Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association

Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association Trade association for dealers/distributors of foodservice equipment and supplies. www.feda.com

Check Out the Latest Issue of FEDA News & Views Magazine!The FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference is regarded as ...
12/19/2025

Check Out the Latest Issue of FEDA News & Views Magazine!

The FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference is regarded as the premier event for executive-level networking in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry. Each year, the conference location is selected with purpose — creating a setting where senior leaders can connect naturally, exchange ideas openly and build professional relationships. This issue of FEDA News & Views previews the conference’s programs and speakers, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, and explores other trends that will shape the new year.

https://ow.ly/7F6750XH85c

AyrKing, a FEDA manufacturer member and part of CFS Brands, has hired Sophie Wegenast as its newest mechanical engineer....
12/18/2025

AyrKing, a FEDA manufacturer member and part of CFS Brands, has hired Sophie Wegenast as its newest mechanical engineer.

In her new role, Wegenast will be responsible for producing drawings, prototype testing and other tasks that support the Louisville-based manufacturer’s engineering capabilities and business growth. She will work on food preparation projects and help grow the company’s innovation pipeline by solving customers’ real-world back-of-house challenges, AyrKing said.

Wegenast has a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Louisville and previously interned at the Additive Manufacturing Institute of Science and Technology. She joins a growing team of engineers at AyrKing, including recent hires Alex Baker and Rushi Bhakta.

“Sophie’s unique combination of hands-on manufacturing and design experience adds valuable capability to our team,” Jim Bell, president of AyrKing, said in a news release. “As we continue to expand, her ability to move from concept to prototype will help us solve challenges our customers face.”

https://ow.ly/Nqz250XLsQS

Alto-Shaam, a FEDA manufacturer member, has appointed Brian Hageman as the senior regional sales manager for the South C...
12/17/2025

Alto-Shaam, a FEDA manufacturer member, has appointed Brian Hageman as the senior regional sales manager for the South Central region.

In his new role, Hageman will be responsible for driving sales growth across the region by nurturing relationships with new and existing customers and working alongside dealer, distributor and consultant partners to deliver a seamless customer experience, Alto-Shaam said in a news release. Based in Texas, he possesses more than 20 years of experience in the foodservice, beverage and hospitality sectors, including more than eight years at RATIONAL. Most recently, he was a national account manager at ITW.

“I’m delighted to welcome Brian to the team,” said Justin Harkey, senior vice president of sales. “Brian has a proven track record of accelerating revenue and market share on both a regional and national level, and his wealth of experience, expertise and leadership will prove invaluable as we look to continue to deliver exceptional service and support for customers and partners across South Central.”

https://ow.ly/W6RX50XKVjR

Valorie Silvestri has joined Middleby as vice president of sales for Middleby Beverage Group. She will report directly t...
12/16/2025

Valorie Silvestri has joined Middleby as vice president of sales for Middleby Beverage Group. She will report directly to Middleby Beverage Group President Korey Kohl.

Silvestri will be responsible for driving sales and executing strategies for new and existing Middleby-brand drink dispensing systems throughout the beverage portfolio, the company said in a news release. Her initial focus will be on commercializing Middleby’s new Gravity and Fizzbot products.

“Valorie has built longstanding, trusted relationships throughout her career by truly collaborating with her customers,” Kohl said. “She has a proven track record of implementing successful commercial strategies, accelerating growth and supporting major product and technology initiatives. With her expertise and deep knowledge base, I am confident she will excel in her new role.”

Silvestri brings more than 20 years of industry experience to her new position. Before joining Middleby, she held positions at Coca-Cola, Cornelius and, most recently, as director of strategic accounts at Lancer. These roles have given her the comprehensive perspectives of an original equipment manufacturer, bottler and operator, Middleby said.

https://ow.ly/wmeU50XKhiC

FEDA distributor member Culinary Depot was honored at the American Jewish Committee Food Service & Hospitality Division’...
12/15/2025

FEDA distributor member Culinary Depot was honored at the American Jewish Committee Food Service & Hospitality Division’s 64th Annual Tribute dinner on Dec. 2 in New York.

Sholem Potash, founder of the New York-based dealer, and Michael Lichter, CEO, accepted the Visionary Leadership Award at the event. The award honors organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation and commitment to building stronger communities. Culinary Depot was selected because of its deep involvement in charity and support, as well as its expertise in the foodservice industry.

