FINANCING RESTAURANT GROWTH FOOD INDUSTRY NEWS OCTOBER 2026
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Ron Onesti (second from left) is joined by Chubby Checker, Priscilla Presley, Vinny Apice and Carmine Apice
Arcada Theatre: 100 Years of Epic Entertainment The historic Arcada Theatre celebrated its 100th Anniversary on Sunday, September 6, marking a century of entertainment, cherished memories and cultural significance in downtown St. Charles. Originally opening its doors on September 6, 1926, the Arcada quickly became one of the Midwest’s premier entertainment destinations, welcoming audiences for silent films, vaudeville performances and appearances by some of the era’s most celebrated entertainers. One hundred years later,
the theatre continued that legacy as a beloved St. Charles landmark, live entertainment and dining destination. The day featured special celebrity appearances by Chubby Checker, Priscilla Presley, Vinny Appice of Black Sabbath and Dio, and Carmine Appice of Vanilla Fudge as well as live music on the stages in Club Arcada Speakeasy, Steaks & Seafood and Ron Onesti’s Rock ‘N Ravioli restaurants. See ‘Arcada on page 22
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Reviving Past Brands for Nostalgic Consumers
Food and beverage brands like Pizza Hut, Oreo and Spangler Candy are reviving beloved elements from their histories to tap into consumers’ emotional connections and memories, leveraging trust built over decades and transforming their products into symbols of comfort and reliability, says Louis Biscotti of Marcum. This “newstalgia” approach blends old experiences with new ideas, requires less explanation and persuasion, reduces risk and offers comfort during times of change. – Source: Forbes
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
Prasino Opens New Downtown Café on Wabash Prasino, the restaurant brand known for more than 15 years of serving fresh, sustainable cuisine inspired by Greek hospitality, recently opened its newest location at 33 S. Wabash Avenue in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, marking the next chapter in the brand’s evolution as Prasino – your everyday café. The approximately 3,300-square-foot café introduces a modern all-day destination designed for today’s lifestyle, offering breakfast, lunch, handcrafted coffee, smoothies, Greek yogurt, salads, bowls, wraps and sandwiches in a welcoming, design-forward environment. The Wabash opening also represents the first step in Prasino’s broader Chicago growth strategy. The company plans to open a neighborhood café at 216 N. Aberdeen St. in the West Loop later this summer, followed by a Riverwalk location on the terrace level overlooking the Chicago River in 2027. “Prasino has always stood for fresh food, sustainability and genuine hospitality,” said Ted Maglaris. “We’re building on that foundation with a café concept designed to become part of people’s everyday lives. Whether someone is grabbing coffee before work, meeting a colleague for lunch, stopping in after the gym or picking up catering for the office, we want Prasino to be their neighborhood café.” The name Prasino, which means “green” in Greek, continues to reflect the brand’s longstanding commitment to thoughtfully sourced ingredients and wholesome food. The new café concept builds on that heritage while meeting growing consumer demand for convenient, better-for-you dining options available throughout the day. Together, the three locations represent a deliberate strategy to demonstrate the versatility of the Prasino concept across distinct Chicago neighborhoods while laying the foundation for future expansion.
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TASTE WHAT PORK CAN DO!
VIEW OUR FOODSERVICE GUIDE If you want to learn more about partnering with Illinois Pork Producers Association, reach out to Mikayla Schaefer, Director of Marketing at mikayla@ilpork.com or 217-217-529-3100.
High Stakes by Bartolotta Opens in Milwaukee The Bartolotta Restaurants, the premier restaurant and catering organization in the Greater Milwaukee region, debuted its newest concept, High Stakes by Bartolotta. Reservations are now available for guests to experience the first taste of the sophisticated and distinctive Europeaninspired steakhouse with an inaugural menu conceived by two-time James Beard Award winner and The Bartolotta Restaurants Owner and Co-Founder Chef Paul Bartolotta, with interiors by acclaimed designer Jay Franke of Jay Franke Design, in downtown Milwaukee on Water Street. “High Stakes by Bartolotta represents a new chapter in the evolution of The Bartolotta Restaurants and it has afforded me the opportunity to return to the kitchen to work alongside Director of Culinary for The Bartolotta Restaurants Aaron Bickham, as well as Chef de Cuisine for High Stakes by Bartolotta Ian Jones, and the entire culinary support team to collaborate on this menu,” says Chef Bartolotta. “With High Stakes we are redefining Milwaukee’s high standards once again. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered: from the ingredients we are sourcing, wagyu, caviar, and my personal favorite, langoustines, to an experience that feels distinctive, elevated, and cosmopolitan.”
Grubhub to Expand Autonomous Delivery Grubhub, in partnership with Serve Robotics, is bringing autonomous delivery to Chicago, Los Angeles and Alexandria, Va., marking Grubhub’s first collaboration with Serve Robotics. The initiative, which began as a pilot in Jersey City, N.J., is the first time Grubhub has offered autonomous delivery outside college campuses. – Source: Wonder
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
DINING WITH October 2026 7 BREW • 151 S. Gary Avenue BLOOMINGDALE, IL 479-358-9274. This is a drive-thru coffee place showcasing flavorful drinks across seven categories, including coffees, 7 Energy drinks, 7 Fizz Sodas, teas, lemonades, smoothies, and shakes. The “Brew Crew” culture now serves over one million drinks per day through hundreds of locations in 38 states. I tried one of their new monthly sips – the Caramel Apple Pie Macchiatto, which was on their Featured Drinks menu. It featured salted caramel in their macchiato and was finished with their apple butter drizzle. The flavors blended well together, and it was perfect for an autumn day. There are so many different kinds of drinks to try; I will have to go back to experience more of them.
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The Rise of Alpine Flavors
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The Alpine flavor trend has surged this year, characterized by crisp, cooling, piney notes reminiscent of mountain air. Traditional Alpine liqueurs like Chartreuse and genepy, as well as newer Alpine amaros, have inspired a wave of Alpine-themed cocktails and apres-ski bars, and the trend has expanded into nonalcoholic drinks such as botanical sodas and tonic water. – Source: Food & Wine
BELLA NAPOLI • 1540 N. Roselle Rd. SCHAUMBURG, IL 847-519-7555. I highly recommend this place. This restaurant has a beautiful bar area and spacious, inviting dining room. They offer Artisan Neapolitan pizzas and a delicious selection of Italian cuisine. I started off with one of their Sausage & Pepperoni pizzas which had Italian fennel sausage, charred pepperoni, San Marzano tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella. It was cooked perfectly and the flavors blended well together. I also ordered the Bucatini & Nonna’s meatballs, and it was really good – so good that I had to take the leftovers home with me! The team working there was absolutely stellar – friendly, attentive, and welcoming. JEWEL OSCO • 30 Danada Square WHEATON, IL 630-668-1172. This is my first time I shopped at this store. I have shopped at numerous Jewel-Osco stores, and they consistently do a great job carrying all the grocery staples you need, including dairy items, frozen foods, chips, snacks, liquor, flowers, and so much more. They do a great job merchandising new products and sale items. One of my favorite areas is the Seasonal Aisle (#16 at this location). They had a huge selection of Halloween candy there. My two favorite snack-size candies are Nestlé Crunch and Reese’s. They also had a selection of Halloween décor, plates, and cups. I picked up the cutest divided plate. I also grabbed a 27-oz bag of Albanese gummy worms and a Home Run Inn frozen pizza. MORKES CHOCOLATES • 1890 N. Rand Rd. PALATINE, IL 847-359-3454. Celebrating 106 Years – that is quite the accomplishment! This is a cute candy shop. On display in the store, you will find beautifully packaged chocolates along with a big selection of pre-packaged goodies. You can also purchase their chocolates by the pound. I picked up some of their English toffee; it was delicious. I was in the mood for a caramel apple, so I decided to try a few varieties. I picked up a dark chocolate covered apple, a cashew caramel and a pecan caramel apple. The crisp Granny Smith apple combined with the chocolate, caramel, and toppings was yummy! Since the apples were in the case below the donuts, I had to get a donut as well – I tried the Devil’s Food Cake donut. NOTHING BUNDT CAKES • 9719 Skokie Blvd. SKOKIE, IL 847-763-5000. If you need to pick up a treat for someone or yourself, this is the place to visit. The cakes are beautifully displayed in the case and are packaged perfectly. They had a tower of three cakes on display, wrapped in cellophane, tied with a ribbon and a flower on the counter, so that’s what I chose. It was called the Triple Bundlet Tower. My three cake choices were vanilla, lemon, and white chocolate raspberry, topped with their signature cream cheese frosting. They also have smaller cakes called Bundtinis, which can be ordered by the dozen, or you can order a cake with a theme. There are so many options. I also picked up a Galactica Brownie Cake to try, and it was delicious. The cakes make a great treat or gift for any occasion. PALACE CHINESE RESTAURANT • 9236 N. Waukegan Rd. MORTON GROVE, IL 847-966-2231. They have been a neighborhood favorite for years. I’ve ordered from here so many times, and the food never disappoints. You can dine in or pick up your order. One of my favorite options is their daily lunch special, served Tues. - Sat. until 3:00 PM. I usually get the sweet & sour chicken or chicken & broccoli, which comes with your choice of white or fried rice. I always choose fried rice, and the meal also comes with an egg roll. When I need a dinnersized portion, I usually order the egg rolls, a large beef & broccoli, and a large chicken fried rice. And of course, I always have to get extra sweet & sour sauce for my egg rolls! The food is consistently delicious, and the staff is always so nice and friendly.
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“At every party there are two kinds of people – those who want to go home and those who don’t. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other.” – Ann Landers
The 25th Annual Chef BBQ, Green City Market’s signature fundraiser celebrating the farmers, chefs, producers, and food community that make the Midwest one of the nation’s most vibrant food regions was recently held in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. Rooted in the relationships between farmers and chefs, Chef BBQ showcases dishes and beverages crafted with ingredients sourced directly from Green City Market’s local, sustainable farmers. From peak-season produce to globally inspired cuisine, guests can enjoy a wide variety of offerings, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options
Food Industry News® — October 2026
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
How to Pick the Right Cake for Your Dessert Menu
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Everyone loves cake, but choosing the right desserts for your menu can be a challenge. Restaurant operators want memorable, delicious options that guests will order again and again without creating unnecessary cost or waste. For more than 110 years, Bellwoodbased Lezza Spumoni and Desserts has been helping restaurants make that decision. Chicago’s original dessert baker, with roots dating back to the early 1900s, Lezza handcrafts premium desserts exclusively for the foodservice industry.
