The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell slightly to 94.7 in the mid-June reading. It had spiked to 94.7 in the final May reading. But the survey’s Chief Economist Richard Curtin and many economists focused on some worrisome underlying trends.Curtin said consumers rated their current financial situation at the highest levels since the mid-2000…

U.S. petroleum refiners are apparently keeping up with rising demand for gasoline and diesel fuel so far this summer. The result: Average U.S. gasoline prices had fallen for nine consecutive days as of June 20 with prices down nearly four and a half cents from the previous week, according to the Daily Fuel Gauge Report…

Mid-June is an exciting time of year for us: We begin pulling data together for our annual equipment and supplies market forecast. Yes, I’m crazy enough to think that’s fun. It will all be presented at our annual President’s Preview E&S Market Forecast meeting scheduled August 9 at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill. (You…

Excell Marketing gave awards to 15 manufacturers at its annual conference, May 17 in Palm Springs, Cal. “It is always a privilege each year to recognize Excell’s dedicated vendor partners. The award winners were nominated by our dealers for their unwavering commitment to the group,” said the Denver group’s CEO Randy Brunschwig. “While Excell has…

Arctic Industries is marking 35 years manufacturing walk-in coolers and freezers in 2016. “We would like to thank our partners for the successes that Arctic Industries has achieved in the past 35 years,” said David Grife, President of the Miami-based company since January. Arctic was founded in 1981 by Donald Goodstein, now its chairman, and…

Michael Nadal, a veteran of two decades in the foodservice industry, has been hired by Infrico USA as National Sales Director. He joins the Miami-based maker of refrigeration, freezer and display equipment from TriMark Strategic, headquartered in Coppell, Texas. Nadal will manage the Infrico’s network of reps and dealers.

Heritage Parts has hired Chris Sperry as Senior Vice President of Operations to oversee Heritage’s supply-chain and logistical operations. Sperry brings the Fort Wayne, Ind., supplier of OEM parts and aftermarket service a strong background in operational simplification and supply-chain optimization, gleaned from positions at large commercial distribution businesses including McMaster-Carr and W.W. Grainger. “It…

The “healthy-focused” quick-service chain that broke into the Chicago market in 2008, will open as many as six new locations in the area by the end of the year. Freshii currently has 29 stores in the city and its suburbs. Its expansion will aim for a variety of formats, including stand-alone stores and grab-and-go outlets…

TriMark USA, the country’s largest equipment and supplies dealer, announced June 6 it had acquired Adams-Burch, one of the oldest foodservice equipment and supplies dealers in the country, and the largest E&S distributor serving the Mid-Atlantic States. Adams-Burch, based in Landover, Md., was founded in 1896. “I am happy to welcome Adams-Burch and each of…