moderator and founder of The Elliot Group, leads a panel discussion during the Women's Foodservice Forum's Executive Summit, which drew 120 industry professionals. In this session, panelists discussed some of the keys to being...

Montagne new Scotsman v.p.(people & events)
December 1, 2005... Scotsman Ice Systems, An Enodis Co., appointed Marty Montagne to vice president of sales and marketing. New to the foodservice industry, Montagne comes to Scotsman from York International where he most recently served as regional director for...

Upcoming shows, conferences and events.(people & events)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
December 1, 2005... Jan. 25-28, 2006: MAFSI Annual Conference, The Hotel Del Cornado, San Diego. Contact MAFSI by phone at (770) 433-2450, by e-mail at info@mafsi.org or visit www.mafsi.org. March 29-April 2, 2006: FEDA Annual Convention, Marriott Desert...

FEDA announces program details for '06 Convention.(Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Operating under the theme "Working Smarter... Not Harder," the Chicago-based Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association (FEDA) announced some of the details for its 2006 Convention, which takes place March 29-April 2, 2006, at the Marriott...

2005 DSR of the Year: Dawn Ragsdale, Strategic Equipment Supply, Nashville Division: an unwavering customer focus and solid team approach serve as the cornerstone for Ragsdale's success.(Cover Story)
December 1, 2005... Despite an inauspicious introduction to and a brief hiatus from the foodservice industry, Strategic Equipment and Supply Corp.'s Dawn Ragsdale has emerged as one of the country's top dealer sales reps. The secret to her success? Remembering...

Calhoun's restaurant: Calhoun's customers can peer into the 4,800-square-foot kitchen as staff use smokers, charbroilers, flat tops and ovens to prepare a Southern-influenced menu featuring barbecued ribs and pork sandwiches, steaks, catfish and sides.(chain profile)
December 1, 2005... After eight years operating successful restaurants in Tennessee, Mike Chase and his team at Copper Cellar Restaurants decided to venture into the world of barbecue. In 1983, they opened the first Calhoun's in Knoxville. One year later, their...

Rams Head Dining Center at the University of North Carolina: in the newest and largest residential dining facility on the Chapel Hill campus, equipment and supplies support five distinct areas with their own decor, theme and menu selections, as well as a back-of-the-house kitchen.(facility design: project of the month)
December 1, 2005... In 2000, a master plan identified a need to connect the north and south sides of the University of North Carolina's Chapel Hill campus. On the south side, where the majority of residential housing is located, very few foodservice options were...

Whip up successful sales with mixers: more versatile than is immediately apparent, mixers can help kitchen staff do everything from make salad dressing to whip potatoes to grind meat.(product sales tips)
December 1, 2005... Used for everything from making pastries and sauces to mashing potatoes, mixers have more functions than are immediately obvious. In order for clients to make the most of their new mixer, DSRs should fully understand its intended use at the...

Randy Englund: the Boelter Companies, Minneapolis.
December 1, 2005... Randy Englund has found a path to success that no one else in the world can duplicate: simply being Randy Englund. "I think it's probably just the way I treat my clients, really," said the 47-year-old Englund about his strong results. "I...

Make it al dente: specialized, efficient E&S can help support operations in the proper preparation and service of pasta menus.(Pasta Prep)
December 1, 2005... The motto of Fazoli's Restaurants, a fast-casual chain specializing in affordable Italian food in a family-friendly environment, is "Fast, fresh and friendly." Fazoli's first location opened in Lexington, Ky., in 1988 as Gratzi's, and after a...

Q: how do you prepare for the upcoming year?(DSR clinic)
December 1, 2005... Kelman Acres Curtis Restaurant Equipment Beaverton, Ore. I do it basically by planting seeds the year before. Everything I'll do this coming year has already been worked on this past year. You're continually doing jobs, and so you have...

Electrolux Professional Inc.(products)
December 1, 2005... Electrolux Professional Inc. This tilting braising pan is suitable for braising, grilling, browning, thawing, frying, stewing, steaming and boiling a variety of foods and comes standard with a HACCP monitoring system. The automatic unit is...

