Check your plane tickets and update your hotel reservations: The

Dunkin’ Brands went public last week, in a big way. Shares were up more than 50% in the first day of its IPO. The optimism and soaring interest seemed to stem from investors’ sense of manifest destiny. The Canton, Mass., company’s Dunkin’ Donuts stores are concentrated in the Northeast, and investors are focused on expansion possibilities…

American Creative Solutions, a Savannah, Tenn., manufacturer and custom fabricator of front-of-the-house cabinetry, kiosks, carts, serving counters, and custom refrigerated counters, is now an affiliated company of the Eagle Group. Larry McAllister, president of Clayton, Del.-based Eagle, said the affiliated company, known as American Creative Solutions LLC, will focus on strengthening marketing and sales with…

Foodservice directors in one of the E&S industry’s biggest growth markets will converge later this month for the Association of Correctional Food Service Affiliates’ annual international conference. ACFSA will host the meeting Aug. 14-18 at the Norfolk, Va., Waterside Marriott. General and breakout sessions will focus on a wide variety of topics, including “Equipment Refurbishing:…

Scotsman Ice Systems has hired a new sales director for a hot market: Alex Carayannopoulos has been appointed director, healthcare sales. “Alex’s leadership and proven industry experience have prepared him to expand our market share in healthcare,” said Denis Griesmer, v.p.-sales and marketing for the Vernon Hills, Ill., manufacturer of ice machines, storage bins and…

First, DineEquity sets up a deal for its IHOP brand to set down roots in the Middle East. Now the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Applebee’s Services, has signed a multi-restaurant franchise agreement with AMECO Foods for the development of ten new Applebee’s restaurants in…

Boldly colored displayware, high-accuracy thermometers and high-strength cookware give you fresh new options.

The days are winding down to sign up for NAFEM’s one-day E&S seminar for the Certified Food Service Professional program. The Equipment & Supplies Overview is Wednesday, Aug.10, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at NAFEM’s Chicago headquarters. Attendees can follow up the overview with the CFSP exam in NAFEM’s office. Sign up at

New members took their seats on the board at the Association for Healthcare Foodservice on Aug.1. Beth Yosford, MS, FACHE, FMP, senior director, food and nutrition, environmental service and laundry at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C., is president-elect. Treasurer-elect is Randy Sparrow, director-food, nutrition and environmental services at Indiana University. New directors are Tony Almeida,…

One of the industry’s most referenced technical experts has begun what it calls “our journey into the world of social media.” The Food Service Technology Center has started an FSTC Facebook Page. Events, educational and training opportunities, tips and updates on qualified appliances will be noted at the page. Check it out (and friend FSTC)…