Their lineup includes customer favorites such as carrot cake, chocolate fudge cake and classic yellow sponge cake. The standout, however, is their handcrafted Cannoli Cake, featuring the same legendary cannoli filling that has made Lezza famous throughout Chicagoland and the food industry. If you’re looking for distinctive, high-quality desserts that will excite guests and boost dessert sales, Lezza Spumoni and Desserts offers a complete line of cakes, cannoli, spumoni, gelato, Italian Ices and other irresistible specialties. See their ad on page 25.
‘Help the House’ Supports Restaurant Workers Kate Meier, inspired by her children’s careers in the restaurant industry, founded Help the House to support restaurant workers facing mental and physical health issues. The nonprofit, based in Minnesota but with national reach, provides resources for emergencies, housing and basic needs. Meier’s journey began with Craftmade Aprons, a business she started at her children’s request, which gave her insight into restaurant workers’ struggles. Her leadership connects workers to vital resources and has garnered nationwide support from chefs, food distributors and the broader community. – Source: Restaurant Business
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How to Get Started in Video Gaming Video gaming is a go-to source of additional revenue for many eligible establishments across Illinois. Establishments such as bars, restaurants, truck stops, convenience stores, and veteran or fraternal organizations continue to explore video gaming as a way to increase revenue and attract repeat customers. Whether opening a new establishment, purchasing an existing establishment, or becoming an ownership partner, careful planning is essential before entering the video gaming industry. Experienced operators like J&J Gaming can help establishment owners navigate licensing requirements, avoid unnecessary delays, and identify the best path forward. From the Ground Up: For entrepreneurs, launching a new establishment from the ground up may seem like the most straightforward path into video gaming. However, this approach often involves the most planning and due diligence. Licensing availability can vary by municipality, and some may limit the number of liquor and video gaming licenses available. Confirming the availability of both liquor and video gaming licenses should be one of the first steps in the planning process. Buying In: Another option is to purchase a partial ownership interest in an existing establishment through a buy-in arrangement. Because the entity typically remains intact, video gaming operations can often continue with minimal disruption during the ownership transition. If ownership is expected to transition further through a partner buyout, establishment owners should consult legal, licensing, and video gaming professionals early in the process to understand any regulatory requirements associated with the ownership change.
Purchasing an existing video gaming establishment: This can be very different from opening a new one or buying into an existing one. One of the most important factors to consider is whether the transaction will be structured as an asset sale or a stock sale. This distinction can significantly impact licensing requirements, regulatory approvals, and the timeline for video gaming operations. In an asset sale, the new owner purchases the establishment assets rather than the legal entity itself. Existing video gaming licenses do not transfer to the new owner, and the new ownership group must complete the licensing process before video gaming operations can resume. In a stock sale, the entity remains intact while ownership changes hands. Because the existing company continues to operate, video gaming operations often experience less disruption than they would during an asset sale. However, ownership changes typically require regulatory notification, review, and additional documentation before the transaction can be fully recognized by regulators. Plan Ahead with the Right Operator: Video gaming can be a valuable source of revenue for Illinois establishment owners. While success looks different for every establishment, maintaining compliance, keeping licenses current, and navigating regulatory requirements are critical to long-term success. Partnering with an experienced operator can help simplify the process. J&J Gaming, a local Illinois video gaming terminal operator and proud supporter of Food Industry News, helps owners navigate licensing, compliance, ownership transitions, and ongoing video gaming operations. For more information about adding video gaming to your establishment, see their ad on page 19.
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Serving Better Butter For nearly 70 years, Danish Maid Butter Company has been helping restaurants serve better butter. The Chicago company pioneered the little whipped butter cup in the late 1950s and remains an industry leader today. Handmade on Chicago’s Southeast Side, Danish Maid Butter Cups are made with Grade AA butter, whipped to perfection for a smooth, easyto-spread consistency. The whipped butter spreads twice as far as regular butter and comes packaged in convenient, attractive and hygienic cups that help maintain freshness with every serving. Danish Maid recently upgraded its signature butter cup with a vibrant four-color package designed to reflect the quality and freshness inside. Ideal for all types of foodservice operations including pancake houses, restaurants and QSR, Danish Maid Butter Cups travel well and are perfect for table service, carryout and delivery. The individual portions can also help reduce waste while providing customers with a consistent, premium butter experience. Danish Maid Butter is available through quality food distributors everywhere. To learn more or find a distributor, see the Danish Maid advertisement on page 25.
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
CES Named to Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Private Companies CES Family of Companies (CES), a leading supplier of food equipment, supplies, and service across the Midwest, announced it has been named to the 2026 Inc. 5000, Inc. magazine’s annual ranking of the fastestgrowing private companies in America. The Inc. 5000 is one of the most prestigious rankings of its kind, and this year’s list represents companies that have found extraordinary ways to stand out in a fiercely competitive marketplace. CES ranked No. 1,353 on the 2026 list, with threeyear revenue growth of 261% between 2022 and 2025. The honor reflects a period of sustained growth for CES, which has expanded through a steady series of acquisitions and now includes eleven brands – CES Nationwide, Dubick Fixture and Supply, March Equipment, McCormick Service, Ramar Supply, Total Restaurant Supply, United Fast Food and Beverage, Wilson Restaurant Supply, Windrock Enterprises, Bolton & Hay, and, most recently,
Southeast Mechanical – serving grocery, convenience, and restaurant operators throughout the Midwest. Making the Inc. 5000 is a reflection of the work happening across every one of our brands,” said Tyler Jeffrey, CEO of CES. “Our growth hasn’t come from doing something flashy – it’s come from finding great, independent businesses, bringing them into a bigger platform, and giving them the resources to serve their customers even better than before. This recognition belongs to the teams doing that work every day.” That approach - acquiring respected, longstanding regional companies while preserving the local relationships and service each was built on - has been central to CES’s growth strategy. Each brand continues to operate under its own name and serve its existing customers directly, now. You can see the CES ad on page 32.
Illinois Changes Outdoor Oil Tank Law
Attention Food Manufacturers
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Illinois recently changed its law to allow companies providing total cooking oil solutions to install outdoor oil storage tanks at restaurants. For operators seeking delivery, filtration, safe disposal and recycling of used cooking oil, Restaurant Technologies (RTI) provides a convenient, fully automated solution that takes these tasks off the kitchen team’s hands. RTI’s cooking oil management system automates oil delivery and disposal, helping improve food quality while reducing the risk of employee accidents and injuries associated with manually handling used fryer oil. RTI currently serves 45,000 commercial kitchens nationally and handles 1,600 in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area, saving customers an average of nine labor hours per week. RTI now offers four frying oils: tallow, creamy soy, clear soy and canola. Its automated closed-loop system helps improve yield, reduce waste and provides automated refills with no upfront costs. Pricing is based on the commodity price of oil, so customers can expect fair pricing. RTI also provides a roll up filter box for kitchens that prefer to filter their own oil. Learn more in RTI’s ad on page 2.
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A&W Restaurants Launches New Design A&W Restaurants announced the launch of its new restaurant prototype, a design that honors the brand’s iconic past while creating a relevant, differentiated experience for today’s guests. Inspired by A&W’s classic diner restaurants and its original roadside root beer stands, the modern heritage concept blends timeless Americana with contemporary architecture, enhanced guest comfort and a flexible footprint that can be adapted for a variety of market sizes. Ranging from 2,200 to 2,800 square feet with seating for 40 to 70 guests, the design creates an inviting atmosphere that balances functionality with an exceptional dine-in experience.
Let’s make life sweeter—together An unforgettable finale to any fall celebration: Eli’s Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake is made with real Illinois pumpkin and seasonal spices, hand-decorated with billows of pumpkin mousse and garnished with crunchy pecan praline, baked on a vanilla crumb crust.
Eli’s Cheesecake is a Chicago-born, third-generation, family-owned bakery devoted to hand-crafting the best cheesecake in the world. We continue to spread joy and work to give back to the community that built us.
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Uncle Phil’s BBQ Glaze & Dippin Sauce brings bold, authentic barbecue flavor to the foodservice industry. Crafted with Memphis Mud seasoning, this versatile sauce delivers a savory blend of smoky, sweet and robust barbecue notes designed to complement a wide range of menu applications. Developed for operators looking to add distinctive flavor without unnecessary ingredients, Uncle Phil’s is made without high fructose corn syrup. Its smooth consistency makes it ideal for glazing ribs, chicken, pork and beef, while also working beautifully as a dipping sauce, finishing sauce or signature ingredient in sandwiches, burgers and appetizers. From the smoker to the fryer, Uncle Phil’s helps operators create craveable dishes while delivering consistent flavor from kitchen to kitchen. Whether used as a finishing glaze or served on the side, it brings that unmistakable barbecue character customers come back for. Uncle Phil’s BBQ Glaze & Dippin Sauce – bringin’ the flavor every time! See them in our buyer’s guide under Consultants-BBQ.
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Graeter’s Ice Cream, America’s oldest family-owned and operated craft ice cream maker, is collaborating with Toyota Sienna and the 2026 Sienna on “The Sweetest Way to Roll,” introducing Salted Caramel Chip Wheels. Launching nationwide, the Salted Caramel Chip Wheels put a new spin on Graeter’s fan-favorite Chip Wheelies. The limited- ed it ion t reat features Graeter’s rich salted caramel ice cream sandwiched between two made-fromscratch double chocolate chip cookies and rolled in chocolate jimmies.
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BOOKSHELF Good & Gather: Discover Delicious Every Day Author: Target Test Kitchen /
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Target Corporation is bringing easy, flavorful recipes to busy families with the launch of “Good & Gather: Discover Delicious Every Day,” the first-ever cookbook from Target’s flagship owned food and beverage brand. Created by Target’s test kitchen team, the cookbook features 100 delicious recipes that help busy families cook, snack, sip and gather, with Good & Gather products featured throughout and every ingredient is available at Target.