Hobart Corp.(products)
December 1, 2005... Hobart Corp. The Model FT900 flight-type warewasher handles up to 19,000 pieces per hour and comes equipped with the Opti-Rinse system. The unit features a modular design, single-point vent connection, start and stop switches at both ends, door...

Update International.(products)
December 1, 2005... Update International This line of cutlery is hand-honed and constructed of German high-carbon stainless steel with molybdenum vanadium. Knife models include a 3 1/4" paring, 5" utility, 6" stiff-blade boning, 6" curved-blade boning, 9" offset...

Waring Products, Div. Conair Corp.(products)
December 1, 2005... Waring Products, Div. Conair Corp. This 2 1/2-qt. dicing food processor comes equipped with a special dicing assembly and a variety of discs and attachments that also allow end-users to slice, shred, mix, puree, chop, grate and julienne. Model...

Curtron Products.(products)
December 1, 2005... Curtron Products Air-Pro air doors create an invisible curtain of air that stops flying insects and controls inside temperatures affected by outside weather conditions. Features include a 300-grade stainless-steel housing, stainless-steel...

Eagle Group.(products)
December 1, 2005... Eagle Group Red Hots[R] heat lamps feature a non-corrosive aluminum exterior construction and are available in a choice of 16 standard models ranging from 18" to 144" in length. The lamps attach to a shelf or other surface using stainless-steel...

Everpure Inc.(products)
December 1, 2005... Everpure Inc. The Micro-Pure[R] II cartridge includes antimicrobial protection that filters dirt and particles as small as 1/2 micron in size, reducing asbestos fibers and cysts such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The technology is available...

Cambro Mfg. Co.(products)
December 1, 2005... The S-Series dish caddy stores and transports dishes ranging from a small 4 5/8" plate to a large 13" charger plate or pasta dish. Adjustable dividers include a 1/2" rod from top to bottom for stable positioning. The unit features polyethylene...

Villeroy & Boch.(products)
December 1, 2005... Oddly shaped and inspired by its Japanese namesake, the Bento Party Plate is suitable for use at unseated buffets, receptions and other catered events. The china plate features one cutout to help users get a grip and steady the piece, and...

Varimixer, An Enodis Co.(products)
December 1, 2005... This 5-qt. table mixer is suited for smaller mixing tasks and features an ergonomic design. Model W5A comes equipped with stainless-steel attachments that include a bowl, beater, whip and hook for kneading, mixing, whipping, cutting and...

Detecto Scale Co.(products)
December 1, 2005... These stainless-steel prep tables measure 24" and 48" wide, respectively, and are suitable far use in kitchens, restaurants, bakeries or anywhere food is prepared. The units are available with a recessed area option that accommodates the Model...

Alto-Shaam Inc.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Platinum Series gas convection oven accommodates 12 full-size pans and comes equipped with a transverse-flow burner system that provides even cooking without pan rotation. Model ASC4G features a 50,000-Btu burner, an electronic spark...

The Vollrath Co.(products)
December 1, 2005... Miramar[TM] templates for decorative pans are dishwasher-safe, constructed from FDA-approved thermoset resin and suitable for hot or cold applications. Features include an integrated rib design an the underside for added strength. Available...

Hatco Corp.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Glo-Ray[R] heated stone shelf is available in portable or built-in models and suitable for use on buffet lines or as a display for hors d'ouevres. Built-in units come equipped with a remote box with a 3' conduit and 6' cord and plug....

Advance Tabco.(products)
December 1, 2005... This fully enclosed dish cabinet is constructed with a 14-gauge 300-series stainless-steel top and comes equipped with a 1 5/8" rolled-rimmed front and square rear and sides. Standard sizes range from 4' to 12' long and 15" and 18" wide with...

MIWE America.(products)
December 1, 2005... Backcombi electric baking stations produce baked goods requiring both convection and hearth-style baking. The units are available with one or two convection ovens mounted on either one or two deck ovens. Each convection oven holds five full...

CookTek Inc.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Apogee line of cooktops includes a freestanding single hob, a freestanding double hob in both side-to-side and front-to-back configurations, a freestanding wok, and a buffet system with automatic temperature control. The cooktops are...

