Long-time MAFSI member and past president Ray Ward died suddenly on Dec. 5.Ward spent 30 years as a manufacturers’ rep in upstate New York, where he was a principal of Rochester-based Quality Rep Source. The firm merged in 2007 with Bassett-Carragher Associates to form Link2 Hospitality Solutions. Three years ago, he took a post in…

Foodservice equipment is getting more complex and the need for trained technicians is ever-growing. Also increasing is the stream of veterans returning from military service overseas who need jobs in the civilian sector. Service and equipment repair companies are part of a new program, TechU24, to recruit and train returning military personnel as foodservice equipment…

The Home of the Whopper is growing its global empire. After debuting last year in Brazil, China and Russia—and inking an agreement to open its first store in South Africa this year—Burger King Worldwide is returning to France. The chain hasn’t had a store there since 1997, when it exited the country, citing poor sales.…

It’s another bite of the burger market for Cheeseburger in Paradise chain for about $11 million. Co-branding is likely. In August, Luby’s opened a side-by-side Luby’s Cafeteria and Fuddruckers in a Houston suburb. Overall, Luby’s operates 93 Luby’s, 62 Fuddruckers, two Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistros, and one Bob Luby’s Seafood Grill. Luby’s Culinary Services…

Unified Brands has hired Neil Kirven as healthcare segment manager. His responsibilities include creating and executing strategic product management. Kirven was previously president of Burlodge USA, an Ali Group company. In addition, the Jackson, Miss., manufacturer has hired Steve D’Angelo as corporate chef to develop custom culinary menu and foodservice product solutions. D’Angelo’s culinary experience…

Long-time MAFSI member and past president Ray Ward died suddenly on Dec. 5. Ward spent 30 years as a manufacturers’ rep in upstate New York, where he was a principal of Rochester-based Quality Rep Source. The firm merged in 2007 with Bassett-Carragher Associates to form Link2 Hospitality Solutions. Three years ago, he took a post…

Libbey Inc. has become the exclusive U.S. distributor for two longtime German glass and servingware manufacturers. Libbey will distribute Spiegelau and Nachtmann products. Spiegelau, founded in 1521, makes fine stemware and premium drinkware assortments. Nachtmann was established in 1843 and offers upscale servingware, decorative products, stemware and drinkware. Both are owned by Riedel Glassworks. In addition…

It isn’t just chains making footprints in the Middle East. Restaurant Equipment World has opened a location in Dubai, UAE. The office will support the Orlando, Fla., firm’s clients in the Middle East/North Africa region, and function as an after-hours call center for REW’s web clients. REW’s affiliated rapid procurement company, Critical Supply World, will…

Tony Kaszuba, president of RMA Hospitality Management, has been nominated as this year’s Society for Foodservice Management’s 2013 Hennessy Traveler. The Hennessy Traveler program promotes educational opportunities for members of the U.S. Air Force serving in hospitality assignments and who are interested in pursuing post-military careers in the foodservice industry. With his selection, Kaszuba carries…

The National Restaurant Association expects continuing modest growth for the foodservice industry next year, in spite of many uncertainties, with current dollar growth forecast at 3.8% and growth after price inflation of 0.8%. While modest, it would mark the fourth consecutive year of growth in the U.S. foodservice industry, with sales estimated at $660.5 billion. The…