Thursday, May 29, 2025
Read the Magazine Subscribe

waste management/recycling

green building/LEEDgreen newsNewsretailerswaste management/recycling

REI Co-op Becomes First National Retailer to Achieve Zero Waste

by Katie Lee

Seattle — REI Co-op has released its 2024 Impact Report and financial results, closing the year with $3.53 billion in net sales, investing over $282 million back into the co-op community and ending the year in a cash flow neutral position. Also in 2024, REI became the first major U.S. retailer to achieve the industry definition of zero waste, diverting 90% of waste from landfills across its operations. “It was an enterprise effort to achieve this zero-waste milestone for the co-op,” says Andrew Dempsey, director of climate, REI Co-op. “But …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
kitchen exhaust/grease controlNewspeopleProduct Spotlightrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendorswaste management/recycling

Restaurant Technologies Appoints Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Restaurant Technologies has named Matthew Micowski as its newest chief financial officer (CFO), succeeding Bob Weil who has held the position since 2007 and has transitioned to a strategic advisor position within the organization.  Micowski brings over two decades of strategic financial leadership across the technology and healthcare industries, most recently serving as the senior vice president and CFO at NAMSA since 2021. “Matthew’s record of successfully accelerating growth, driving operational transformation and proactively setting companies up for future success made him stand out in a highly competitive …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
green newsIndustry Voiceskitchen equipmentkitchen exhaust/grease controlrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendorswaste management/recycling

Clear Standards

by Katie Lee

— By Alex Lundy — When fryers are at the heart of a kitchen, complete oil management protects profits. For restaurants where fried chicken, french fries, and other deep-fried dishes dominate the menu, fryer oil is not just an ingredient — it’s a cornerstone of the business. As one of the most significant recurring expenses, its management can directly impact both costs and customer satisfaction. Despite inflation’s squeeze on operating budgets, cutting corners on fryer oil is a risky gamble. The freshness and quality of the oil are fundamental to …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
green newskitchen exhaust/grease controlNewsrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendorswaste management/recycling

Restaurant Technologies Surpasses Sustainability Goals

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Restaurant Technologies recycled over 363 million pounds of used cooking oil in 2024, exceeding its own record of 314 million pounds set in 2023 by over 15%.  Restaurant Technologies partners with renewable energy partners, such as Chevron Renewable Energy Group and Phillips 66, to convert used cooking oil (UCO) into renewable diesel or biodiesel for vehicles to use on the road. At Sheetz, a regional convenience store located in seven states, Restaurant Technologies and Sheetz have created a closed loop economy where fresh oil is delivered, used, then …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designenergy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsNewsrestaurantswaste management/recycling

Starbucks Verifies Over 9,000 Stores for Sustainable Practices

by Katie Lee

Seattle — As of the end of 2024, Starbucks had verified more than 9,000 stores for meeting robust standards, as verified by an outside auditor, across eight environmental impact areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship and waste diversion. These measures — taking steps toward a more sustainable build, design and operations — are planned to be implemented across 10,000 stores in 2025. Of the 9,000 stores, Starbucks is celebrating five stores for excelling in innovation, environmental impact, community connection, inspiration, and customer and partner experience. These stores reflect Starbucks …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
fire protectionIndustry Voiceskitchen exhaust/grease controlrestaurantsroofingvendorswaste management/recycling

Mission Critical

by Katie Lee

— By Brian Smith — The critical role of rooftop grease containment system in protecting life, property and business viability. In the retail and restaurant industries, facility management extends far beyond interior upkeep. One of the most overlooked yet essential components of operational safety and compliance is rooftop grease containment. From the perspectives of life safety, property protection, environmental responsibility and overall business health, implementing the right grease containment system is not just a best practice — it’s a necessity. Why Rooftop Grease Containment Matters Grease discharge from commercial kitchen …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
John Catanese Preventative Maintenance quote
Content Partnerexterior services/landscapingfacilities managementHVAC/RIndustry Contentkitchen equipmentkitchen exhaust/grease controllightingparking lotsplumbingproperty managementrestaurantsretailerswaste management/recycling

11 Preventive Maintenance Services Retailers, Restaurants Need

by Sarah Daniels

Restaurants and retailers move fast. There’s no time for unexpected maintenance issues to slow you down. Preventive maintenance (PM) programs can help you avoid disruptions. “For retailers and restaurants, preventive maintenance programs are vital, but often overlooked,” says John Catanese, senior vice president at Chain Store Maintenance, an MCS Company. “They ensure your business can provide the best service to your customers consistently, safely, efficiently and cost effectively.” Why PM Matters Preventive maintenance delivers several key advantages: Enhanced reliability. By addressing minor issues before they escalate, you can prevent unexpected …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
green newsNewsretailersvendorswaste management/recycling

Petco Partners with TerraCycle to Launch First-Ever National Trade-In and Recycling Event

by Katie Lee

San Diego — In mid-March, Petco launched its first-ever national trade-in and recycling event in partnership with TerraCycle, an international leader in sustainability solutions, including giving hard-to-recycle materials a new life. In honor of Global Recycling Day on March 18 and just in time for annual spring cleaning, Petco is helping pet parents recycle their dogs’ old collars, leashes and harnesses for an upgrade and a safer, more comfortable fit. For a limited time, pet parents can bring old dog collars, leashes or harnesses into Petco locations nationwide for responsible …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
green newsNewspeoplevendorswaste management/recycling

Divert, Inc. Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

West Concord, Mass. — Divert, Inc., a circular economy company on a mission to prevent food from being wasted, has appointed Brad Lukow to its executive leadership team as chief financial officer. Lukow brings more than 30 years of finance and capital markets experience, with the majority of his career focused on the consumer retail sector. David Eichinger, Divert’s CFO since 2022, will step away from the company to pursue other opportunities outside the business. “Brad’s proven leadership in finance, particularly in the retail industry, makes him an ideal fit …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
green newsIndustry Contentkitchen exhaust/grease controlrestaurantsVendor Spotlightvendorswaste management/recycling

Rubicon: Signature Vendor Spotlight

by Katie Lee

— Interview With Chandra Balter — R&R: Where are you based and how long has the company been in business? Chandra Balter: Rubicon is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and I’m personally based in Toms River, New Jersey. The company has been in business for 16 years. R&R: What is your name and title, and how long have you been with the company? Balter: I’m Chandra Balter, strategic account executive, and I have been with Rubicon for over 11 years. For most of that time, I served as a key account …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts