Uncategorized

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…

Meiko, the Offenburg, Germany, maker of dishwashers and cleaning and disinfection appliances, has strengthened its international business by appointing Klaus Engesser as its new head of export sales and marketing for dishwashing technology. The 86-year-old company exports more than half of its products to 60-plus countries. It has 10 affiliated companies in Germany, six in…

KFC is putting its 11 herbs and spices in the forefront—and in its name—at a prototype fast-casual store opening August 5. The white-bearded, bespectacled image of chain founder Colonel Harland Sanders has no presence in the concept. The chain will open a “KFC eleven” store near its headquarters in Louisville, Ky., which will serve flatbread…

When the International Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Show asked consultants to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard to create “The Next Great Foodservice Concept,” the IHMRS staff set no limits. The competition for the design of a revenue-generating foodservice concept attracted 11 entrants. They provided a concept description, sample menu, renderings, equipment list…

Next year is an off year for The NAFEM Show. As always in non-show years, the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers will instead host its Annual Meeting & Management Workshop. Registration opened last month for the Feb. 7-10, 2014, meeting at the JW Marriott New Orleans.

Starbucks Corp. has opened its first Teavana tea store and bar on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The inaugural store has a tea bar serving hot and cold drinks; the food menu includes baked goods, salads and flat breads. Starbucks acquired Teavana Holdings last year for $620 million. Teavana had about 300 shopping mall stores that…

Dexter-Russell has acquired the Chef Revival apparel brand from San Jamar. The deal, effective Nov. 1, includes the complete Chef Revival product line of chef apparel, aprons, crew uniforms, towels, hats and hair nets. The acquisition complements Dexter-Russell’s full line of knives and cutlery. Both companies are part of The Affinity Group, based in Southbridge,…