ROSEMONT, ILL. (Sept. 14, 2023)—William C. McHenry, president and CEO of Widgeteer, Inc., has been elected to the board of directors of the International Housewares Association (IHA), the full-service trade association for the housewares industry. His three-year term begins Oct. 1, 2023 and ends Sept. 30, 2026. Also elected were new board officers: ➢ Chairman… read more
Global Foodservice News
South Korean Robotics Company Takes Root in North America
Aniai, a robotics company operating in the commercial kitchen space, has established a North American headquarters in New York City. The South Korean company also hired Eric Hansen to serve as its director of sales. Hansen’s background includes working with such restaurant industry-related tech companies as Groupon and Uber Eats. Aniai’s flagship product Alpha Grill… read more
B&G Foods Sells Green Giant Canned Vegetables Line to Seneca Foods
B&G will retain the brand trademarks, the Green Giant frozen and Canadian businesses, and the Le Sueur product line. B&G Foods Inc. has sold the Green Giant shelf-stable vegetable product line to Seneca Foods Corp., according to a company release. The transaction does not include Green Giant frozen, Green Giant Canada or Le Sueur products,… read more
Smucker’s Closes Hostess Acquisition, Announces Leadership, Structural Changes
The J.M. Smucker Co. announces a shuffling of business units and leadership changes to incorporate the new Hostess businesses and brands. Following the closing of the acquisition of Hostess Brands, The J.M. Smucker Co. has created a new business unit called “Sweet Baked Snacks” and named Dan O’Leary senior vice president and general manager of… read more
Voodoo Doughnut unveils grand opening for Dallas
Voodoo Doughnut, pioneers of the gourmet doughnut category, is thrilled to announce the official grand opening date for their eagerly awaited 21st store in Dallas, TX, set to take place on Monday, November 20, 2023. After months of meticulous planning, doors will open to the public at 8 AM on Monday, November 20th where fans… read more
YUM! Posts Positive Results
Yum Brands—parent to KFC, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill and Pizza Hut—had a few positives to share during its Q3 earnings call with investors, held Wednesday, Nov. 1. For one, the company set a record on unit development, having opened 1,130 gross new units in its latest quarter, which ended Sept. 30. KFC led the… read more
Todd Griffith Joins RPI Industries As Sales VP
Most recently with Marra Forni, Griffith brings more than 30 years of experience to the role. Medford, N.J.-based RPI Industries has appointed Todd Griffith as its vice president of sales. Griffith has a robust background in commercial culinary operations, specifically in healthcare, contract and corporate dining. “What sets him apart is his background in every… read more
Atosa Announces Appointment of Chief Revenue Officer and More!
Foodservice equipment manufacturer Atosa USA will have several leadership changes kick in Jan. 1, 2024. The newly announced appointments are as follows: Jennifer Ward (pictured above) will take a new role as chief revenue officer. Ward, who has been with the manufacturer since 2018, currently serves as Atosa’s VP of sales. In her new position,… read more
Alto-Shaam expands its Facilities
Alto-Shaam held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick-start the expansion of its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility. The manufacturer will add a state-of-the-art Innovation Center to its global headquarters and manufacturing facility. The 100,000-square-foot facility will include an R&D lab, alongside engineering, product management, shipping, and finished goods spaces. The center will connect to the existing… read more
Golden Corral takes a step away from the buffet
The new fast-casual Homeward Kitchen concept is finally getting ready to open in December. Golden Corral is getting ready for its fast-casual debut. But that doesn’t mean it plans to move away from the buffet format. The company’s first Homeward Kitchen, a fast-casual spinoff that will not be a buffet, is scheduled to open in… read more