Longtime TriMark executive Jay Blitstein has transitioned to a new role with the company. Blitstein now serves as regional vice president for Northern California for the Massachusetts-based foodservice equipment and supplies dealer.
Panera, Toppers Pizza, FAT Brands and Famous Toastery announce series of leadership changes.
Carl Bachmann will become chief executive officer of multiconcept operator BurgerFi International, Inc., effective July 10. BurgerFi International is the parent company for both the burger chain that operates under the same name as well as Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza.
Multiconcept operator FAT Brands tapped Allison Lauenstein and David Pear to serve as brand presidents.
Larry Cantamessa, president of New York-based rep firm PBAC and Associates has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 63 years old.
SEFA, a dealer-based foodservice equipment and supplies buying group, recognized the contributions of some of its member companies and suppliers through a series of annual awards. Specifically, SEFA presented Arizona Restaurant Supply with its Member of the Year Award and Vulcan with its Supplier of the Year Award.
Allied Buying Corporation, an Illinois-based dealer buying group, recognized the contributions of some of its members and vendors with its annual awards program.
Famous Toastery hired Rob Sterioti to serve as vice president of operations for the 25-unit better brunch franchise.
Smoothie King hired Camille Hymes to serve as chief operating officer for the quick-service chain, effective June 5.
Oswalt Restaurant Supply added Pam Corbell to its team. Corbell will serve as a project manager for the Oklahoma-based foodservice equipment and supplies dealer.
UNOX hired Lisa Tyler to serve as vice president – sales channel for the North Carolina-based oven manufacturer.
Shikin Amain Turner joined Webb Foodservice Design as design director for the Anaheim, Calif.-based foodservice consulting firm.
Jessica Shelly, director, student dining services, Cincinnati Public Schools, was named the 2023 Gold Plate Award winner by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA).
As part of a planned transition, Polly’s Pies promoted Eric Stenta to CEO and president. He takes over for James Kaa, who is stepping down to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests, per a company release.
José Alberto Dueñas will take over as CEO of Panera Brands starting July 1, 2023.
Commercial cooking equipment manufacturer Henny Penny named Brian Silverberg company president.
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced the winners of its annual awards given to service members and military establishments of the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Air Force, the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves.
TriMark USA named John Tulaney director of private label equipment. In this role Tulaney’s primary focus is the dealer’s Kintera brand.
Company veteran Adam Oldenburg was promoted to CEO of Toppers Pizza. He replaces founder Scott Gittrich, who will now serve as chairman of the board for Toppers Pizza.
Truluck’s hired Thomas Dritsas to serve as its corporate executive chef. In this role, Dritsas will work side by side with the chain’s chefs to oversee Truluck’s culinary teams while creating dishes that will help its menu continues to evolve.
