Foodservice Equipment & Supplies articles from January 2006

Foodservice Equipment & Supplies archives from January 2006

Seeing is believing.(editor's perspective)(survey on food service industry)(Editorial)
January 1, 2006... With 2005 squarely in our rearview mirrors, now is the time for our industry to train its eye on the road ahead. And, I am happy to report, that bright light you see is not a freight train steaming toward you. Rather, it's the bright light of...

Back to school for Panda Express.(people & events)
January 1, 2006... Fueling its expansion plans through nontraditional venues, Panda Express announced that it will open up to 10 restaurants on college and university campuses over the next 12 months. This comes on the heels of a strong 2005, during which the...

Chain expansion report.(Benihana National Corp expansion planning)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Benihana, The Cheesecake Factory and Red Robin are among the chains to announce expansion plans. * Benihana purchased a teppanyaki restaurant in Tucson, Ariz. The company now operates 57 teppanyaki restaurants and has two more in...

Bassoul receives YPO International Legacy honor.(Selim Bassoul receives awards from Bill Clinton)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Selim Bassoul, chairman and CEO of The Middleby Corp., received the Young Presidents' Organization International Legacy Award. Presenting the award to Bassoul (seen on the right) was former President Bill Clinton. Bassoul was honored for his...

Cini*Little names Kooser president.(people & events)
January 1, 2006... Ronald Kooser has been appointed president and COO for Cini*Little International. William Eaton, the consulting firm's president since 1999, will shift his focus from the daily management of the company. As a result, Eaton will have the...

FE&S updates best in class results.(Foodservice Equipment and Supplies)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Foodservice Equipment & Supplies announced that Advance Tabco and Perlick also achieved Overall Best in Class Honors in the publications annual survey of dealers, broadliners and consultants. Advance Tabco earned its recognition in the area of...

New COO for Yum!(people & events)
January 1, 2006... Yum! Brands announced the appointment of Greg Creed as chief operating officer, replacing Dave Deno, who previously resigned for personal family reasons. Bill Pearce will replace Creed as chief marketing officer at Taco Bell. As COO, Creed...

Qdoba hires first R&D director.(Qdoba Restaurant Corp appoints Ted Stoner as director of strategic product development)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Qdoba Mexican Grill named Ted Stoner its director of strategic product development. In his new role, Stoner will lead the 260-unit chain's efforts in the area of menu development. Over the course of his nearly 20-year career, Stoner has...

Andrews new Buffets CEO.(people & events)
January 1, 2006... Buffets Holdings, parent company of Buffets Inc., named R. Michael Andrews Jr. its new CEO. He replaces Roe Hatlen, who served in this capacity for the past year on an interim basis and is the company's co-founder. Andrews joined Buffets...

Logan's Roadhouse hires purchasing chief.(people & events)
January 1, 2006... Logan's Roadhouse Inc. has named Lynne Wildman vice president of purchasing, according to a report in the Nashville Business Journal. In this role, Wildman handles ali aspects of product procurement, vendor relations and supply chain...

IT'Z to open doors to families, individuals.(buffets in Las Vegas)
January 1, 2006... When on the subject of buffets, most people's minds turn to Las Vegas, and with good reason. The city became the unofficial standard-bearer for this kind of concept that is often imitated but rarely duplicated. Enter into the discussion IT'Z, a...

Humphreys, Finke join Frymaster.(people & events)
January 1, 2006... Frymaster Corp., An Enodis Co., added two senior marketing managers to its team. Brenda Humphreys and Mary Finke join the company as vice president of marketing and director of marketing, respectively. In her new role, Humphreys is...

Watts Water to acquire Dormont.(Watts Water Technologies Inc.)(Dormont Manufacturing Co.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Watts Water Technologies Inc. has signed an agreement worth $94.5 million to acquire Dormont Manufacturing Co. The deal was expected to close by Dec. 31, 2005. "Dormont provides us access to several new channels of distribution while...

Fri-Jado enters U.S. market under own name.(brand name)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... After operating under the nameplate of another vendor for years, European manufacturer Fri-Jado is now working in the U.S. market using its own brand name for the first time. As part of this venture, Fri-Jado has inked a deal with A.J. Antunes...