Watlow Electric Mfg. Co.(products)
December 1, 2005... Firebar[R] heaters feature a flat-surface geometry that makes them suitable for use in deep-fat fryers, griddles and more. UL[R] 197-compliant, the units allow an end-user to mount one heater with single- or three-phase capability in the same...

Globe Food Equipment Co.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Model GS115K price computing scale weighs items from .005 kgs. to 15 kgs. and is designed specifically for the Canadian market. The unit features 15 preset, one-touch keys; a fluorescent tube display that indicates weight, unit price and...

Master-Bilt.(products)
December 1, 2005... The GEL series of gelato cases features a top-hinged front display door, a concealed evaporator coil and T8 electronic lighting. The units ship fully assembled and are available in three models: GEL-6 (6-pans wide), GEL-9 (9-pans wide)and...

Modular Dispensing Systems, Div. Tomlinson Industries.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Modu-Light self-illuminating cup dispensing cabinet is constructed of black ABS plastic, measures 8" wide and fits in small areas at beverage stations. The NSF-approved unit features a built-in splash zone and is available in red, orange,...

Lincoln Foodservice Products, An Enodis Co.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Impinger[R] Dual Technology Finisher prepares baked sandwiches, appetizers, personal pizzas and more. The unit combines air impingement and infrared heating to provide operating temperatures from 250[degrees]F. to 650[degrees]F., and...

Jade Products Co.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Supreme[TM] Series of ranges measures 31" deep and is available in 24"-, 36"-, 48"-, 60"- and 72"-wide models, with a choice of standard oven, convection oven or open cabinet base for storing pans. The units feature top burners with...

Robot Coupe USA.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Model R2N food processor comes equipped with both a vegetable feed lead and a bowl assembly that's available in gray or clear plastic and stainless steel. The combination unit includes 21 processing plates to slice, shred, grate and...

AccuTemp Products Inc.(products)
December 1, 2005... These duplex paired steam-heated griddles provide more capacity, production flexibility and menu versatility. A 48"-wide support stand accommodates two 24"-wide griddles; a 60"-wide stand holds a 24" and a 36" unit. Each griddle includes its...

Groen, A DI Foodservice Co.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Vortex[TM] Connectionless steamer uses ordinary tap water, never needs deliming and is available in three- and six-pan models. The unit features a steam-circulating convection fan, a hands-free push-up handle, mirror-finish interior and...

Homer Laughlin China Co.(products)
December 1, 2005... An addition to the AmeriWhite[R] Collection, the Alexa line of china features a pure white body color and a modern coupe shape that's thin and light. The line includes 22 pieces, from rounded plates to coordinated triangular and square...

Nemco Food Equipment Ltd.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Easy Chicken Slicer[TM] quickly and consistently cuts breaded cooked chicken breasts into 1/2" strips for wraps, salads and more. The compact unit features aluminum and stainless-steel construction, a low base for stability and an assembly...

InterMetro Industries Corp.(products)
December 1, 2005... The C5[TM] cabinet line is UL- and NSF-listed and available in stainless-steel or aluminum models and a choice of sizes, including full height, 3/4 height and undercounter. Universal slides accommodate 18" x 26" sheet pans or 12" x 20" steam...

Follett Corp.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Symphony[TM] 110 Series of ice and water dispensers is suitable for use as a second source of ice. The dispenser offers 90 Ibs. of storage capacity and includes the Maestro[TM] icemaker that produces 400 lbs. of Chewblet[TM] ice in a...

Blodgett Corp.(products)
December 1, 2005... The Model XR8-G minirack oven bakes, roasts or rethermalizes and comes equipped with digital programmable controls and triple-mounted, heavy-duty doors. Additional features include a continuously rotating 8-pan rack, fiberboard insulation, a...

Plain talk: the industry is in good hands.(parting shot)
December 1, 2005... After nearly three decades in this industry, earlier this year I decided to sell my rep business to three of my associates. Over the course of the past 12 months as a "lame duck," I have experienced countless thoughts and numerous emotions...

A perfect 10.(Editor's Perspective)(Editorial)
December 1, 2005... In our culture, the term "all-star" carries with it a very special meaning. The most common connotation comes from the world of athletics, which tends to reward those participants for performing at a very elite level. In the entertainment...

