Global Foodservice News
Danone to Acquire ‘Functional Nutrition’ Company Huel in Reported $1B Deal
The company said the move would expand its presence in a “new and fast-growing” market. French dairy and food products company Danone announced Monday that it has reached an agreement to acquire Huel, a U.K.-based maker of protein powders, meal replacement solutions and other plant-based “functional nutrition” products. Danone officials said the deal would bolster…
Read MoreHow c-stores are capitalizing on Americans’ caffeine obsession
Americans are obsessed with caffeine and energy, and c-stores are answering the call for more options. From energy shots to caffeinated waters to the ability to juice fountain drinks with energy shots, c-stores are one of the top places consumers look for energy on the go. “Caffeine fits c stores’ core strength: urgency, portability, and…
Read MoreGen Z Is Not Killing Restaurants and Bars
Busting the myth that “Gen Z is killing bars and restaurants,” new data suggests they actually have a significantly higher incidence of going out to eat and drink across all on-premise segments when compared to other demographics. “Gen Z is driving important metrics that signal a return to growth for the restaurant industry, which is…
Read MoreWhy Restaurants Should Embrace the Inner Kidult
The “Kidult” trend presents a low-cost, but potentially high-impact opportunity for restaurants to drive traffic, encourage more frequent visits, and build emotional brand connection. The industry has recognized “Kidults,” identified as adults, led by Gen Z, who enjoy products and experiences typically associated with children or kids’ culture, to be a desired demographic, explained Jennifer…
Read MoreChicago 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…
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