Standex acquires Kool Star.(Standex International Corp.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Standex acquired the assets of the Kool Star Division of Three-Star Refrigeration Engineering Inc. The Kool Star brand of walk-in cold storage services primarily the West Coast and southwest portions of the United States. Standex will...

Watlow announces personnel moves.(Heather Rhodes named as marketing communications manager )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Watlow announced a pair of personnel moves. Heather Rhodes was promoted to marketing communications manager from web site specialist and Cecelia Hanlin was appointed IS manager of business consulting. Rhodes now manages Wadow's marketing...

Upcoming shows, conferences and events.(Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association )(Calendar)
January 1, 2006... Jan. 25 - 28: 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: FEDA Annual Convention, JW Marriott Desert Ridge...

Women leaders: a recipe for diversity.(operator's opinion)
January 1, 2006... We've all seen the statistics: The foodservice industry employs more than 12 million people, making it the nation's largest employer outside of the government. While 55 percent of those employees are female, only 12 percent of the executives in...

Serving up a positive train of thought: 2006 E&S industry forecast: with the economy remaining stable, the foodservice industry greeted the New Year with a healthy dose of optimism.(Cover Story)
January 1, 2006... Like the title character in Watty Piper's infamous children's tale, the U.S. economy continued to chug along throughout 2005 under the motto "I think I can! I think I can!" Much like the Little Engine That Could, the U.S. economy steamed...

Sandwich solutions from Enodis.(growth of sandwich chains)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... Sandwiches provide a sizzling hot opportunity to give patrons fresh, fast, wholesome, high-quality foods all wrapped up in one convenient, portable package. That's what the nation's leading QSR and casual dining operations have discovered, and...

CFESA.(Commercial Food Equipment Service Association)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Last year was a good one for service agents. Business experienced an upswing, margins remain strong and most CFESA members I spoke with met or exceeded their company goals. A large reason for our success is the fact that CFESA has marketed...

FCSI.(Foodservice Consultants Society International )
January 1, 2006... The past year was a pretty profitable one for consultants. At the same time, it was a learning experience for many of us as we came to terms with the realities of green systems and the LEED Program. And with a better understanding of these...

FEDA.(Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... We are planning for a good year and do not anticipate any major upward or downward swings, meaning things should progress at 2005 levels. The biggest challenge will be to find ways to maintain or make better margins. I have spoken with...

NAFEM.(North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers trade show)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... From NAFEM's perspective, we have been fortunate and enjoyed brisk business in 2005. Nowhere was this more evident than at The NAFEM Show in September. Participation was strong and the attendees were making purchases, not just walking the...

NRA.(Industry Outlook)
January 1, 2006... Looking toward 2006 and beyond, the future of the restaurant industry is bright and operators remain optimistic that it will steadily improve. The National Restaurant Association recently released its 2006 Restaurant Industry Forecast,...

Savaradio in Linwood, N.J.: a former employee cafeteria has been transformed into an elegant restaurant with a kitchen featuring 20 saute burners and other equipment for producing an ambitious menu with Mediterranean, Asian and Cuban influences. A lower-level storage and food prep space supports the bustling kitchen.(facility design: project of the month)(Restaurant Review)
January 1, 2006... In 1992, Lisa Savage opened her first restaurant in Atlantic City, N.J. It was small, indeed, with five tables and 18 seats. In October, the enterprising chef opened her fourth restaurant in Linwood, near Atlantic City. This facility is eight...

Warren Polansky & Anthony Nicoletti: M. Tucker Co. Inc., Paterson, N.J.(DSR of the month)(Editorial)
January 1, 2006... No duo has ever shared Foodservice Equipment & Supplies' DSR of the Month honors before. Until now, that is. The longtime working relationship between two of M. Tucker's senior account executives, Warren Polansky and Anthony Nicoletti, is...

