We now have seen all the third-quarter equipment and supplies market data, as well as the October Restaurant Performance Index, the November consumer confidence measures, and the like. The pols are in full strutting posture as they peer over the fiscal cliff or slope or whatever you call it. It all adds up to a…

Diversified Foodservice Supply, the parent company of AllPoints Foodservice Parts and Supplies, Tundra Specialties, and other brands in the parts, supplies, equipment and accessories distribution industry, has acquired Franklin Machine Products. Better known as FMP, the 94-year-old Lumberton, N.J., company is a leading distributor of foodservice repair parts and accessories. Current FMP Pres. Joe Grato…

Two months after it strengthened its presence in the South by acquiring Georgia-based Century Concepts, distribution giant

Have you saved the date for FER‘s evening honoring 17 organizations and individuals? The new industry awards event Friday evening, Feb. 8, during The NAFEM `13 Show, includes dinner and awards presentations at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando, Fla. Among the winners are operators Subway and the foodservice operations at the Wexner Medical Center at The…

The looming fiscal cliff appears to have given restaurant operators a case of vertigo. The prospect of rapidly rising prices for key proteins may be adding to the swoon. For the first time in 14 months, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index fell below the 100 level the index uses to separate industry expansion…

The MAFSI Business Barometer unexpectedly improved in the third quarter, as overall sales for manufacturers’ reps climbed to 4.3% in the quarter versus sales in the same quarter last year. The number beat advances of 4% in the first quarter and 3.6% in the second quarter and was the best performance since a 4.7% gain…

There are a few days left to submit products, technologies and equipment for the National Restaurant Association’s Kitchen Innovations Awards. While next year’s NRA Show is still months away (May 18-21 at Chicago’s McCormick Place), the association needs manufacturers to submit cutting-edge equipment, technologies and supplies for the 2013 edition of the KIAs. Award recipients…

The time has come again to recognize commercial and noncommercial operators who drive innovation and excellence in the restaurant industry. The National Restaurant Association is accepting nominations for its 2013 Operator Innovations Awards, which celebrate “operators who are transforming the industry with extraordinary creativity and commitment to innovation and excellence in execution.” Self-nominations are welcomed.…

Burkett Restaurant Equipment recently received a top honor at the University of Toledo. At the school’s annual Entrepreneurial and Business Excellence Hall of Fame ceremony on Nov. 8, Burkett received the Business Excellence Award for its substantial growth and contributions to the local economy. Company Pres. Jameel Burkett accepted the award, and summed up the…