Global Foodservice News
Global Foodservice News — Oct. 15, 2026
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Sweet Tomatoes/Souplantation gets a new chance at growth After shuttering all 97 restaurants, the once-dead concept is about to open its third location. But can an all-you-can-eat brand make it in today’s economy? News of Souplantation’s return to California ricocheted across social media last week, sparking celebration among fans. But questions remain. Once…
Read MoreKruger unveils 2026 Cashmere Collection to raise funds for breast cancer initiatives
Featuring designs by 16 Canadian designers, the collection raises funds through public voting and sales of specially marked Cashmere and Purex bathroom tissue packages Kruger has unveiled the 2026 edition of its Cashmere Collection, an initiative that brings together Canadian designers to create couture pieces using the company’s bathroom tissue while raising funds for breast…
Read MoreSunset Converting plans $30 million investment in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
The expansion will add robotic equipment and production lines, connect two facilities and create approximately 15 specialized jobs Sunset Converting Corp. is planning an approximately $30 million investment in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, as part of an expansion project aimed at increasing its production capacity and automating its operations. The company, which currently employs about 125 people,…
Read MoreMarsden Services Announces COO Promotion
Marsden Holding, L.L.C., a St. Paul-based facility services provider, announced the promotion of Timothy Keller to Chief Operating Officer. Keller will be responsible for leading the organization’s integrated facility services operations and executing Marsden’s strategic long-term goals. Keller brings more than 25 years of experience in operations, security, and business development. Prior to joining Marsden…
Read MoreCHR Group Buys Rmoni, Andy to Forge Foodservice Tech Powerhouse
PARIS – June 01, 2026 – European digital food safety leader CHR Group today announced a major strategic consolidation, acquiring technology specialists Rmoni and Andy in a move poised to reshape the digital landscape for the global foodservice industry. Backed by a new strategic investment from PSG Equity and continued support from existing investor Verto,…
Read MoreAI’s growing role in purchasing decisions
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Shoppers increasingly are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to inform their purchasing decisions, according to new research from the Acosta Group. The group’s AI shopper study found that 66% of shoppers report using AI tools while shopping, with Gen Z and millennial shoppers being the most likely cohorts to use AI tools.…
Read MoreStep Inside Octane Coffee, the Employee-Free Beverage Shop
The emerging brand uses robots and mobile ordering to speed up the drive-thru experience. Adrian Deasy grew up around restaurants. His mother managed them for years, and he swore he would never go back. Instead, he became a mechanical engineer, working across automotive, motorcycles, aerospace, and plastics. One day, he found himself looking at a…
Read MoreHVAC manufacturers ask judge to toss price-fixing lawsuit
Major HVAC manufacturers on Friday asked a federal judge to dismiss a class-action lawsuit accusing them of conspiring to fix prices and overcharge for equipment since 2020. What’s happening: In a joint motion filed Oct. 9, seven OEMs — Bosch, Carrier, Daikin, Lennox, Rheem, Trane, and AAON — and their subsidiaries asked a judge to…
Read MoreHARDI Flags Potentially Illegal HVAC Products in Channel
Group offers resources for avoiding questionable equipment, refrigerants Distributors are seeing a rise in equipment and refrigerants in the HVACR channel that may not comply with federal regulations, and Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) is working to protect members from buying what could turn out to be dead inventory. In particular, a HARDI…
Read MoreCooling Equipment Shipment Growth Hits 7-Month Streak
Heat pumps have reshaped August shipments over 10 years October 12, 2026 Need to Know Combined U.S. central air conditioner and air-source heat pump shipments reached 756,739 units in August 2026, an 11.4% increase over August 2025, marking seven consecutive months of year-over-year growth. Heat pumps accounted for 44.7% of combined cooling equipment shipments in…
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