Sophisticated sandwich prep: as the sandwich concept continues to grow in popularity and variety, operators require foodservice equipment to support prep and holding tasks specific to their menus.(Sandwich Shop E&S)
January 1, 2006... One could logically surmise that the consumer carb-conscious craze of a few years ago would have taken a bite out of sandwich shop sales. In reality, though, this segment continues to perform well, according to Ron Paul, president of Technomic,...

Advance Tabco.(products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... The SHD Series drawer comes equipped with integral drawer slides and stacks to create tier drawers. Standard sizes measure 20" x 15" x 5" and 20" x 20" x 5". The NSF-approved stainless-steel unit is self-closing, features a removable...

Electrolux Professional Inc.(products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... The Pasta Station contains preparation and cooking areas for both pasta and sauces. The modular unit comes equipped with four automatic lowering/lifting baskets and, depending on the type of pasta used, produces up to 200 portions per hour....

Hatco Corp.(products)
January 1, 2006... The Model FSHC-17W1 FlavR-Savor[R] tall humidified holding cabinet features a 17-pan capacity, thermostatically controlled heat and humidity, a full-view Lexan[R] door with optional Dutch or stainless-steel doors, and right- or left-hand hinged...

Update International.(products)
January 1, 2006... This gold-accented coffee urn keeps coffee hot without the use of electricity and comes complete with a fuel holder. The stainless-steel unit features a dripless faucet and is suitable for buffet, banquet and self-service use. Both the lid and...

Amana.(RC30S microwave oven)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Suitable for steaming vegetables and seafood, the Model RC30S microwave oven utilizes the natural moisture in food so virtually no water is needed during the steaming process. The 3000-watt unit requires no plumbing or deliming and features 11...

CookTek Inc.(products)
January 1, 2006... The Heated Meal Delivery System keeps hot prepared foods at safe holding temperatures for applications such as room service delivery, banquets, on- and off-site catering, patient and resident meal service and more. The system comes equipped...

Vito-Mix Corp.(products)
January 1, 2006... This container brush is suitable for use in high-volume coffee shops, smoothie shops, restaurants and bars. The polyethylene fiber brush is non-abrasive and features a soft-touch handle. www.vitamix.com/foodservice [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Alto-Shaam Inc.(products)
January 1, 2006... The Model HSM-38/3S merchandiser holds packaged goods at safe temperatures on each of three independently controlled 20"-deep heated glass shelves. The vertical unit features low-wattage fluorescent lighting at the top of each shelf and glass...

Jackson MSC, an Enodis Co.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... The AJ-T Series of conveyor dishmachines uses 0.7 gals. of water per rack and is available in electric, gas and steam configurations. Models AJ-44T and AJ-66T feature a low hood height, built-in pressure regulator and gauge, bayonet-style wash...

Manitowoc Ice, Manitowoc Foodservice Group.(products)
January 1, 2006... Suitable for use in business environments, this compact undercounter ice machine features a multi-function control panel, adjustable height and a left- or right-door hinge option. Model SM50 fits into a standard 15" cabinet opening or can be...

Nemco Food Equipment.(products)
January 1, 2006... The Connolly Roll-A-Grill[R] features ergonomic operation dials and a tiered roller configuration. The slanted unit accommodates from 27 to 45 hot dogs with a production capacity of 27 to 900 6" franks per hour. www.nemcofoodequip.com ...

American Metalcraft.(products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Suitable for upscale dining and high-end catering events, Royal Touch[TM] stainless-steel serving trays are available in a choice of designs: non-embossed with a braid around the rim or embossed with wider, more decorative trim around the rim....

Cambro Mfg. Co.(products)
January 1, 2006... The KD service cart handles both light- and heavy-duty transporting and ships knocked down. The unit is available in black or speckled gray and features ergonomic handles and rust-resistant aluminum uprights. www.cambro.com [ILLUSTRATION...

InterMetro Industries Corp.(products)
January 1, 2006... Metroseal 3[R] combines corrosion-resistance with Microban[R] antimicrobial defense to protect shelving in walk-in coolers. The finish is available on Super Erecta[R] and Super Adjustable Super Erecta[R] systems, which require no special tools...

