Global Foodservice News
Women in HVACR Announces Key Breakout Speakers for 2026 Annual Conference
Expert-led sessions will help HVACR professionals lead through change and accelerate growth Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, announces Carrie Fraser, Bryce Batts and Michelle Myers as three of its breakout speakers for the 2026 annual conference, Built for Speed. The…
Read MorePentair to Acquire Taco in $1.4B Deal
Strategic acquisition of Rhode Island manufacturer will enhance Pentair’s capabilities in hydronic and water-based solutions. Key Highlights Pentair’s acquisition of Taco for $1.4 billion will expand its water solutions portfolio and increase market reach in high-growth sectors like HVAC and data centers; Taco brings over 100 years of innovation, a strong brand, and a diverse…
Read MoreProtein coffee? Brands cash in on functional beverage boom
Key Points Drink giants from Starbucks to Coca-Cola are introducing functional beverage products like protein coffee and prebiotic sodas. The $160 billion functional drinks market reflects demand from health-conscious young consumers. Social media has also turned functional drinks into a “status symbol,” Olivia Ferdi, co-founder of wellness drinks startup TRIP, told CNBC. Starbucks Beverage brands…
Read MoreKellogg Says It’s Removing Artificial Dyes From Cereals by the End of This Year
The change comes a year ahead of schedule. WK Kellogg said Thursday that it will remove artificial colors from all its cereals by the end of this year. The change comes a year ahead of schedule. Kellogg said last August that it would remove synthetic dyes from its cereals by the end of 2027. But…
Read MoreHaraz Coffee wins NRN’s Coffee Showdown
The Yemeni coffeehouse out of Dearborn, Michigan, beat Alfred Coffee in the finals to claim top honors. Haraz Coffee House has emerged victorious in Nation’s Restaurant News’ first-ever Coffee Showdown, defeating runner-up Alfred Coffee in the competition celebrating up-and-coming emerging coffee chains. The Showdown series highlighted chains that could be the next Starbucks, and finalists…
Read MoreHickory Tavern’s Growth Strategy Starts With its People
New brand president Tony Read believes better team member experiences lead to better guest experiences. When Artistry Restaurants acquired Hickory Tavern in early 2025, it wasn’t buying a turnaround project as much as it was inheriting a Carolina institution. For nearly three decades, the 20-unit chain has occupied a unique place in North and South…
Read MoreHow In-Store Audio Drives Restaurant Engagement
Restaurant operators have measured nearly every aspect of the customer journey. They track mobile app downloads, online ordering patterns, loyalty participation, email engagement, coupon redemption rates, customer sentiment, and social media interactions. Every digital touchpoint has become measurable, optimized, and increasingly personalized. Yet one important part of the guest experience inside the physical restaurant itself…
Read MoreWhat Planned 2026 Openings Reveal About Restaurant Size and Seating
Restaurant real estate is often described through one broad theme: smaller boxes, more off-premise capacity and fewer dining-room seats. Planned 2026 restaurant openings show a more varied market. Compact fast-casual and quick-service locations are expanding alongside casual/family and upscale restaurants built around substantially larger dining rooms. Planned 2026 location records do not point to one…
Read MoreIntermountain Food Equipment Makes Acquisition
The groups’ customers will have access to a test kitchen and training facility in Gilbert, Ariz., plus expanded product lines and more. Utah-based rep firm Intermountain Food Equipment acquired Arizona-based Power Rep Marketing Group, effective Aug. 1. The strategic move furthers its growth within MAFSI Region 20, and will result in expanded equipment lines, enhanced…
Read MoreEMR Names Taylor Rudolph Operations Manager
Rudolph joined the service company in 2021 and most recently served as assistant branch manager. Electric Motor Repair Co. has promoted Taylor Rudolph to operations manager. She joined the service company in 2021 and has moved through the ranks from service coordinator to assistant branch manager, and now operations manager. In her new role, Rudolph…
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