Read what's happening with The Vollrath Co., Anvil America, T. Marzetti, Empower Media Marketing, Pizza Inn Inc., Roma Food Enterprises, Performance Food Group Co., Sugar Association, PepsiCo, Druxy's Famous Deli Sandwiches, Opterus Store Ops-Center, Synergy Restaurant Consultants, Absolut Vodka and Cintas.
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. – THE VOLLRATH CO. LLC the manufacturer of smallwares and equipment for the foodservice industry, said it has acquired ANVIL AMERICA INC. Anvil America, which is based in Asheville, N.C., produces countertop cooking and food preparation equipment that Vollrath officials see as having a natural synergy with their own product lines. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – T. MARZETTI, the specialty food division of Lancaster Colony Corp., based here, said it has contracted with Cincinnati-based EMPOWER MEDIA MARKETING to supply media planning/buying and digital/creative services, including website development initiatives. Marzetti will work with Empower to expand business by using a more diversified media mix and other new marketing initiatives.
THE COLONY, Texas – PIZZA INN INC., a division of Norco Restaurant Services Co., based here, has entered into a strategic partnership with Richmond, Va.-based ROMA FOOD ENTERPRISES, a subsidiary of Performance Food Group Co. Roma will be the exclusive distributor to more than 100 domestic franchise Pizza Inns across the southeastern United States.
WASHINGTON – The SUGAR ASSOCIATION and its member companies offered congratulations to PEPSICO and its local bottlers on the introduction of Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback. The Association said the use of real, all-natural sugar is "a ‘win-win' for all." The two beverages will be available only for a limited time.
TORONTO, Ontario – DRUXY'S FAMOUS DELI SANDWICHES, the Canadian deli sandwich chain, said it selected OPTERUS STORE OPS-CENTER as its retail portal and communications platform in all 54 locations across Canada. Druxy's said its chief goal is to save administrative time that corporate staff members must spend keeping franchise owners and location managers informed and in compliance.
LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. – Foodservice industry veteran PHIL RATNER has joined SYNERGY RESTAURANT CONSULTANTS as managing director. In his new post, Ratner will spearhead restaurant turnaround efforts and provide financial, operational, and structural expertise for major restaurant, hotel and hospitality chains. Ratner, who has served in top leadership posts for restaurant chains over the past 20 years, most recently was the president and chief executive of Marie Callender's Restaurants.
NEW YORK – ABSOLUT VODKA has launched its Spring/Summer promotions targeting on-premise business. Promotions include the launch of Absolut Mango, hosting "guerilla-style" sampling events and creating concepts that will allow consumers to reacquaint themselves with Absolut classics in fun ways, the company said. The events will target social consumers between ages 21 and 34 who frequent upscale locations.
CHICAGO – CINTAS said nine of its customers have received nominations for the prestigious Image of the Year Awards. Nominees for the award, which recognizes leaders in the corporate uniform and apparel industry, include Aliante Station Casino, Ameristar Casino East Chicago, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., and Hilton Garden Inn.