“This award is deeply meaningful to us because it reflects the values we strive to live by every day — integrity, compassion and a commitment to helping others,” Culinary Depot said. “It is a reminder that success is not only measured by business growth but by the positive difference we make in people’s lives.”

Since its founding in 1999, Culinary Depot has strived to serve as an industry leader through acts of kindness, generosity and a dedication to creating opportunities for others. The company credits its success to teamwork, innovation and a passion for serving not only customers but also its surrounding communities.

“I grew up in a home where my father dedicated his life to a school for impoverished children,” Lichter said in his acceptance speech. “And I always thought I would continue in his way. When I ultimately joined my father-in-law’s business, my rabbi taught me that it doesn’t matter what you are doing, with the right intentions it is all holy. That is the message [of the AJC dinner], each small impact makes the world a better place.”

https://ow.ly/vlpI50XJX5v

From his early days as a dishwasher to working as a factory representative, regional sales professional and manager of f...
12/15/2025

From his early days as a dishwasher to working as a factory representative, regional sales professional and manager of fine dining and hotel establishments, Ran Berger has touched nearly every part of the foodservice industry over his 25-year career. His latest move will see him taking on an even larger role: COO of Curtis Restaurant Equipment.

The Oregon-based dealer announced Berger’s promotion in early December. He originally joined Curtis 10 years ago, working the front counter with a people-first approach that quickly resonated with both colleagues and customers. He went on to work in sales roles for TriMark, Accurex and Krowne before returning to Curtis in 2022 as a sales and marketing director. “His journey through the industry has given him a rare, full-spectrum understanding of foodservice equipment and operations — a perspective that allows him to lead with both expertise and heart,” Curtis said in a news release.

In his new role as COO, Berger will guide Curtis’ daily operations, including inventory and warehouse management, installation and delivery, service operations, and cross-department collaboration with accounting, marketing, and other teams. Beyond day-to-day operations, he will shape strategic initiatives, from forecasting and pricing strategies to long-term growth planning — all with a focus on supporting employees, delighting customers and strengthening industry partnerships.

“Ran’s leadership has always been defined by his people-first mindset, commitment to Curtis’ core values and belief that true growth comes from lifting others up,” the company said. “He is a trusted mentor, a culture champion and a driving force behind teamwork and continuous improvement. His promotion is not just a recognition of his achievements but a celebration of the positive impact he has had across the organization.”

https://ow.ly/l8YG50XJzUb

From FEDA News & Views: When Compliance Collides With CostWhen federal and state regulations change the design and perfo...
12/12/2025

From FEDA News & Views: When Compliance Collides With Cost

When federal and state regulations change the design and performance requirements for foodservice equipment, the effects ripple far beyond the manufacturing floor. New rules can influence what products dealers can offer, how much they cost and whether customers are willing — or able — to invest in the latest models. In the best cases, these standards can drive innovation, lower energy consumption and help operators reduce utility costs. But when mandates become too ambitious or misaligned with market realities, they often trigger unintended consequences that frustrate end users and slow adoption of the very environmentally friendly technologies regulators are trying to promote.

https://ow.ly/1NbB50XIt7Q

Check Out the Latest Issue of FEDA News & Views Magazine!The FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference is regarded as ...
12/10/2025

Check Out the Latest Issue of FEDA News & Views Magazine!

The FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference is regarded as the premier event for executive-level networking in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry. Each year, the conference location is selected with purpose — creating a setting where senior leaders can connect naturally, exchange ideas openly and build professional relationships. This issue of FEDA News & Views previews the conference’s programs and speakers, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, and explores other trends that will shape the new year.

https://ow.ly/awyl50XH85f

With the grand opening of its Innovation and Fulfillment Center, Alto-Shaam, a FEDA manufacturer member, has completed a...
12/10/2025

With the grand opening of its Innovation and Fulfillment Center, Alto-Shaam, a FEDA manufacturer member, has completed a major expansion of its headquarters in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

The project added 128,000 square feet to the company’s campus. The Innovation and Fulfillment Center adds new spaces intended to foster innovation, including a state-of-the-art testing lab and modern engineering and product development areas that foster private and collaborative work. The fulfillment center part of the expansion features an automated warehouse and shipping hub that promise to drive discipline and efficiency, greatly improving workflow and customer experience. Beyond the warehouse and shipping operation, the expansion offers modernized workspaces, 12 conference and collaboration rooms and enhanced amenities and breakout spaces designed to support teamwork, productivity and employee well-being.

Alto-Shaam employees, partners, industry peers, and community guests recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening, which also marked a significant milestone as the manufacturer celebrates its 70th anniversary. The special event featured a welcome from second-generation owner and CEO Steve Maahs, guided tours and a first look at the new spaces supporting Alto-Shaam’s next chapter.

“The Innovation and Fulfillment Center is an investment in our future,” Maahs said in a news release. “This accomplishment highlights our exceptional teamwork, long-term planning, effective ex*****on, and innovative thinking — all of which drive our ongoing success.”

The expansion is already delivering an impact, the company said. “Everything just flows,” commented Cindy Zbytniewski, director of customer experience. “We are all back together under one roof, bringing our shipping team back from the off-site warehouse. This is our last leg from the factory to our freight carriers, and everyone is happier end to end. We strive to delight our customers and deliver on-time shipments and expanded quick-ship offerings.”

https://ow.ly/l9Ej50XGUBa

CFS Brands has acquired Cornerstone Foodservice Group (CFG), the parent company of brands such as Spring USA, Equipex, L...
12/09/2025

CFS Brands has acquired Cornerstone Foodservice Group (CFG), the parent company of brands such as Spring USA, Equipex, LloydPans, Astra Manufacturing, and Versa-Gard. Both companies are FEDA manufacturer members.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen CFS Brands’ portfolio of quality-focused foodservice brands. CFG is headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, and has manufacturing operations in Spokane, Washington; Providence, Rhode Island; and Morrow, Georgia.

“Cornerstone Foodservice Group has built an incredible collection of well-recognized brands with a reputation for exceptional quality, design and innovation,” said Trent Freiberg, CEO of CFS Brands. “Cornerstone joins a portfolio of businesses and brands that are leaders in their respective markets. The combination of CFG and CFS Brands will give customers even further access to the broadest and deepest lineup of products and solutions to enhance their business. We are excited to work with the leadership team at Cornerstone Foodservice Group, and we welcome all CFG employees to CFS Brands.”

In a news release, CFS Brands said CFG’s integration will be approached as a thoughtful, gradual evolution. The process will begin with a deliberate focus on building a deep understanding of the businesses, brands and teams, as well as identifying the unique strengths and opportunities each company brings. The CFG brands will continue to operate as stand-alone entities within CFS Brands. Customers and suppliers can expect business as usual, with ongoing interactions conducted as they are today, CFS Brands added.

“Joining CFS Brands marks an exciting new chapter for Cornerstone Foodservice Group,” said Kristine Holtz, CEO of CFG. “This partnership allows us to build on our legacy of innovation and service while creating new opportunities for our customers and employees. We are proud to align with such a respected and professional organization.”

https://ow.ly/a3RX50XGw0q

Electrolux Professional Group has appointed Chris Rudin as its new director of sales, national chain accounts. In this r...
12/09/2025

Electrolux Professional Group has appointed Chris Rudin as its new director of sales, national chain accounts. In this role, Rudin will oversee the strategic development and ex*****on of the FEDA manufacturer member’s chain business across North America.

“I’m thrilled to join Electrolux Professional Group and lead the dynamic chain sales team,” Rudin said. “This is an incredible opportunity to help grow the business and strengthen our presence and support within the chain community.”

Before joining Electrolux Professional Group, Rudin was the vice president of sales – foodservice for Imbera USA. He also held several sales roles at Star Holdings Group, a division of the Middleby Corp.

“Chris brings extensive experience to his new role, shaped by years of leadership within the foodservice manufacturing sector,” said Tom Donovan, vice president of sales at Electrolux Professional Group. “His proven ability to guide strategic sales and marketing initiatives and strengthen brand performance will be a tremendous asset to our team.”

https://ow.ly/h7tr50XGkYj

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Rosemont, IL
60018

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Monday 9am - 5pm
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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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(224) 293-6500

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