Cadco Ltd.(products)
January 1, 2006... This self-serve warmer displays a variety of foods and is suitable for use in convenience stores, kiosks, buffets and more. The portable unit is 120-volts and available in a choice of four models: CMLW-2, CMLB-24P, CMLW-2S and CMLW-2SG....

TableCraft Products Co.(products)
January 1, 2006... The Granton Series of cutlery features ovals that are cut into both sides of the blade, creating air pockets to keep food from sticking to the blade. The cutlery is available in a variety of blade and handle styles. www.tablecraft.com ...

Everpure, LLC.(products)
January 1, 2006... Suitable for specialty coffee applications, the ESO water treatment cartridge combines pre-coat filtration with softening capability to reduce chlorine taste, odors and mineral content. In addition, the unit micro-filters dirt and particles as...

Belleco.(products)
January 1, 2006... This oven is suitable for self-serve operations and as a typical toaster. Operators can convert it to a pass-through unit for toasting sandwiches and baking small pre-cooked pizzas. Model JT3-HC accommodates up to 900 slices or bun halves per...

Traulsen/Hobart.(products)
January 1, 2006... The RBC Series of blast chillers comes equipped with NAFEM Data Protocol capabilities, featuring the SmartChill[TM] controller and three SmartProbes. Additional features include magnetic door gaskets and rehingeable doors. The units chill...

Eagle Group.(products)
January 1, 2006... Snap-n-Slide[TM] shelves increase wall storage above top sinks, tables and more. The units slide onto die-formed stainless-steel mounting brackets, eliminating the need for fasteners or tools. The stainless-steel shelves measure 12" wide, range...

Bunn Corp.(products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... The 1-gal. Infusion Series[TM] of coffee brewers uses BrewWISE[R] technology to brew into 1- or 1 1/2-gal. ThermoFresh[R] servers and airpots. Available in both single and twin models, the units feature two programmable batch switches that...

Vulcan-Hart.(products)
January 1, 2006... PowerSteam[TM] steamers feature a sloped bottom generator, the SmartDrain[TM] and PowerFlush[TM] system, and top-mounted heaters. The countertop units are available with a 60-minute timer and constant steam setting, and in a choice of three- or...

Meiko.(products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... The K-Tronic Series of conveyor warewashers washes and sanitizes up to 310 racks per hour while using 0.28 gals. of water per rack. Features include the Waste Heat Recovery system that utilizes heat generated by the unit, normally exhausted...

The Vollrath Co.(products)
January 1, 2006... Square Beehive serving bowls feature a mirror-finish exterior and 18-8 stainless-steel double-wall construction. The bowls are dishwasher-safe and available in 1.8-qt., 3.2-qt., 5.2-qt. and 8.2-qt. sizes. www.vollrathco.com [ILLUSTRATION...

Bakers Pride Oven Co.(products)
January 1, 2006... The Dual Air impingement conveyor oven bakes, cooks, warms, rethermalizes or finishes a variety of foods. Features include independent top and bottom variable air-speed fans and cook/bake times from one to 30 minutes. The unit can be stacked up...

FWE/Food Warming Equipment Co. Inc.(products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... The E-Series banquet cabinet utilizes either canned fuel or forced-air electrical heat to keep prepared meals hot. End-users load and hold the covered plates with electric heat, then buss the cabinet to the banquet site with canned heat. The...

Mannhart Inc.(products)
January 1, 2006... This vegetable cutter slices, dices, shreds and juliennes vegetables, fruit, cheeses and breadcrumbs. The NSF-certified/UL-listed unit is available in a choice of two models and features all-metal construction and a magnetic safety interlock...

The Delfield Co., an Enodis Co.(products)
January 1, 2006... The Specification Series of reach-ins features durable construction and easy end-user customization. The line is available in a choice of more than 970 models with a variety of options. www.delfield.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Talking tabletop.(parting shot)
January 1, 2006... When I go into a restaurant for a meal, the first thing I do is flip over the plate and the flatware to identify them. I know I'm not alone as virtually every dealer and tabletop manufacturer do this, too. We can't help ourselves; it's in our...