Food Industry News® — October 2026
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How to Help Your Restaurant Go Viral in 2026 Every restaurant and food business owner dreams of becoming a viral internet sensation. One great post, photo or video can put a restaurant on the map, prompting people to drive across town just to see it, take a picture, share it with friends and, most importantly, come inside and experience it for themselves. One surprisingly effective way to create that kind of attention is with spectacular holiday lighting. Imagine your restaurant transformed into one of the most dazzling holiday destinations in town. A beautifully illuminated building can attract increased foot traffic, encourage selfies and family photos, and give customers something memorable to post on their social media feeds. That visibility can translate into new customers, stronger community connections and potentially significant increases in sales, not just once, but year after year. Sparkle Squad Chicago specializes in designing, installing, maintaining and removing professional holiday lighting displays for food and hospitality businesses. Their goal is to make your property stand out all season long without creating another project for you or your staff. Their professional installation means you don’t have to worry about climbing ladders or figuring out
how to attach lights safely. Sparkle Squad uses specialized clips and installation materials designed to help protect your roof, gutters and building façade. And if a light goes out or there’s a problem during the season, their team will make the necessary repairs, which is included in their affordable pricing. When the holidays are over, they take everything down, too. For restaurants, hospitality businesses and other customer-facing locations, a spectacular holiday display can be more than decoration. It can become a destination. It can give customers a reason to stop, take a picture, tag your business and share the experience with their friends and followers. If you’re looking for a creative way to show community spirit, increase visibility, and get your business noticed by potential customers who could become frequent guests, it’s worth exploring what a professional holiday lighting display could do for you. But don’t wait. The earlier your lights go up, the sooner your business can start attracting attention, generating social media buzz and becoming one of the most photographed and talked-about spots in town. To learn more about Sparkle Squad Chicago and their affordable holiday lighting options, see their ad on page 9.
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
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Introducing Kikkoman® Gluten-Free Orange Sauce. Made with Kikkoman Gluten-Free Non-GMO No-PreservativesAdded Tamari Soy Sauce, orange juice concentrate and select seasonings, it takes the guesswork out of making perfect orange chicken, and it’s ready to use as a sauce, glaze and condiment for stir-fries, appetizers and more.
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Mojo-Style Pulled Tacos with Orange Sauce: Thaw pulled pork in the refrigerator. CCP: Hold cold at 41°F or below. Reheat pulled pork according to package instructions.
New All-Day Market, Café, Bar and Outdoor Square Opens on One of Lincoln Park’s Busiest Corners Piccadilly Market’s new flagship location brings a robust coffee program, allday sandwich café, sommelier-curated wine shop, bar & lounge, and a carefully selected rotation of local artisan products, chef-driven offerings, and hard-to-find European groceries, snacks and specialty goods to Clark and Fullerton. The centerpiece of the new space is its outdoor courtyard, dubbed Piccadilly Square, which is designed to be a dedicated gathering space modeled after the public squares found throughout Europe, where sitting outside with a coffee or a drink is simply part of the everyday culture.
Heat to a minimum of 135°F. Drain any excess liquid. Combine Kikkoman Gluten-Free Orange Sauce, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin and Kosher salt in a saucepan. Whisk to combine dried spwices.Bring the mixture to a boil and allow to cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Combine 1 quart of the sauce to 5 pounds of the pulled pork and mix well. Hold and serve hot at 135°F or above.
Food Network’s all-new baking game show Sweet Deceit challenges teams of three competitors to search for deceptive, hyper-realistic sweets hiding in plain sight in real-world locations. Premiering with back-to-back episodes on, Oct. 5th at 10pm ET/PT on Food Network and streaming next day on HBO Max, the series is hosted by actor Josh Peck, who hilariously commands the on-screen hijinks as he leads contestants through four rounds as they try to identify masterfully disguised sweets created by world-class cake artists. Escalating in difficulty round by round, the teams work together to determine what is cake and prove it with their teeth by biting into their best guess, all in pursuit of a total prize up to $12,000.
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
Local News
Never Trust the Living, a Halloween-themed pop-up bar, returns to The Dandy Crown in Chicago for its fourth year from now through November 1st. It’s a highly decorated, cocktail-focused event with devilishly delicious drinks and creepily colorful Halloween decor throughout the interior and outdoor (dog and family-friendly) patio. AffyTapple has been a Chicago and Midwest tradition since 1948. The caramel apples they introduced to the marketplace 78 years ago, still use the same delicious recipe today. You can find their gourmet caramel apples at select retailers across the Midwest and nationwide or order bulk caramel apples online. Angry Chickz is bringing their signature Nashville hot chicken to the Midwest with the opening of their first Illinois location at 1167 N. Eola Rd. in Aurora, serving up the handbreaded tenders, sliders, bowls and bold heat levels Angry Chickz fans know and love. Aurora will be their 46th location nationwide. Congratulations to Chef-Owners Adam McFarland and Tom Rogers of John’s Food & Wine located at 2114 N. Halsted St. in Chicago for being named Restaurant of the Year from Food & Wine magazine. Experience the ultimate Halloween bash for adults (21+) featuring electrifying live music performances, jaw-dropping sideshow acts, spine-chilling art displays, and more as Naper Settlement’s 13-acre site transform into an eerie wonderland for the annual Howlin’ at the Moon on Oct. 23-24 from 5-10 p.m. Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, an eerie nighttime trail aglow with elaborate artist-carved pumpkins, returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden in advance of Halloween. More than 1,000 real pumpkins lit with LED lights will light up the night and guide attendees on a just-creepy-enough adventure enjoyable for the whole family. Pack Expo International 2026 will be held Oct 18-21 at McCormick Place Chicago. As the largest and most influential packaging and processing trade show in North America, the event gives attendees unmatched access to machinery, materials, automation, and sustainability-focused solutions in action. Pete’s Fresh Market recently opened a new store at 668 Madison St. in Oak Park, Illinois. This will be their second location in Oak Park; the other location is located 259 Lake
St. Pete’s Fresh Market is a family owned and operated business founded by Jimmy Dremonas. They have numerous locations. Pinball Expo is the brain child of Rob Berk who grew up playing pinball. Pinball Expo is the longest-running event dedicated to pinball and will be held Oct. 14-17, 2026 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel 1551 N. Thoreau Dr. in Schaumburg, Illinois. Terrabis, a leading multi-state cannabis operator, opened McHenry County’s first dispensary drivethru at its Woodstock location located at 601 S Eastwood Dr. It will be the company’s second drive-thru in Illinois, following the opening of the state’s first dual-window dispensary drivethru at Terrabis Grayville. The Ambassador Gold Coast, part of The Chicago Hotel Collection, proudly announces the debut of The Champagne Room, a newly reimagined luxury champagne lounge replacing the hotel’s former Library Room within the historic Ambassador property. The Chicago Women’s Expo + Great Food Expo brings together shopping, beauty, wellness, food, fashion, celebrity appearances, giveaways, and interactive experiences – all in one unforgettable weekend. The Expo will be held Oct. 24-25, 2026 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. The Richardson Farm 2026 “World’s Largest” corn maze design celebrates a big milestone for our country–celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence! Explore their labyrinth of corn stalks celebrating 250 years of the USA! Richardson Farm is located in Spring Grove, Illinois. The Woodstock Art Fair on the Square 121 W. Van Buren St. will be held October 3–4, 2026. Shop original work from 75 artists, enjoy live music and art demos, take a painting class, visit the Kids Art Zone and explore Downtown Woodstock.
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
The Redefinition of Mexican Cuisine Over the past 15 years, the United States has witnessed a Mexican culinary renaissance, with a new generation of chefs and restaurateurs redefining what Mexican food means in America. The New York Times highlights 41 notable Mexican restaurants across the country, showcasing the diversity and richness of Mexican food beyond traditional Tex-Mex. From seafood in New Orleans to carnitas in Arkansas, these establishments reflect the vibrant and dynamic nature of Mexican cooking in America. – The New York Times
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Sbarro Celebrates 70 Years as Global Leader in XL New York Pizza-by-the-Slice For 70 years, Sbarro, LLC has been serving the authentic taste of New York pizza to millions of guests around the world. In celebration of its milestone anniversary, the brand is proudly launching its “70 Years – One Iconic Slice” campaign, recognizing seven decades of delivering the Original XL New York Pizza-by-the-Slice while continuing to evolve to meet the needs of today’s on-the-go consumer. From its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, Sbarro has grown into the global leader in authentic New York pizza-by-the-slice, operating more than 850 restaurants across 35 countries.
Research Reveals New Snacking Trends Research from Barry Callebaut’s Snack Studio identifies “intentional snacking” and “micro luxury snacking” as emerging trends. Intentional snacking appeals to consumers seeking both pleasure and better-foryou attributes – especially in products like trail mixes and snack bars. Micro luxury snacking, on the other hand, focuses on consumers who are gravitating toward rich flavors such as caramel, cookie and chocolate. These trends signal a move toward both mindful enjoyment and accessible luxury, with manufacturers encouraged to deliver products that cater to specific snacking moments by combining texture, premium ingredients and balanced nutrition. – Candy & Snack Today
Food Industry News® — October 2026
ESOPs: An Alternative Path to Ownership Transition for Food Manufacturers By Nathan H Zureikat VP Commercial Banking, Fifth Third Bank
For many food manufacturers, deciding what comes next for the business can be one of the most important decisions they’ll ever make. While selling to a competitor or private equity firm is a common path, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) offers another option that allows owners to transition ownership while keeping the company independent. There is a common perception that this sell-side solution yields a lower business valuation, but based on the circumstances of the business and its benefits, there are times when it can create a stronger overall return for the owner based on capital structure and terms. Through an ESOP, owners sell some or all of their shares to employees through a retirement plan. This approach can provide liquidity for owners while helping preserve the culture, values, and legacy they’ve spent years building. Depending on the company’s structure and circumstances, an ESOP may also offer tax benefits and improve cash flow that can be reinvested in equipment, technology, product innovation, or future growth. It also gives owners the flexibility to step back gradually, helping ensure a smooth transition for employees, customers, and suppliers. Employees can also benefit from this structure by owning shares that can be worth significantly more in the future. If you are thinking about a transition plan, there is a dedicated sell-side advisory and ESOP group at 5/3 Bank that can assist. See their ad on page 4.
