Global Foodservice News
Chicago becomes the latest city to vote to bring back the tip credit
Chicago’s City Council voted to permanently halt the 2028 phase-out of a lower minimum wage for tipped workers Chicago has become the latest city to reverse course on banning the tip credit for minimum wage workers. Less than two years after voting to phase out the lower minimum wage policy for tipped workers — a…
Read MoreAeriTek Adds Eastern Regional Manager
The individual brings 15-plus years of industry experience, having worked at Singer Equipment Company and TriMark USA. Refrigeration manufacturer AeriTek has appointed John E. Tulaney as its eastern regional manager. Tulaney will lead regional sales efforts while supporting rep group alignment, dealer and customer relationships, as well as the development of private label, contract manufacturing…
Read MoreAli Group announced it has completed the acquisition of BUNN
CHICAGO (March 12, 2026) — Ali Group, the largest and most diversified global leader in the foodservice equipment industry, announced it has completed the acquisition of Bunn Commercial LP (BUNN®), formerly known as Bunn-O-Matic Corporation. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. With the completion of the transaction, BUNN joins Ali Group’s global portfolio of…
Read MoreUnox Adds Vice President of Key Accounts
Commercial cooking equipment manufacturer Unox hired Barry Ward as vice president of key accounts for North America. Bud Ward Headshot Barry Ward Ward brings more than 30 years of foodservice industry experience, with a background in national account management and business development at ITW Food Equipment Group, Franke, and U.S. Foodservice. In his new role,…
Read MoreLSI Industries to Buy Royston Group for $325M, Calls Deal “Transformational” for Retail Solutions Platform
Key Points LSI agreed to acquire Royston for $325 million (approximately $320M cash and $5M stock) in a deal expected to close in Q3 fiscal 2026; the purchase price is roughly 8.1x trailing Sep‑2025 Adjusted EBITDA and is backed by a committed bridge facility with permanent equity/debt to follow. Management called the acquisition “transformational,” producing…
Read MoreWhat Mediterranean Franchising Gets Right—and Wrong—As the Category Grows
What separates resilient brands from fading ones is experienced leadership, a strong and authentic brand culture, and high-quality operators. Mediterranean cuisine has quietly crossed an important threshold. What was once viewed as a niche, coastal-inspired segment has become one of the most enduring growth categories in fast casual. More than 20 countries identify Mediterranean cuisine…
Read MoreChipotle’s tattoo-themed promotion generates highest sales day ever
The campaign, held for the second time March 13, stems from a viral meme Chipotle’s “Tatted Like a Chipotle Bag” promotion, held Friday, March 13, generated the highest single-day sales in the company’s history. The promotion offered tattooed fans — whether donning permanent or temporary (or even hand-drawn) ink — a buy-one-get-one entrée free on…
Read MoreKrispy Kreme Advances Turnaround Plan With $90M Refranchising Transaction
Krispy Kreme, Inc. announced continued progress on its turnaround plan to deleverage the balance sheet and drive sustainable, profitable growth through refranchising, a key component of the plan. WKS Restaurant Group Increases Stake in Western U.S. Joint Venture and Expands Footprint On March 23, 2026, Krispy Kreme completed a transaction with its joint venture partner,…
Read MoreThese 40 independent restaurants are industry innovators
The Independent Restaurant Coalition and Chase bank have teamed together to honor independent operators that model sustainability and workforce well-being. The Innovator Award includes a $25,000 grant. Forty independent restaurants across the country have won $1 million as the first class to be honored with Innovator Awards by the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) and Chase.…
Read MorePopeyes Names Burger King Vet Chris Padoan Chief Operating Officer
Restaurant Brands International announced that Chris Padoan has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Popeyes U.S. & Canada, effective March 23. In this role, Padoan will lead operations across the Popeyes system, focusing on strengthening restaurant execution, enhancing the guest experience, and supporting franchisees across the U.S. and Canada. Padoan brings nearly 15 years of…
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