— By Nathan Willard — Regular conveyor oven cleanings help extend their lifespan and significantly reduce fire risk. Commercial conveyor ovens (also known as pizza ovens or pizza conveyor ovens) play an essential role in busy commercial kitchens as pieces of equipment that are used yearly to cook over 3 billion pizzas in the U.S. alone. However, while there are few things better than a cheesy slice of pizza, conveyor ovens — as well as your entire kitchen operations — have the ability to go up in flames when they …
facilities management
Energous Introduces Battery-Free e-Sense Tag for Retail & Supply Chain
San Jose, Calif. — Energous Corporation d/b/a Energous Wireless Power Solutions, a leader in over-the-air (OTA) wireless power networks, has launched the e-Sense tag: a battery-free, maintenance-free wireless sensor for location and temperature monitoring in retail, supply chain and logistics environments. Energous now offers a complete ambient IoT platform consisting of wirelessly-powered, battery-free sensors, RF-based energy transmitters and cloud-based monitoring software. This integrated system enables uninterrupted, real-time visibility across supply chains without relying on batteries, manual maintenance or conventional wired infrastructure. The tag continuously reports temperature and location data to …
Budderfly Expands Virtual Power Plant Platform to Manage Energy at Commercial Facilities
Shelton, Conn. — Budderfly, a preferred sustainability partner for commercial businesses, has significantly expanded its Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform, activating real-time demand response across four of the country’s largest energy markets: California Independent System Operator (CAISO), Independent System Operator (ISO) New England, Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM) Interconnection, and Southwest Power Pool (SPP) service territories. The milestone signifies a decisive move into active grid participation for Budderfly, which now orchestrates behind-the-meter commercial sites through real-time energy market programs. Initial deployments leverage thermostatic control of HVAC systems and will expand to include …
Nashville, Tenn. — ABM, a leading provider of facility services, has entered into a new strategic partnership with Nashville Yards. As part of the multi-year agreement, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships and Southwest Value Partners, ABM has been named an Official Partner of the 19-acre downtown development, further expanding its presence in Nashville and reinforcing its operational expertise in high-profile urban environments. ABM will deliver a comprehensive suite of janitorial services across Nashville Yards, including in parking garages and common areas. ABM will also oversee post-construction and pre-tenant occupancy cleaning …
Des Plaines, Ill. — As water safety regulations continue to evolve across the U.S., Chicago Faucets is hosting a new, expert-led webinar on June 19 at 11am CST designed to help facility managers stay ahead of compliance challenges. The webinar will be presented by Spenser Johnson, director of water safety and management at Barclay Water Management, Inc. This educational topic will be presented Thursday, June 19, 2025, 11:00 am CST. Click here to register. While not all facilities are directly regulated by organizations like American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and …
Snow Strategy Starts in Summer: Eight Tips for a Safe and Successful Winter
For restaurants and retailers, customer service doesn’t stop at the front door. It extends to the sidewalks and parking lots. During the winter months, prompt snow and ice clearing is essential for ensuring guest safety and maintaining smooth business operations. “A strategic snow and ice removal program is critical for mitigating safety hazards and preventing downtime and lost revenue,” says Dana Russell, vice president of exterior operations at MCS & Chain Store Maintenance. “Having a program in place as far in advance as possible helps ensure your business can keep …
Will AI Improve HVAC Performance?
Given the high cost of purchasing and running heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, restaurant and retail operators want their HVAC units operating efficiently to minimize utility bills and extend the working life of system components. In as little as a few years, however, business owners may have a powerful new tool to help meet those goals. This digital aid would not only monitor HVAC performance and alert owners to perform preventive maintenance or needed repairs, but may also suggest subtle operational adjustments or equipment substitutions to boost efficiency and cost …
Emerging Energy Technologies
— By James Walton — Emerging trends & technologies in energy management that retail and restaurant businesses need to know about. Energy management is critical to any multi-site business. Rising energy costs and inefficiency directly affect the bottom line and sustainability goals. Businesses should constantly be looking for ways to improve their energy management practices. In recent years, significant technological advancements have revolutionized how energy is managed and consumed. These emerging energy management technologies deliver more efficiency and offer greater control and visibility into a business’s energy usage. Let us …
Visible Results
— By Norm Pensky — How gyms can reduce costs and embrace sustainability. Today’s fitness market is increasingly competitive, with boutique workout classes and home exercise options pulling customers in new directions. Instead of chasing costly trends, gym owners can reduce costs and improve profitability by optimizing what’s within their control: energy efficiency. While high-end equipment and lavish amenities may attract attention, smarter energy management offers a more sustainable way to succeed in this crowded industry. Running a gym is energy-intensive. Climate control, lighting and equipment drive up electricity and …
— By Katie Lee — With more than 250 stores, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming brings love and joy to pets and their pet parents — across more and more communities in North America. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, a leading pet grooming and gourmet treat destination, is coming off a banner year. In 2024, the boutique retail concept opened a record number of new stores, quadrupling its historical annual average of new openings with more than 50 new stores. Woof Gang is on track to open more than 70 …