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
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Restaurateur Marty Richardson is opening a second E.A.T. (Eggs and Toast) restaurant in the renovated Chimes Building in Syracuse, N.Y., partnering with AccessCNY to employ people with disabilities. The project revives the mission of Provisions Bakery, which trained more than 1,000 people with disabilities before closing in 2020. “I don’t know if I’ll ever make any money there, but that’s OK,” Richardson said. “This is a passion project for me.” – Source: The Post-Standard
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Tievoli Pizza Bar is celebrating an extraordinary performance at the California Pizza Challenge, held August 23–25 in Anaheim, California, where owner and chef Giovanni Labbate and his son Rocco Labbate competed against pizza makers from across the country. The Tievoli team returned home with an impressive collection of five 1st-place awards and one 2nd-place finish, further establishing Tievoli Pizza Bar as a force on the national pizza competition circuit. The team’s results included: 1st Place: Pizza in the Pan • 1st Place: Fastest Pizza Maker • 1st Place: Fastest Box Folder • 1st Place: Largest Dough Stretch • 2nd Place: Gluten-Free Pizza Rocco Labbate captured 1st Place in the Pizza in the Pan competition, earning a $1,250 firstplace prize for his winning entry. His award-winning Detroit-style creation, “Cluck Around and Find Out,” was created for Tievoli Pizza Bar and featured Tievoli Detroit dough, brick and mozzarella cheese, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, burrata, chicken cutlet, lemon-citrus dressed arugula, balsamic glaze and Parmesan cheese. The competition also showcased the speed and technical skills of the Tievoli team. Giovanni took home 1st Place in Fastest Pizza Maker, while Rocco earned 1st Place in Fastest Box Folder. The team also claimed 1st Place for Largest Dough Stretch, demonstrating the technical precision behind Tievoli’s dough-making and pizza craftsmanship. For Giovanni, the competition represents more than winning trophies. It is an opportunity to continue learning, experimenting and pushing the boundaries of what pizza can be. The California Pizza Challenge adds another chapter to Tievoli Pizza Bar’s growing list of national and international competition accomplishments. From Chicago to California and international competitions in Europe, the Tievoli team continues to put its own creative spin on traditional pizza while earning recognition from industry professionals. Tievoli Pizza Bar is an award- winning pizzeria located at 44 W. Palatine Rd. in Palatine, Illinois. known for its creative pizzas, Detroit-style pies, house-made dough and competitionwinning creations. Tievoli means “I love it” spelled backward – a name that reflects the passion and personality behind the brand. “At Tievoli we take pride in combining our passion for pizza along with a contemporary yet classic atmosphere. We carefully put together a menu that caters to all palettes, specializing in hand crafted pizzas created by the owner and award winning pizzaiolo.” – Chef Giovanni Labbate
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
Red Robin Identifies Reasons for Lost Customers Red Robin is leveraging data analytics to regain customers lost to competitors. By leveraging combined data sets to analyze where and why diners switched, Red Robin uses micro-targeted digital advertising, personalized emails and loyalty program offers to specifically address the motivations behind customer defections. The tailored outreach has helped the brand win back diners and drive improved traffic and sales performance compared to previous years. – Restaurant Business
Goldfish is introducing its first-ever Goldfish Gluten-Free cheese crackers, giving consumers a new way to enjoy the iconic taste and fun that has made Goldfish a favorite for decades.
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The celebration included a special “Behind the Scenes” experience with Priscilla Presley, followed by the Arcada Centennial Parade through downtown St. Charles. The parade featured local bands, community organizations, vintage automobiles, celebrities, a Twist dance party with Chubby Checker and a recreation of the famous parade scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Thousands of people danced in the streets during this huge block party in front of the historic gem. The festivities concluded with “The History of Rock ’n’ Roll…The Arcada Theatre Celebrates 100 Years,” an evening honoring the legendary performers and music that shaped the theatre’s century-long history.
Onesti Entertainment Leadership: Ron Onesti, CEO/President (on right) Rich Onesti, VP/Chief of Production
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
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Congratulations to Comstock Castle Stove, which is celebrating 188 years of building and manufacturing custom ranges and ovens used in foodservice. The Quincy, Illinoisbased company is still family owned and operated and is known for high quality, custom fabricated ranges, designed to give you the exact equipment build you need at the exact size with more configurations than any other range manufacturer.
Albertsons Companies, Inc. continues its digital transformation announcing its Safeway plugin in ChatGPT, making grocery shopping faster, easier and more intuitive. Available now, the new Safeway plugin helps consumers discover products, evaluate options and complete their shopping journey in ChatGPT. Biggby Coffee, the 460-plus-unit high-energy coffee franchise, is welcoming fall with a seasonal lineup packed with Pumpkin Spice, Apple Cider, Maple Bourbon and plenty of Halloween fun. Running through Nov. 1, Biggby Coffee’s fall menu brings back fan-favorite drinks and food while adding new ways for guests to enjoy seasonal flavors. Firehouse Subs, the firefighter-founded hot sub brand known for its unwavering commitment to community impact, has opened its 1,500th restaurant. The landmark location, situated at 2608 Enterprise Drive in Abilene, Texas, reflects the brand’s continued growth across the U.S. and internationally. Holiday Inn by IHG, one of the world’s largest and most recognized hospitality brands, announces the opening of Holiday Inn & Suites Commerce City-Denver Airport in Commerce City, Colorado. The property is the first newly built prototypical hotel to showcase Holiday Inn’s latest lobby design concept. Horseshoe Bay Resort Texas Lake & Hill Country, part of the Crescent Hotels & Resorts Latitudes Collection, has broken ground on a $10 million racquet sports expansion that will introduce four new padel courts and a Racquet Sports Clubhouse with 6690 sq ft of indoor and outdoor covered space. Hy-Vee raises more than $295,000 to feed families across the Midwest. Customers contributed by rounding up their purchases at the checkout and buying food bags, while Hy-Vee donated $100,000 to help local food pantries. New York BagelFest presented by King Arthur Baking Company announces an elite bagel lineup, with a fresh batch
of the best heading to Citi Field this November. More than 25 acclaimed bagel shops from five countries, and around the USA, will gather in New York to celebrate the world’s beloved bread. Shipley Donuts, the nation’s largest brand of fresh, handmade daily donuts and kolaches, will make its Michigan debut in Metro Detroit through a 15-unit franchise agreement with Hole Lotta Dough, LLC. The agreement will bring Shipley Donuts to Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties, with the first location targeted for late 2027. Stoner’s Pizza Joint continues its national expansion with two new restaurant openings, including its first-ever location in Kansas and its fifth location in the Denver metroarea. The new Downtown Wichita restaurant, located at 645 East Douglas Avenue, officially establishes Stoner’s Pizza in Kansas and introduces the brand to the Midwest market. The Arizona Outdoor Hospitality Association (AZOHA) has recognized Encore’s Voyager RV Resort with the 2026 Mega Park of the Year Award. This marks Voyager’s fourth Mega Park of the Year award since 2014, and the 10th time overall an Encore RV resort has been presented with the prestigious honor. Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace announces plans to open two new locations in late 2027: its first Pennsylvania marketplace in King of Prussia and a new South Jersey marketplace in Moorestown. The two stores represent the next step in Uncle Giuseppe’s continued expansion throughout the Northeast. United completed its phase one expansion of the world’s largest pilot training facility. The airline’s 700,000 sq. ft. Flight Training Center in Denver now includes 82 flight training devices and ability to train up to 860 pilots per day. Phase two expansion is set to begin next year and expected to be operational by 2030.
Food Industry News® — October 2026
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How to Make Your $20 Cocktail More Appealing Smart operators know liquor sales are down. Yet liquor remains one of the highestmargin items on the menu. The challenge is making guests want to order and reorder that cocktail. One powerful way to elevate the cocktail experience is with a bar and bar stools that project elegance, class, comfort and luxury. Suddenly, the cocktail becomes more than a drink. It becomes an experience, and your bar becomes the centerpiece. When it comes to upgrading your bar stools, Richardson Seating is a name operators have trusted for generations. For more than 50 years, Richardson has handcrafted
high-quality, stylish and customizable bar stools for diners, cocktail lounges, restaurants, hotels, country clubs and hospitality businesses throughout Chicago, across the country and around the world. Remember those stools mounted to the floor at your favorite diner growing up? Chances are, they may have come from Richardson, and many are still standing strong, comfortable and wobble-free today. When you’re ready to upgrade your guests’ experience while enhancing your image, Richardson Seating can help create an atmosphere of warmth, quality and pleasure. See their ad on page 47.
Taco Bell Reinstates Decades Menu Taco Bell has revived its Decades Menu for the third year, this time featuring popular items from 2016. The menu, available nationwide, includes the Naked Chicken Chalupa, Beefy Crunch Burrito, Meximelt and Caramel Apple Empanada. The initiative taps into nostalgia among Generation Z and younger millennials, who view 2016 as “the last normal year,” and the chain is leveraging the cultural resurgence of that era to create buzz and emotional resonance. Taco Bell is teaming with brands like Anti-Social Social Club and Camp Snap, and offering early access to the Vine-inspired Divine Video app, to capture the spirit of 2016. – Source: nrn.com
Char Crust Introduces Gluten Free and Top Allergen-Free Flavors for Proteins
Chicago based Char Crust, a leader in flavorful coatings and seasonings for proteins, has introduced a line of gluten free and top allergen free products designed to help foodservice operators accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or quality. The easy to use seasonings and coatings are ideal for creating memorable protein dishes for those with special dietary needs while meeting the needs of today’s guests. The lineup includes All American Barbecue, Roasted Garlic Peppercorn, Rotisserie Roast, Classic Turkey Rub, Sun Dried Tomato & Garlic, Ginger Teriyaki and Original Hickory Grilled. With bold flavors, consistent results and simple preparation, Char Crust makes it easier for chefs and operators to deliver delicious protein offerings that appeal to a broader range of diners. You can see their ad on page 2.
