Canada’s provincial governments are making running a business a bit more difficult for operators. In Vancouver, B.C., the general minimum wage has been boosted 28% over the next 14 months. The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservice Association says the three scheduled wage increases will cost the restaurant industry an estimated $295 million in additional payroll costs.Restaurant…

The hits keep coming. The 2011 Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association Show in Toronto March 6-8 has been declared a “resounding success” by its sponsors. The CRFA reports that the show’s 13,000 visitors visited 1,200 exhibit booths and attended 31 educational and 38 chef demos. Beyond the numbers, there were awards. Four exhibitors—Ecolab, Garland/Manitowoc, Libbey Foodservice…

The shipping origin label might look a bit different if you’re a dealer for Electrolux Professional in the southeastern United States or an operator on the receiving end of a shipment. The company’s new regional distribution center in Fairburn, Ga., will be operational next month. The manufacturer says the location optimizes service for customers in…

One of the country’s largest Taco Bell franchisees has been acquired. K-Mac Holdings Corp. has been purchased by the Los Angeles-based equity investment firm Brentwood Associates. K-Mac, located in Fort Smith, Ark., operates 190 restaurants in six states, including 166 Taco Bell, 19 KFC and five Golden Corral restaurants. Its stores are located in Arkansas,…

Busy times in the Middle East, and busy times at Beautiful Brands Int’l. Just months after the Tulsa, Okla., company announced plans for 100 Dixie Cream Donut Co. units in the region—including stores in Iraq—BBI says it will open at least 40 stores in Saudi Arabia. The agreement with Khalid Al-Sudairy to franchise and open…

Henny Penny Corp. is reporting a couple of honors. In January, the Eaton, Ohio-based manufacturer was awarded McDonald’s 2010 Worldwide Equipment Partnership of the Year Award at the chain’s Equipment Supplier Summit. Henny Penny attributes the award to its LVE Series 200 fryer, designed specifically for the chain’s high-volume production. In 2008, the manufacturer won…

It looks like spring is coming, both literally and figuratively. Industry indicators have been improving for a while now. The MAFSI Business Barometer was up in the fourth quarter last year. The NAFEM Show was upbeat, with booth space sold out and an 8% jump in attendee traffic. So, what’s that mean to you? As…

It’s bigger than a gold star, it’s Energy Star. Although the complete list of winners won’t be announced until April, at least four foodservice equipment manufacturers have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their efforts toward reducing energy consumption in their products. For the second consecutive year, the EPA has recognized ITW…

This weekend marks Singer Equipment Co.’s 24th annual trade show at its Elverson, Pa., headquarters. The March 27-28 event includes more than 200 manufacturers showcasing equipment, supplies and furniture. This year’s show focuses on environmentally friendly and energy-saving products. A number of cooking demonstrations are scheduled as well. Last year’s show drew more than 600…

Representatives from 62 divisions of U.S. Foodservice were in attendance at Next Day Gourmet’s annual Equipment and Supply Conference. The event, Jan. 25-27 in New Orleans, hosted 45 of Next Day Gourmet’s top supplier partners as participants. In addition to providing a forum for suppliers to present their latest product innovations, the conference gave Next…