The Commercial Food Equipment Service Association has appointed Heather Price as its new executive director. Price assumes the association’s first in-house position, created last month when CFESA’s board of directors elected to take more direct control over the group’s management. “We are one step closer in aligning CFESA with its long-term vision,” stated CFESA V.P.…

Blendtec has tapped Scott Hinckley as its new commercial sales director. Hinckley has worked with Blendtec as a consultant for the past six months and will transition into leading efforts in sales force development, sales rep recruitment, business development, strategic planning, new product development, new market development, and bottom- and top-line management. The 20-year industry…

Among the many handshake deals and contract signings, educational seminars, food tastings, networking and “swag” collecting that kept exhibitors and attendees busy at last week’s NRA Show, was the announcement of winners in the association’s second annual Operator Innovations Awards. Kennesaw State University took home top honors with the Innovator of the Year award. Selected…

Brinker Int’l. is accelerating its growth in Canada. The Dallas company has signed a deal with longtime Canadian franchise partner, Speedy Creek (2011) Ltd. to acquire 11 existing Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants, all in the province of Alberta, which generate approximately $35 million in annual sales. The transaction is projected to close in June.…

Noodles & Co. has become the first fast-casual concept to file for an initial public offering this year. The Broomfield, Colo.-based chain’s long-anticipated IPO, filed May 23, seeks to raise up to $75 million with the goal of repaying debt and growing nationally. There were eight foodservice industry IPOs in 2012, but none were fast-casual…

Just a glance at the numbers makes it clear: It was a good year to make the trek to Chicago’s McCormick Place for the 94th annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and 6th annual International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event. The May 18-21 show posted a second year of positive growth in both attendee…

John C. Metz Jr., CEO/executive chef and co-founder of Atlanta-based Sterling Hospitality, was named the Gold Plate Award winner by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association on May 20. Metz, nominated by The Coca-Cola Co. and Ecolab, was one of eight operator executives who were eligible for the award after receiving the IFMA Silver Plate award…

Gary Bowker, 62, who served with Denver-based The Redstone Group, died May 22. According to MAFSI, of which he was a longtime member, Bowker will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, wonderful smile and his love of people. His survivors include his wife, Martha. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his…

Ed McCarthy, retired owner of North Star Agency in Edina, Minn., died May 22. He was 84. Although retired from the agency, McCarthy remained active in the business until he experienced a heart attack while driving near his home. A longtime member of MAFSI, he is remembered as a great storyteller who was proud of his…

Longtime MAFSI member, Joseph Sabatino, founder of High Sabatino Associates in Jessup, Md., died May 22. He was 76. He started out at F.A. Davis Co. as a draftsman in 1954 and became a salesperson at L&N Hill Co. in 1962. He joined forces with Ken High five years later and spent nearly 40 years…