Uncategorized

While the Blue Chip Economic Indicators’ economists cut the U.S. forecasts, the economic outlooks for many countries in Europe and Asia improved, especially in Europe. A much stronger than anticipated rise in real gross domestic product in the second quarter in several Eurozone countries pushed the forecast for overall Eurozone GDP growth this year to…

The forecasts for continued slow growth of the U.S. economy and for a painfully slow recovery of employment are holding. The more than 50 macroeconomic forecasting groups surveyed monthly by Blue Chip Economic Indicators left their consensus forecasts for real growth of gross domestic product unchanged at 2.7% this year and 2.5% in 2011. It…

The world’s largest democracy is finding no interest among foodservice operators for its voluntary inspection and accreditation program.   The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India has not had a single eatery respond to its offer for accreditation through Quality Control of India, which has the mandate to decide standards, inspect and accredit restaurants,…

Financial help for operators to clear the air is available in counties east of San Francisco. In an effort to reduce emissions from charbroiling meat, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is offering funding to retrofit commercial under-fired charbroilers. The units emit particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, both considered pollutants harmful to…

The member breakfast at the March 30-April 2, 2011 Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association meeting in Phoenix is a crucial one for talking insider—or more specifically, interior design—politics. Across the country, FEDA members have been fighting legislation that threatens their rights to practice interior design, including the ability to prepare and submit drawings. As detailed previously…

KOLD-DRAFT has named Frank Pierce its new manufacturing v.p., responsible for the company’s manufacturing, distribution and purchasing. Pierce previously served with General Electric and Allied Signal. Kold-Draft, headquartered in Erie, Pa., specializes in ice-making and ice-bagging machines.

Dunkin’ Donuts is going south—expansion-wise, anyway. The Canton, Mass., chain has signed agreements with three franchisees to develop 17 new restaurant franchises in south Florida and Jacksonville over the next several years. The chain will also be opening more stores in Georgia, where it has inked a multiunit store-development agreement with veteran, nine-unit franchisee Tom…