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“Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.” – Ernest Hemingway
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
Video: Your 24/7 Salesperson
A very important potential customer just clicked on your website. You only have their undivided attention for seconds before their next crisis hits or their next meeting starts. Your website has to tell them everything they need to know about you to earn their business, and you aren’t even aware of it. That’s why the single most powerful introduction you can have on the top of your homepage is a video – one that grabs them and summarizes everything they’ll see in the next minute or two. It’s like a catchy headline in an ad, or a solid handshake and smile at a first meeting. Now, you have their full attention. What next? Your video needs to set a tone that matches your personality. But more importantly, it has to tell they why you’re in business, not just what you sell. Videos are the next best thing to a personal meeting because: • You can show and tell on-screen everything you would in-person. • They can demonstrate technical or complex processes. • Up to 96% of people prefer videos to reading. • People retain 95% of a video message vs 10% text. Angelo Bosco, Executive Producer at Big Ears Video Production says, “In a video, a potential client can see and hear your story in a way only you can tell it. Probably the most important thing you want is for clients to see your video and like you. Because people like doing business with people they like and trust.” You can find Big Ears Video Production in our guide listed under Video Production Services.
Employers Beware
“The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself.” – Peter Drucker
People in the food industry who show up every day, work hard, serve others and take pride in what they do are some of the most generous, sincere and hardworking people you will ever meet. But employers also need to recognize that not every employee approaches the workplace with that same spirit. In the food, grocery, retail, manufacturing and processing industries, some employees may be more focused on what they can get from an employer than what they can contribute. In some cases, an unhappy employee may even look for opportunities to turn a workplace dispute into a legal claim. That is why protecting your business should be a priority. Business owners should surround themselves with trusted, experienced professionals who understand HR, employment law, payroll compliance, sanitation and insurance. The right partners can help you establish sound policies, document properly and avoid costly mistakes before problems arise. Food industry businesses have unique challenges and deserve specialized expertise. Look to trusted trade publications like Food Industry News to help identify professional vendors who understand your business and can help protect what you have worked so hard to build.
Food Industry News® — October 2026
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Soul & Smoke: From Catering Company to Evanston Barbecue Destination
What began as a catering company has grown into one of Evanston’s most talked-about barbecue destinations. Soul & Smoke, founded by Chef D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick, established its roots at 1601 Payne Street in Evanston. When Covid changed the restaurant landscape, the company pivoted from catering to takeout, family meals, farmers markets and community food programs, continuing to grow even during one of the industry’s most difficult periods. Now, Soul & Smoke is taking another major step forward. Its longtime Evanston home is becoming a complete full-service restaurant with expanded dining, a full bar and private event capabilities. The new flagship also features an open kitchen and impressive smokers, while the expanded space is designed to accommodate dinners, celebrations, community gatherings and special events. Known for its expertly smoked brisket, ribs, rib tips and creative soul-food dishes, Soul & Smoke has developed a devoted following among barbecue lovers. Its reputation reached a national audience when the restaurant was featured on Good Morning America, further establishing the Evanston operation as a destination for serious barbecue enthusiasts. With its new dining room and expanded hospitality experience, Soul & Smoke is proving that great barbecue can be much more than takeout. It can be a destination, an experience and a gathering place for the community.
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
Cary Miller Presents:
PEOPLE SELLING THE FOOD INDUSTRY Professionals dedicated to their craft – and to serving the food industry. These are companies you can trust to deliver excellence. Chef Anthony Iannone is the founder and owner of The North American Pizza & Culinary Academy in Lisle, Illinois, a place where people can learn the craft of pizza at the highest level. After years of experience in professional kitchens in the USA and Italy, Anthony saw the need for a school in the United States that could provide authentic instruction, consulting and equipment for those in the pizza business wanting to set their business above others. NAPCA is the only Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli accredited school in the USA. If you are in the pizza business, be sure to meet Anthony and his team. You will be amazed at the equipment selection and knowledge he and his team provide. See his ad on the left of this column. Bennett Cutsforth, Seamus Floyd and George Roman are with Restaurant Technologies (RTI), a firm dedicated to helping foodservice businesses keep employees safe, kitchens efficient and food quality consistent. RTI’s Total Oil Management enables operators to reduce oil and labor costs with bulk fresh cooking oil delivery and used cooking oil removal along with oil usage monitoring and reporting. With a local depot in Des Plaines, RTI services many leading independent and chain accounts across the greater Chicagoland region. To increase the efficiency of your kitchen, contact RTI today. You can see their ad on page 2. Sue Beninati is an Account Executive with Schaumburg, Illinois-based RM Services, a company dedicated to maintaining and repairing all types of commercial kitchen and cooking equipment. RM’s factory-trained technicians serve restaurants, institutions, hospitality businesses and supermarkets throughout the greater Chicagoland market. But equipment service is only part of what the company offers. RM Services also has a dedicated construction and remodeling division specializing in restaurants and other foodservice businesses. With experience serving both independents and national chains, they understand the unique demands of keeping food businesses operating efficiently; from equipment repairs and preventative maintenance to complete remodeling projects and location enhancements. Whether you need to keep your existing equipment running at peak performance or are planning to remodel, renovate or enhance your operation, Sue Beninati and the RM Services team can help. You can see the RM Services’ ad on page 20. Heather Nelson is the founder and owner of CleanLine Cleaning Services, a firm built around a simple philosophy: when it comes to cleaning a foodservice operation, there’s no substitute for doing the dirty work, and doing it right. Heather and her team take pride in restoring the beauty and luster of commercial kitchens, dining rooms and foodservice equipment. They genuinely love getting their hands dirty, tackling the grease, grime and buildup that can make even a well-maintained operation look tired. The CleanLine team patiently gets into the areas that are often overlooked, meticulously removing years of accumulated grease and grime, leaving everything looking refreshed. The goal isn’t simply to make something clean, it’s to create that “wow” factor when an operator walks back into the kitchen after the job is complete. A clean, well-maintained kitchen can make a powerful impression on employees, inspectors and guests alike and can help create an environment that keeps customers coming back. For a free quote, contact Heather today. You can find her number listed in our Buyers Directory under Cleaning Services.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.” – Steve Jobs
Dan Carroll and Moonie Douangmala are with Stanislaus Food Products, a family owned business very passionate about tomato products. For over 80 years Stanislaus has been family owned and operated. Packed from fresh tomatoes each summer and flavor-blended (like fine wine grapes) for a precise sugar/ acid ratio for perfect consistency and flavor, their tomato products are used across the Pizza and Italian food industries. Their lineup includes whole peeled tomatoes, ground tomatoes, tomato strips, pasta sauces and bases, pizza sauces, bases and purees. For samples, ask your distributor or reach out to Dan or Moonie.
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
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Surprisingly Savory Ranch Milkshake Great Wolf Lodge Resorts has introduced the Ranch Milkshake, a unique blend of tangy ranch dressing and vanilla ice cream topped with popcorn chicken, carrots and celery. “It’s all about the balance and surprise,” says Jon Eyer, vice president of culinary operations. “When you take something that’s traditionally been a sweet item and make it savory, it immediately sparks curiosity.” – Flavor & The Menu
Dual Brand Stores Seek Growth Potential Dine Brands Global is expanding its dual-brand Applebee’s-IHOP restaurants, aiming for 80 locations by year-end and 900 over the next decade. Franchisee interest is strong due to the potential for roughly doubling revenue per location, despite average conversion costs of $1 million, said CEO John Peyton. Peyton emphasizes that dual-brand stores represent a core strategy for sustainable growth, even as nearterm investments contribute to financial pressure. – Source: FSR Magazine
By Mark Braun
What a mess! Is this how your dining room looks sometimes? ARTISANAL TUSCAN BREAD
Schiacciata (ski-a-CHA-ta)
Schiacciata is a flat, rustic bread originating from Tuscany, made with simple ingredients resulting in a delicious crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior.
Perfect for: Sandwiches, Table Bread, Pizza and Flat-Bread Creations Enjoyed plain or used as a base for sandwiches, pre-baked ready-to-top pizza crust, flat breads, bruschetta, appetizers or snacks.
Conveniently fresh frozen and available through all Greco houses, and Sysco
4-PACK SANDWICH BUNS IN 3 VARIETIES Parmesan Pecorino Thyme Rosemary Plain SERVING SUGGESTION
Also Available: Grab-n-Go Products Fully Prepared and Individually Packaged Pre-Made Sandwiches and Salads
Tuscan Pizza Crust Sourdough Tuscan Schiacciata Pizza Crust, Pre-Baked and full flavored. Easy to use, versatile and delicious!
QUARTER SHEETS AVAILABLE IN 4 DELICIOUS FLAVORS Parmesan Schiacciata Thyme Rosemary Schiacciata Grape Tomato Oregano Jalapeno Cheddar Plain
FOR SAMPLES AND ORDERING INFORMATION Italian Sandwiches ARTISANAL TUSCAN BREAD
Schiacciata
Pizza Crust ARTISANAL TUSCAN BREAD
Schiacciata
Call Peter Burdi: 312-907-9448 Packaged for Foodservice and Retail
Spotlight on Lawrence Alexander Jr. Lawrence A. Alexander Jr. is General Manager of OVG (Oak View Group) Hospitality at Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall. He plays an essential role in advancing OVG’s mission and delivering excellence across their global portfolio. Lawrence works closely with teams across front of house, culinary, food and beverage, facilities, and venue management to ensure seamless daily operations. By fostering collaboration, providing guidance and training, and maintaining high service standards, he empowers his team to deliver exceptional guest experiences while supporting the organization’s goals. Achievements: • 2025 crowned Gumbo King of South Jersey • 2025 Chef of the Year award ACF PCASJ “Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey” • CEC (Certified Executive Chef) • WCEC (Worldchefs Certified Executive Chef)
Food Industry News® — October 2026
foodindustrynews.com
Page 31
Restaurant Intelligence By Bradley Busenius Here is the 2025 story in one line: the big chains opened more restaurants and sold less food; the independents that stayed open sold more. The 500 largest chains grew sales about 3 percent last year. Under the 3.8 percent they added in menu prices. Strip out the price hikes and real sales went backward; the weakest year outside the pandemic since the Great Recession. The independent count fell too – down 2.3 percent, roughly 9,500 rooms. This was not because independents could not compete, but because rent, interest, and a careful guests all got expensive at once. A hard market thins the field. It always has. Now, watch the survivors. There are fewer independents, and they are ordering more food. All three national distributors reported independent case volume up this year while chain volume slipped. Fewer rooms, bigger orders. That is a field getting stronger. This is Chicago’s fight to win. The city runs about 79 percent independent. The operator who can change a menu overnight and move with costs has an edge the chains cannot buy. Here is the play. Demand came back to you. You keep it on the invoice, not the marquee. The chains made their margin on landed cost and private labels, not volume. Do the same. Know your landed price on your top ten items, and when your rep pitches a savings program, know whose margin it protects first. The tailwind is real. What you do with it is on you. That is how I read it. Bradley Busenius is the founder of Restaurant Intelligence and BusStop Hospitality. He spent twenty years in foodservice, on both sides of the table, from operations to the distribution side at Sysco.
