The Vollrath Co. has launched a website for its newly branded Vollrath Manufacturing Services division, formerly known as Polar Ware Contract Manufacturing.“Whether it is in the foodservice, industrial cleaning or the manufacturing industry, the Vollrath name is synonymous with outstanding quality, design and craftsmanship in manufacturing. We believe leveraging the Vollrath brand for our manufacturing-services…

In 2012, after years of legal wrangling and legislative baby steps, Chicago opened its streets—in a highly regulated manner—to food trucks. Food carts were left out of the ordinance, but last week, the city decided it was ready for those vendors. As with food trucks, the estimated 1,500 food carts will be regulated and made…

Just a month after we reported on a Utah town setting aside a years-long ban on chain restaurants, the vox populi—and a desire for Shake Shack—has won the day in West Hollywood, Calif. A proposal by two members of the City Council would have limited the number and type of chain restaurants and stores operating…

The Worldwide Buyers Guide—FER‘s annual directory of foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturers and suppliers—is unique in the world of foodservice media. We created it in 1999 to help big chain restaurant and hotel buyers who work globally source products from all of the markets in which they were operating or planned to operate. Christine Palmer,…

The application deadline is edging nearer for the 2016 Kitchen Innovations Awards. Entries for the awards, recognizing innovative, cutting-edge equipment introduced to the marketplace in the past 24 months, are required by December 4. And they matter: Winners in the National Restaurant Association’s KI program earn kudos from the competitions and attention from buyers. The…

November in Chicago can mean rain, snow or warm, sunny skies. If you’re a FEDA member, there is a lot to keep you busy—in your office or in the Windy City. First up is the association’s Nov. 4 webinar, “Selling Has Nothing To Do with Selling; How to Sell in the Age of the Information…

T&S Brass and Bronze Works has unveiled its newly revamped T&S University, an online training program for dealers, manufacturers’ reps, wholesalers and consultants. The university program launched in 2003, but the rapid changes in technology over the past decade prompted T&S to completely overhaul it with new features, including a more user-friendly, interactive student experience;…

This is my favorite time of year. Usually, from mid-August until before Christmas, my salespeople and I call on as many of our customers as physically possible. I get to do many enjoyable and rewarding things in this job, but none give me more pleasure. It’s even more fun this year, as I’m travelling with…

Ali Group, parent company of 76 global foodservice equipment brands, announced September 17 that it has closed on its agreement to acquire InterMetro Industries and its subsidiaries, including Metro, from Emerson. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. In announcing the acquisition, Luciano Berti, Ali Group’s Chairman and CEO, stated: “The Metro acquisition is strategically…