vendors

Bluebox Launches Ice-as-a-Service for Retail Vending Equipment

by Katie Lee August 22, 2025

Orlando, Fla. — Bluebox Smart Ice and Water introduces the industry’s first on-premise ice and water vending solution functioning as an “Ice-as-a-Service” enterprise. Using an exclusive licensing agreement for the convenience store sector, Bluebox Ice as a Service employs Everest’s VersaVendTM proprietary ice vending equipment. Bluebox lifts responsibility off operators and handles all delivery, setup, preventative maintenance and repairs. With proven 99% uptime and a daily ice production capacity of 2 tons, this equipment produces fresh ice on demand, right at the point of use, and is available 24 hours …

August 22, 2025

News people Product Spotlight restaurants software/technology vendors

Founder of Wendy’s FreshAi Joins Presto as Co-Founder and President of Presto IQ

by Katie Lee August 21, 2025

San Carlos, Calif. — Presto, the company that pioneered drive-thru Voice AI, has tapped Michael Chorey, the founder of Wendy’s FreshAi, to join the company in order to build Presto IQ, the first AI-native dynamic data offering for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. In this role, Chorey will work with Presto to grow its drive-thru Voice AI platform and lead the development of the new Presto IQ business unit. Chorey is widely recognized for pioneering AI experiences that are both operationally sound and emotionally intelligent. Presto IQ will integrate dynamic …

August 21, 2025

kitchen equipment News people restaurants supply chain vendors

Diversified Foodservice Supply Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee August 14, 2025

Vernon Hills, Ill. — Diversified Foodservice Supply (DFS), a leading provider of equipment, supplies and parts to the foodservice industry, has appoinnted Lev Peker as chief executive officer. Peker brings a strong track record of leadership and growth from the automotive aftermarket industry, where he excelled as CEO of PartsID and CarParts.com. There, he successfully scaled operations, enhanced customer experience and delivered strong financial results. His deep expertise in e-commerce, operational efficiency and system modernization aligns closely with DFS’s strategic priorities. While foodservice is a new space for him, his …

August 14, 2025

energy management green news HVAC/R Industry Voices kitchen equipment restaurants supply chain vendors

Cutting Cooler Costs

by Katie Lee August 13, 2025

— By Steve Benes — Designing a smarter barrier strategy for your walk-in cooler with air curtains. Walk-in coolers are critical for restaurants and cafeterias to store perishable goods, but they also contribute significantly to energy consumption. To maintain consistent low temperatures, walk-in coolers run continuously with little to no relief. Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) suggests that refrigeration accounts for about 20% of the total energy use in restaurants, making it a major driver of utility costs. Every time the cooler door is opened, warm air …

August 13, 2025

kitchen equipment management News Product Spotlight restaurants software/technology vendors

Push Operations and Crumbl Cookies Partner to Streamline Restaurant Management

by Katie Lee August 11, 2025

Vancouver, B.C. — Push Operations, the all-in-one cloud-based workforce management platform built uniquely for the hospitality industry, has forged a strategic partnership with Crumbl Cookies, one of North America’s fastest-growing dessert chains. This collaboration makes Push’s integrated HR, payroll, scheduling and time-tracking solutions available to Crumbl’s 1,000+ locations, enabling franchise owners who adopt the platform to optimize operations through data-driven decisions. The partnership addresses challenges faced by multi-location franchisees with automated solutions that reduce administrative tasks while enhancing labor cost management. Participating franchise owners can leverage real-time analytics to balance staffing …

August 11, 2025

Industry Voices parking lots property management vendors

Summer Sealcoating

by Katie Lee August 6, 2025

— By Sal Arena — Summer is an ideal time to renew your paved surfaces after the harsh freeze-thaw cycle of winter and even early spring. As temperatures rise and the days get longer, summer brings the perfect opportunity to take stock of your property’s exterior. One area that’s often overlooked until it’s too late? The pavement. After enduring winter’s freeze-thaw cycles, snow removal and salt exposure, asphalt surfaces can take a beating. This is why asphalt sealcoating should be at the top of your maintenance list right now. Sealcoating …

August 6, 2025

facilities management kitchen equipment News Product Spotlight restaurants software/technology vendors

Ecolab Launches AI-Powered Solution to Optimize Restaurant Operations

by Katie Lee July 31, 2025

St. Paul, Minn. — Ecolab Inc., a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, has launched Ecolab® RushReady™, a new AI-powered program within its Ecolab® KitchenIQ™ platform. Designed to help restaurant leaders improve shift performance and profitability, RushReady combines real-time data, intelligent recommendations and human coaching to tackle the complexities of daily operations and elevate the overall experience for guests. The engagement begins with a connection into each restaurant’s unique data sources, enabling the platform to work on transforming back-of-house operations through: • RushReady AI-driven …

July 31, 2025

facilities management Industry Voices vendors

The Gold Standard

by Katie Lee July 30, 2025

— By John Fairclough — Be the facility director great vendors want to work with. Great vendors don’t just want work. They want to do work that matters. They want to be appreciated, challenged and trusted. They want to be part of a team that delivers with pride. And the best ones? They have options. That’s why the facility director sets the tone, not just for internal teams but for every vendor interaction. Here’s a story about one world-class facility director — we’ll call her “Amy” — who brought out …

July 30, 2025

flooring/floor care Industry Voices vendors

Proactive Steps Forward

by Katie Lee July 23, 2025

— By Kevin Bourassa — Mitigating risk in retail & restaurant facilities. In the retail and restaurant industry, risk management is essential. From bustling kitchens to high-traffic customer areas, slips and falls pose a serious threat to both employees and guests. The right flooring can significantly reduce these risks, ensuring a safer environment while protecting your business from potential liabilities. Slips, trips and falls account for 30% of all reported injuries in North America and are the leading cause of workplace accidents in restaurants, hotels and public buildings, according to …

July 23, 2025

News Product Spotlight retailers software/technology vendors

Hibbett Renews Partnership with Digital Wave Technology

by Katie Lee July 23, 2025

Ponte Vedra, Fla. — Hibbett, Inc., a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer, has renewed its contract with Digital Wave Technology for its Product Experience Management (PXM) solution. The renewal reflects Hibbett’s commitment to achieving a measurable impact on scaling product content, streamlining internal processes and enhancing their digital shopping experience. “As Hibbett grows, we need partners who can help us scale with speed and precision,” says Bill Quinn, chief information officer (CIO), Hibbett. “Digital Wave’s PXM has been instrumental in improving content accuracy, team alignment and time to market. We’re excited …

July 23, 2025

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