Simple rules for improving profitability: start by questioning the status quo.(CONSULTANT'S VIEWPOINT)
December 1, 2005... Even an existing concept with a compelling consumer proposition will still need to be operationally efficient for long-term profitability and success. While day-to-day operations can change at any point in a concept's life cycle, the cost of...

Moe's Southwest Grill: the E&S package at Moe's is configured for maximum workflow efficiency to support menus and service.(Chain Operator All-Stars)
December 1, 2005... Before founding the fun, popular, Moe's Southwest Grill fast-casual chain, Martin Sprock, founder and CEO of Atlanta-based Raving Brands, already knew a thing or two about concept development and franchising. Sprock was first the founder and...

Wingstop: at a time when fast-food chains offer high-end entree salads and casual-dining restaurants are pushing to-go orders, Wingstop is proof-positive that staying focused on one thing can still lead to success.(Chain Operator All-Stars)(Company Profile)
December 1, 2005... The fast-casual chain headquartered in the Dallas suburb of Garland, Texas, Wingstop sells Buffalo chicken wings and, by management's own proud proclamation, not much else. According to Wingstop Chief Executive Officer Jim Flynn, about 80%...

Firehouse subs: an equipment package and true-to-life theme have made this fast-casual concept an increasingly important player in the popular sub sandwich category.(Chain Operator All-Stars)
December 1, 2005... It is not unusual for a restaurant chain to have some sort of theme, some sort of hook in order to distinguish itself in customers' minds. In the case of Firehouse Subs, the theme is more than a marketing gimmick--it's a genuine expression of...

Fogo de Chao: this Brazilian churrascaria operation relies on highly trained chefs and customized E&S to create a true dining experience.(Chain Operator All-Star)
December 1, 2005... With just nine restaurants total, Fogo de Chao has the fewest units of any chain featured in this special edition of Foodservice Equipment & Supplies. Each of these restaurants, however, has produced such outstanding performances that the...

Abuelo's Mexican Food Embassy: a diverse menu capturing the authenticity of inner Mexican cuisine requires highly efficient systems.(Chain Operator All-Star)
December 1, 2005... While traveling and dining in Mexico, James Young and Chuck Anderson were impressed by the traditional food and courteous style of the country. During their travels, they recognized the opportunity to provide an authentic Mexican dining...

Pizza Ranch: management sets faster, smarter, socially conscious course.(Chain Operator All-Star)
December 1, 2005... A leaner, meaner organization--quicker expansion on a larger scale, cost-efficient downsized units, faster table turns for increased traffic, more and better employee training, stricter rules for franchisees, ongoing menu expansion--and a...

Paradise Bakery & Cafe: ovens for baking an array of breads, muffins and croissants are the focus of activity in this fast-growing chain's units. An exhibition-style sandwich and salad prep and assembly line also captures customers' attention.(Chain Operator All-Stars)
December 1, 2005... Lovers of bakery goods will look long and hard to find a restaurant experience that brings about a state of delight. This fact was well-known by four entrepreneurs who opened Paradise Bakery & Cafe, an establishment specializing in baking...

Fatz Cafe: a dedication to small and mid-sized markets combined with a mainstream menu pepped up by a few curveballs has made Fatz Cafe a Southeast success story.(Chain Operator All-Stars)
December 1, 2005... Practically every business has a story to tell about its humble beginnings, but perhaps few have origins more modest than Fatz Cafe. In the late 1980s, Fatz Cafe founder James Rogers decided to move beyond his career as an owner and...

First watch restaurants: with et linear line setup, the kitchens at this daytime-only chain provide an efficient flow for turning out a variety of breakfast, brunch and lunch items.(Chain Operator All-Stars)
December 1, 2005... When daytime-only restaurants first came onto the scene in the late '70s and early '80s, industry experts claimed the concept was underdeveloped; but this is no longer the case. Today's changing demographic has helped spur the growth of these...

Black Bear Diner: a 'mirror' kitchen setup features two production lines on either side where staff can efficiently prepare this diner's comfort food from scratch.(Chain Operator All-Stars)
December 1, 2005... Sometimes, planning ahead is not a necessary step to success. In the case of Black Bear Diner, an appealing location and a unique idea are all it took for this concept to come to fruition. "The first restaurant, which opened 10 years ago,...