“Teddy the Bullhead” Delacruz (left) won his third contest this year eating 12 sandwiches in 30 minutes at Devanco’s 10th Annual Taste of Greektown Gyro Eating Contest. Frank “The Tank” Wach (7 time champion and record holder) came in 2nd with 11 sandwiches.
SATISFIED CUSTOMERS INCLUDE: Buona Beef + Four Corners Tavern Group + Bravo Restaurants + Gino’s East + Pompei Bakery Turano Bakery + Chicago Pastry + Phil Stefani Restaurants + Scooby’s Drive-In + Devanco Foods Angelo Caputos + Brookhaven Marketplace + Gene & Georgetti’s + Burrito Parilla + Taco Bell Mission Barbecue + Starbucks + Chipotle + Paisan’s Pizza + Jim’s Original Lucca Osteria & Bar + Rosati’s Pizza + Ala Carte Entertainment Group
“Older people shouldn’t eat health food – they need all the preservatives they can get.” – Robert Orben
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foodindustrynews.com
Food Industry News® — October 2026
Nuggets in Cheese Fries for 49 Years!
Try Michael’s Premium Melting Cheese Today! Call for samples, or scan the QR code.
847.432.3380
Available through Sysco Chicago and Performance Foodservice Chicago.
The Best Cheese for:
Burgers • Fries • Snacking • Potatoes
Foodservice, Institutional and Distributor Inquiries Welcome.
“Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?” – George Carlin
The “Spooky Stuff You Love” Collection Returns to Build-A-Bear Workshop With New Furry Friends For Halloween. The new character headlines a collection filled with playful personalities, seasonal fashions, and Halloween-themed add-ons designed to help guests create a one-of-a-kind furry friend and a memorable Halloween experience. Available online and at participating Build-A-Bear Workshop locations. Photo: Build-A-Bear’s 2026 “Spooky Things You Love” Collection
After you’ve looked over the menu in a restaurant, be sure to wash your hands before you eat your meal. The menus have been touched by numerous guests and might not have been wiped down. This also goes for when you order off a kiosk. It’s always a good idea to carry some Wet Ones in your bag too. Apple cider donuts get their name and flavor from freshly pressed apple cider, which is most abundant in the fall when apple orchards are at harvest. Apple cider donuts are a beloved autumn treat because they are deeply tied to the seasonal harvest of apples and the cultural traditions of fall in the U.S. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The month aims to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. It’s known best for its pink theme color. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida recently opened the all-new Lion & Hyena Ridge. As part of a $200 million planned five-year investment, the habitat is one of the world’s most immersive animal habitats and the newest addition to the park’s award-winning zoological collection. Chefs For Seniors, Inc., one of the nation’s largest in-home personal chef franchise brands, announced the launch of Chefs For Families, a new brand that brings personalized in-home meal preparation services to busy families, working professionals, couples, and individuals across the United States. Drowsy driving is impaired driving and accounts for an estimated one in five fatal crashes on U.S. roads. Although 95% of Americans recognize drowsy driving as dangerous, nearly two-thirds report having driven while so tired they had difficulty keeping their eyes open. For more than 80 years, Smokey Bear has taught generations of Americans about the importance
of wildfire prevention. Smokey’s powerful message, “Only you can prevent wildfires” is at the heart of the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history. Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other hospital and has been recognized as an Honor Roll member according to U.S. News & World Report’s 20262027 “Best Hospitals” rankings. New research released by No Kid Hungry finds that more than half of parents (59%) say their child wouldn’t have enough to eat if it weren’t for the meals they receive during the school day; one of several findings highlighting the essential financial lifeline school meals provide for families across the country. Salem Haunted Happenings is a festive celebration of Halloween and fall in New England running annually, October 1-31. Events include a Grand Parade, artisan vendors, family friendly events, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and chilling theatrical presentations. Spirit Halloween is the largest Halloween retailer in the country. With more than 1,500 seasonal locations in strip centers and malls across North America, Spirit is the one-stop destination for all things Halloween. Spirit has created immersive and interactive experiences for shoppers, complete with a vast assortment of costumes and accessories. When tagging your luggage, it is best to also put a tag inside your luggage. That way if the tag comes off the outside of your luggage and it gets lost; the airline will be able to open the bag and identify who the luggage belongs to. Yelp Inc. announced that Yelp Host, the voice AI solution for restaurants, has handled more than 1 million calls – the equivalent of nearly 2 years of phone conversations and growing at an average of 38% month-over-month since its October 2025 launch through June 2026.
Food Industry News® — October 2026
Classifieds / Buyer’s Directory
Page 33
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ACCOUNTANTS Ahlbeck Cook & Associates................... Page 16.............847-334-9798 AD DESIGN Food Photo Studio.................................. Page 41.............630-283-0038 ADVERTISING Food Industry News..........................................................847-699-3300 AIR CONDITIONING-SYSTEMS CLEANING Olympia Maintenance.......................................................708-344-0344 AIR FILTERS-SALES & SERVICE Olympia Maintenance.......................................................708-344-0344 APPETIZERS Royal Rolls Gourmet Egg Roll............... Page 23.............312-563-0299 ARCHITECTS Sarfatty Associates...........................................................847-920-1100 ASIAN FOOD PRODUCTS Kikkoman Sales USA.............................. Page 14.............630-954-1244 ASSOCIATIONS Illinois Restaurant Association............. Page 22.............312-787-4000 GARC...................................................................................847-824-6941 ASSOCIATIONS & TRADES Illinois Pork Producers Association..... Page 03.............217-529-3100 ATTORNEYS Reveliotis Law PC................................... Page 42.............312-230-0160 AUCTIONS Rick Levin & Associates........................ Page 29.............312-440-2000 AWNINGS & CANOPIES Chesterfield Awnings............................. Page 08.............708-596-4434 Thatcher Oaks Awnings....................................................630-833-5700 BAGS-CUSTOM PRINTED Bulldog Packaging.............................................................630-458-1152 BAKERS-WHOLESALE Eli’s Cheesecake...................................... Page 11.............773-736-7417 Lezza Spumoni & Desserts................... Page 25.............708-547-5969 Pronto Panificio...................................... Page 30.............312-907-9448 Today’s Temptations.............................. Page 42.............773-385-5355 Ideal Bakery........................................................................773-631-6897
BAKERS-WHOLESALE (Cont.) Il Mulino di Valenzano Bakery..........................................847-671-5216 JR Dessert Bakery.............................................................773-465-6733 BAKERY-PRODUCTS Chef’s Kitchen/Dearborn....................... Page 06.............773-801-1600 Instantwhip Chicago.............................. Page 12.............773-235-5588 BAKLAVA Libanais Sweets.................................................................847-329-5060 BANKING-COMMERCIAL Fifth Third Commercial Bank................. Page 04.............847-757-1885 BANNERS & POSTERS Accurate Printing...............................................................708-824-0058 BAR STOOLS Chicago Booth......................................... Page 20.............773-378-8400 Richardson Seating FSE Division.......... Page 47.............312-829-4040 Trendler Inc.........................................................................773-255-4407 Waco Manufacturing.........................................................312-733-0054 BAR SUPPLIES Ramar Supply Co.................................... Page 32.............708-233-0808 Alfa Restaurant Supply.....................................................773-588-6688 Schultz Supply...................................................................708-652-2020 BATCH FREEZERS Kool Technologies.................................. Page 41.............630-483-2256 BBQ SAUCE Ken’s Foods........................................................................800-633-5800 Red Gold.............................................................................765-557-5500 BBQ SAUCE-RUBS & SEASONINGS Pork Mafia Inc....................................................................312-543-5368 BEEF New S B L Inc.......................................... Page 27.............773-376-8280 BEER INVENTORY CONTROL Sculpture Hospitality.............................. Page 48.............773-454-1300 BOOTHS Chicago Booth......................................... Page 20.............773-378-8400 Waco Manufacturing.........................................................312-733-0054
info@americaneagle.com 877.WEBNOW.1 (877.932.6691)
BOOTHS-UPHOLSTERERS Chicago Booth......................................... Page 20.............773-378-8400 Joe’s Furniture Upholstery.................... Page 40.............773-965-4828 BREAD & ROLLS Today’s Temptations.............................. Page 42.............773-385-5355 Ideal Bakery........................................................................773-631-6897 Il Mulino di Valenzano Bakery..........................................847-671-5216 BREADSCONTRACT BAKING Ideal Bakery........................................................................773-631-6897 BROCHURE DESIGN Food Photo Studio.................................. Page 41.............630-283-0038 BROILERS & STEAMERS EmberGlo................................................. Page 12.............866-705-0515 BUSINESS BROKERS Nick Dibrizzi/Coldwell Bankers.........................................708-562-9328 BUSINESS FOR SALE Ted Aretos/ Eatz & Associates.........................................815-761-8334 BUTTER-CLARIFIED Danish Maid Butter................................. Page 25.............773-731-8787 BUTTER-PREPORTIONED-WHIPPED Danish Maid Butter................................. Page 25.............773-731-8787 BUYING GROUPS/CO-OPS GARC...................................................................................847-824-6941 CAKES Dessert Werks......................................... Page 20.............847-487-8239 CAKES & DESSERTS Chicago Sweet Connection.................... Page 45.............773-283-4430 Eli’s Cheesecake...................................... Page 11.............773-736-7417 CALAMARI Fisherman’s Pride................................... Page 17.............800-543-2110 CANNOLI & CANNOLI PRODUCTS Lezza Spumoni & Desserts................... Page 25.............708-547-5969 CARPET CLEANING Sexton Group Floor Care...................................................847-827-1188 CARRY OUT PACKAGING Bulldog Packaging.............................................................630-458-1152
Page 34 CASH & CARRY OUTLETS Chef’s Kitchen/Dearborn....................... Page 06.............773-801-1600 CHAIR/BARSTOOL REPAIRS Joe’s Furniture Upholstery.................... Page 40.............773-965-4828 CHAIRS Dearborn Sourcing LLC......................... Page 16.............312-243-6214 Richardson Seating FSE Division.......... Page 47.............312-829-4040 Trendler Inc.........................................................................773-255-4407 CHAIRS-COMMERCIAL Chicago Booth......................................... Page 20.............773-378-8400 Waco Manufacturing.........................................................312-733-0054 CHAIRS-REPAIR & RESTORATION Joe’s Furniture Upholstery.................... Page 40.............773-965-4828 CHEESE-MELTING Michael’s Premium Melting Cheese..... Page 32.............847-432-3380 CHEESECAKES Eli’s Cheesecake...................................... Page 11.............773-736-7417 CHEESES WisconCaputo Cheese........................... Page 21.............708-450-0074 CHICKEN-PROGRAMS FSI/Foodservice Solutions...............................................847-719-6088 CHILI Bistro Soups (Div of Vienna Beef)...................................773-278-7800 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Food Industry News..........................................................847-699-3300 CLEANING PRODUCTS C-Soap a div of CSI Coker Service........ Page 04.............888-908-5600 SuperClean.........................................................................847-361-0289 CLEANING SERVICES Cruz’ s Cleaning Services...................... Page 43.............630-379-3732 Cleanline Restore & Clean................................................815-276-9488 COFFEE ROASTERS Tec Foods Inc.....................................................................773-638-5310 Tugboat Coffee...................................................................630-390-6613 CONDIMENTS Big Fork Brands.................................................................312-206-9444 Red Gold.............................................................................765-557-5500 CONSULTANTSBBQ Pork Mafia Inc....................................................................312-543-5368 CONTRACT LABOR PROVIDERS Midway Staffing...................................... Page 10.............708-397-8800 CONTRACT MANUFACTURING Bistro Soups (Div of Vienna Beef)...................................773-278-7800 COOKING EQUIPMENT Ramar Supply Co.................................... Page 32.............708-233-0808 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 COOKING EQUIPMENT-REPAIR Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 CORNED BEEF-FRESH Vienna Beef........................................................................773-278-7800 CORPORATE GIFTS Vienna Beef........................................................................773-278-7800 COST REDUCTION EXPERT Sculpture Hospitality.............................. Page 48.............773-454-1300 CPA FIRMS Ahlbeck Cook & Associates................... Page 16.............847-334-9798 CREDIT CARD PROCESSING Breakthrough Business Advsors LLC.............................262-716-4983 CREPE BATTER Tec Foods Inc.....................................................................773-638-5310 CULINARY SERVICES Charlie Baggs Inc.................................... Page 19.............312-523-5238 DAIRY-DISTRIBUTOR Instantwhip Chicago.............................. Page 12.............773-235-5588 DAIRY-PRODUCTS V Marchese Produce.............................. Page 41.............414-289-0995 DELI-MEATS Badger Hams........................................... Page 15.............414-645-1756 DESSERT SUPPLIES Fox Valley Farms................................................................630-231-3005 DESSERTS Chicago Sweet Connection.................... Page 45.............773-283-4430 Dessert Werks......................................... Page 20.............847-487-8239 Eli’s Cheesecake...................................... Page 11.............773-736-7417 Fox Valley Farms................................................................630-231-3005 DESSERTS-WHOLESALE Lezza Spumoni & Desserts................... Page 25.............708-547-5969
Classifieds / Buyer’s Directory DIRECT MAIL PROGRAMS Food Industry News..........................................................847-699-3300 DISHMACHINESALES & SERVUCE Meikem Supply Inc................................. Page 43.............847-427-3344 DISHWASHING & CHEMICALS C-Soap a div of CSI Coker Service........ Page 04.............888-908-5600 DISINFECTING SERVICES Sexton Group Floor Care...................................................847-827-1188 DISPOSABLE PACKAGING Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 DISPOSABLES Gordon Food Service............................. Page 20.............800-968-7500 Schultz Supply...................................................................708-652-2020 DRAM SHOP INSURANCE Heil & Heil Insurance Agency................ Page 24.............847-866-7400 Serpe Insurance...................................... Page 14.............773-871-0809 DRAPERIES-CLEANING Sexton Complete Care.......................................................847-827-1188 DUCT CLEANING Enviromatic Corp of America................ Page 04.............800-325-8476 Olympia Maintenance.......................................................708-344-0344 EGG ROLLS Royal Rolls Gourmet Egg Roll............... Page 23.............312-563-0299 EGGS Meadowbrook Egg & Dairy Company.............................773-523-8861 EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKS Employco USA........................................ Page 05.............630-286-7381 ENDORSED VENDOR PARTNER Employco USA........................................ Page 05.............630-286-7381 J&J Gaming............................................. Page 19.............833-788-1949 ENTREES-PREPARED My Father’s Best................................................................630-230-0332 ETHNIC FOODS Kikkoman Sales USA.............................. Page 14.............630-954-1244 FILTERS-EXHAUST SYSTEMS Olympia Maintenance.......................................................708-344-0344 FIRE SUPRESSION SYSTEMS Fredriksen Fire Equipment Co............... Page 30.............630-595-9500 Fox Valley Fire & Safety.....................................................847-695-5990 FIRE-EXTINGUISHERS Fredriksen Fire Equipment Co............... Page 30.............630-595-9500 Fox Valley Fire & Safety.....................................................847-695-5990 FLATBREAD PIZZA-PREPARED Third Stone Pizza.................................... Page 44.............224-420-1009 FLATBREADS Pronto Panificio...................................... Page 30.............312-907-9448 Third Stone Pizza.................................... Page 44.............224-420-1009 FLOOR INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE Classic Touch Floor Care...................................................847-513-3501 Sexton Complete Floor Care.............................................847-827-1188 FOOD DISTRIBUTORS Chef’s Kitchen/Dearborn....................... Page 06.............773-801-1600 Devanco Foods....................................... Page 24.............847-228-7070 Gordon Food Service............................. Page 20.............800-968-7500 Olympia Food Industries........................ Page 26.............847-349-9358 Performance Foodservice..................... Page 13.............630-896-1991 V Marchese Produce.............................. Page 41.............414-289-0995 Alfa Restaurant Supply.....................................................773-588-6688 Anichini Brothers...............................................................312-644-8004 Artisan Specialty Foods....................................................708-762-5238 Chef’s Quality Meats.........................................................708-333-0880 Tec Foods Inc.....................................................................773-638-5310 FOOD INVENTORY CONTROL Sculpture Hospitality.............................. Page 48.............773-454-1300 FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY Food Photo Studio.................................. Page 41.............630-283-0038 FOOD PLANT STAFFING & LABOR Midway Staffing...................................... Page 10.............708-397-8800 FOOD PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Charlie Baggs Inc.................................... Page 19.............312-523-5238 FOOD PRODUCTS Badger Hams........................................... Page 15.............414-645-1756 Devanco Foods....................................... Page 24.............847-228-7070 Michael’s Premium Melting Cheese..... Page 32.............847-432-3380 Olympia Food Industries........................ Page 26.............847-349-9358 Royal Rolls Gourmet Egg Roll............... Page 23.............312-563-0299 Unilever Food Solutions......................... Page 03.............630-342-3641
Food Industry News® — October 2026 FOOD PRODUCTS (Cont.) WisconCaputo Cheese........................... Page 21.............708-450-0074 My Father’s Best................................................................630-230-0332 Neil Jones Food Company................................................800-543-4356 FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT Thunderbird Food Machinery................ Page 02.............866-451-1668 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 Losurdo Inc........................................................................630-833-4650 Redco Foodservice Equipment........................................800-722-5460 FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT-REPAIR CSI............................................................ Page 12.............888-908-5600 Ice Solutions 24...................................... Page 25.............847-987-9738 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 FOODSERVICE- LAYOUT & DESIGN Losurdo Inc........................................................................630-833-4650 Sarfatty Associates...........................................................847-920-1100 FOODSERVICE-EQUIPMENT PARTS CSI............................................................ Page 12.............888-908-5600 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 FOODSERVICE-SUPPLIES Ramar Supply Co.................................... Page 32.............708-233-0808 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 FRANCHISE-CONSULTANTS Big Sky Franchise Team....................................................855-824-4759 FREEZERS-ALL TYPES Custom Cooler & Freezer....................... Page 10.............630-879-3131 FRYERS Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 FSI/Foodservice Solutions...............................................847-719-6088 FURNISHINGS Zap Props...........................................................................773-376-2278 GAMING TERMINALS J&J Gaming............................................. Page 19.............833-788-1949 Aces Up Gaming................................................................773-209-4800 GASKET MFG & REPLACEMENT RM Services............................................ Page 20.............331-300-7955 GELATO Lezza Spumoni & Desserts................... Page 25.............708-547-5969 Fox Valley Farms................................................................630-231-3005 GELATO EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES Kool Technologies.................................. Page 41.............630-483-2256 GIARDINIERA E Formella & Sons.................................. Page 08.............708-598-0909 V Formusa Company.........................................................847-813-6040 GLASSWARE Schultz Supply...................................................................708-652-2020 GREASE REMOVAL SERVICE Green Grease Environmental............................................855-645-2246 Hopkins Grease Solutions LLC........................................847-458-1010 Kaluzny Brothers Inc.........................................................815-744-1453 Mahoney Environmental Inc.............................................815-730-2088 GREASE TRAP CLEANING A & J Sewer Service..........................................................847-701-5836 GREASE TRAP PUMPING SERVICE Tierra Environmental.............................. Page 19.............888-551-1998 Kaluzny Brotherrs Inc........................................................815-744-1453 Mahoney Environmental Inc.............................................815-730-2088 GREASE TRAP SERVICE Tierra Environmental.............................. Page 19.............888-551-1998 GREASE-EXHAUST CLEANING Enviromatic Corp of America................ Page 04.............800-325-8476 Olympia Maintenance.......................................................708-344-0344 GREEK FOOD PRODUCTS Devanco Foods....................................... Page 24.............847-228-7070 Olympia Food Industries........................ Page 26.............847-349-9358 GYROS Devanco Foods....................................... Page 24.............847-228-7070 Olympia Food Industries........................ Page 26.............847-349-9358 H/R-HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES Employco USA........................................ Page 05.............630-286-7381 HALAL FOOD PRODUCTS Devanco Foods....................................... Page 24.............847-228-7070 HAM Badger Hams........................................... Page 15.............414-645-1756 HAMBURGER PATTY MANUFACTURER Devanco Foods....................................... Page 24.............847-228-7070 HEALTH INSURANCE Employco USA........................................ Page 05.............630-286-7381
Food Industry News® — October 2026 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE & REP Mechanical 24......................................... Page 25.............847-987-9738 Evolution Mechanical Heating & Cooling........................224-600-9326 HOLIDAY LIGHTS INSTALL/REMOVE Sparkle Squad of Chicago ..................... Page 09.............773-255-6771 HOOD EXHAUST & FAN CLEANING Enviromatic Corp of America................ Page 04.............800-325-8476 Olympia Maintenance.......................................................708-344-0344 HOT DOGS Crawford Sausage.............................................................773-277-3095 Vienna Beef........................................................................773-278-7800 HVAC REPAIR & MAINTENANCE Giant Refrigeration................................. Page 39.............773-539-9629 ICE CREAM Instantwhip Chicago.............................. Page 12.............773-235-5588 Fox Valley Farms................................................................630-231-3005 ICE CREAM EQUIPMENT REPAIR & SUPPLY Kool Technologies.................................. Page 41.............630-483-2256 ICE CREAM-EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY Kool Technologies.................................. Page 41.............630-483-2256 ICE CREAM-YOGURT Instantwhip Chicago.............................. Page 12.............773-235-5588 ICE MACHINE REPAIR & SANITIZING Major Appliance Service...................................................708-447-4100 ICE MACHINES Redco Foodservice Equipment........................................800-722-5460 ICE MACHINES-SALES-RENTAL OR LEASING Empire Cooler Service............................ Page 18.............312-733-3900 Ice Solutions 24...................................... Page 25.............847-987-9738 INGREDIENT SUPPLIERS Famar Flavors.......................................... Page 10.............708-926-2951 INSURANCE Cacciatore Insurance.............................. Page 08.............312-264-6055 Heil & Heil Insurance Agency................ Page 24.............847-866-7400 Serpe Insurance...................................... Page 14.............773-871-0809 ISU Northwest Insurance Services..................................847-310-0400 Society Insurance..............................................................888-576-2438 INSURANCE SERVICES Cacciatore Insurance.............................. Page 08.............312-264-6055 Serpe Insurance...................................... Page 14.............773-871-0809 Gus Romas.........................................................................847-525-2846 INSURANCE UNDERWRITTING Society Insurance..............................................................888-576-2438 INSURANCE-INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL Cacciatore Insurance.............................. Page 08.............312-264-6055 Heil & Heil Insurance Agency................ Page 24.............847-866-7400 INTERIOR DESIGN Ullo Designs.......................................................................312-296-8556 INTERIOR DESIGNERS Sarfatty Associates...........................................................847-920-1100 INTERNET ADVERTISING Food Industry News..........................................................847-699-3300 ITALIAN BEEF Devanco Foods....................................... Page 24.............847-228-7070 Serrelli’s Foods....................................... Page 18.............877-385-BEEF ITALIAN FOOD SPECIALTIES E Formella & Sons.................................. Page 08.............708-598-0909 ITALIAN SAUSAGE Anichini Brothers...............................................................312-644-8004 JANITOR-SUPPLIES Ramar Supply Co.................................... Page 32.............708-233-0808 JAPANESE-FOOD PRODUCTS Kikkoman Sales USA.............................. Page 14.............630-954-1244 JUICER REPAIR & MAINTENANCE Up ‘N Adam Service & Supply Inc........ Page 18.............877-876-2326 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 JUICERS-FRUIT & VEGETABLES Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 KETCHUP Red Gold.............................................................................765-557-5500 KITCHEN EQUIPMENT A D E Foodservice Equipment..........................................630-628-0811 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 KITCHEN FLOORING Sexton Complete Floor Care.............................................847-827-1188 KITCHEN-EXHAUST SYSTEMS/CLEANING Enviromatic Corp of America................ Page 04.............800-325-8476 Olympia Maintenance.......................................................708-344-0344
Classifieds / Buyer’s Directory LABOR MANAGEMENT SERVICES Midway Staffing...................................... Page 10.............708-397-8800 LAW FIRMS Tuckey Law.............................................. Page 10.............312-701-2200 LINEN SUPPLY & RENTAL SERVICE Cosmopolitan Textile.........................................................773-254-6100 LIQUOR INVENTORY CONTROL Sculpture Hospitality.............................. Page 48.............773-454-1300 LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE Heil & Heil Insurance Agency................ Page 24.............847-866-7400 Serpe Insurance...................................... Page 14.............773-871-0809 MARINADES FOR FOOD MFR’S Famar Flavors.......................................... Page 10.............708-296-2951 MAYONNAISE Columbus Vegetable Oils....................... Page 07.............773-265-6500 Unilever Food Solutions......................... Page 03.............630-432-3641 MEAT PROCESSING EQUIP SALES & SERVICE Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 MEAT STICKS Big Fork Brands.................................................................312-206-9444 MEATS -WHOLE PIGS-GOATS-LAMB Park Packing Company.......................... Page 44.............773-254-0100 MEAT-WHOLESALE Devanco Foods....................................... Page 24.............847-228-7070 Gordon Food Service............................. Page 20.............800-968-7500 New S B L Inc.......................................... Page 27.............773-376-8280 Park Packing Company.......................... Page 44.............773-254-0100 Anichini Brothers...............................................................312-644-8004 Chef’s Quality Meats.........................................................708-333-0880 International Meat Company............................................773-622-1400 MEDITERRANEAN FOODS Olympia Food Industries........................ Page 26.............847-349-9358 MENUS-CUSTOM PRINTED Accurate Printing...............................................................708-824-0058 MILK Instantwhip Chicago.............................. Page 12.............773-235-5588 OIL-FRYING RTI Restaurant Technologies Inc.......... Page 02.............312-504-4565 OILS & FATS-COOKING Columbus Vegetable Oils....................... Page 07.............773-265-6500 RTI Restaurant Technologies Inc.......... Page 02.............312-504-4565 OILS & SHORTENING Columbus Vegetable Oils....................... Page 07.............773-265-6500 OILS- FILTERING & RECYCLING RTI Restaurant Technologies Inc.......... Page 02.............312-504-4565 OILS-COOKING/BULK Columbus Vegetable Oils....................... Page 07.............773-265-6500 OLIVE OILS Columbus Vegetable Oils....................... Page 07.............773-265-6500 OVENS-PIZZA N. American Pizza & Culinary Acad....... Page 28.............630-395-9958 PAINTING CONTRACTORS Sexton Complete Care.......................................................847-827-1188 PANCAKE-BATTER & MIX Tec Foods Inc.....................................................................773-638-5310 PAPER-PRODUCTS Ramar Supply Co.................................... Page 32.............708-233-0808 Alfa Restaurant Supply.....................................................773-588-6688 PARTY-FAVORS & SUPPLIES Ramar Supply Co.................................... Page 32.............708-233-0808 PASTA-FRESH AND FROZEN Pastafresh Home Made Pasta..........................................773-745-5888 PASTRIES Chicago Sweet Connection.................... Page 45.............773-283-4430 Dessert Werks......................................... Page 20.............847-487-8239 PATIO ENCLOSURES Thatcher Oaks Awnings....................................................630-833-5700 PATIO HEATERS TNG Industries........................................ Page 46.............708-449-1100 PATTY MACHINES/FOOD FORMERS Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 PAYROLL SERVICES Employco USA........................................ Page 05.............630-286-7381 PEPPER JAMS Rollicking Buckaroo..........................................................415-737-5265 PEST CONTROL Rose Pest Solutions............................... Page 47.............800-GOT-PEST
Page 35 PHOTOGRAPHY Food Photo Studio.................................. Page 41.............630-283-0038 All Events Photography.....................................................312-543-2100 PICKLES & RELISH Vienna Beef........................................................................773-278-7800 PITA BREAD Olympia Food Industries........................ Page 26.............847-349-9358 PIZZA CONSULTANTS N. American Pizza & Culinary Acad ..... Page 28.............630-395-9958 PIZZA CRUST Pronto Panificio...................................... Page 30.............312-907-9448 PIZZA SAUCE Neil Jones Food Company................................................800-543-4356 Red Gold.............................................................................765-557-5500 PIZZA SAUSAGE Anichini Brothers...............................................................312-644-8004 PIZZA SUPPLY DISTRIBUTORS Anichini Brothers...............................................................312-644-8004 POINT OF SALE SYSTEMS Breakthrough Business Advisors LLC............................262-716-4983 PORK IDEAS AND MARKETING Illinois Pork Producers Association..... Page 03.............217-529-3100 PORK PRODUCTS Park Packing Company.......................... Page 44.............773-254-0100 Peer Foods..........................................................................773-927-1440 POS SYSTEM PROGRAMMING & CONSULTING Flash Transact....................................................................312-796-6857 POS SYSTEMS Viore POS and Foods........................................................708-773-0026 POULTRY-FRESH New S B L Inc.......................................... Page 27.............773-376-8280 PRE-CUT FRUITS & VEGETABLES Cut Fresh LLC.......................................... Page 24.............866-563-4728 PRESSURE WASHING Olympia Maintenance.......................................................708-344-0344 PRINTING-CUSTOM ITEMS Accurate Printing...............................................................708-824-0058 PRIVATE LABEL FOOD MANUFACTURERS E Formella & Sons.................................. Page 08.............708-598-0909 PRODUCEPRE- CUT Cut Fresh LLC.......................................... Page 24.............866-563-4728 PRODUCE DISTRIBUTORS V Marchese Produce.............................. Page 41.............414-289-0995 PROPANE TANK EXCHANGE Your Propane Guys............................................................630-479-9750 PROPERTYTAXREAL ESTATE LAW Reveliotis Law PC................................... Page 42.............312-230-0160 PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE Heil & Heil Insurance Agency................ Page 24.............847-866-7400 Society Insurance..............................................................888-576-2438 PUBLISHING Food Industry News..........................................................847-699-3300 REAL ESTATE BROKERS Gus Romas.........................................................................847-525-2846 REAL ESTATE LAW Reveliotis Law PC................................... Page 42.............312-230-0160 REFRIGERATION Redco Foodservice Equipment........................................800-722-5460 REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT REPAIR CSI............................................................ Page 12.............888-908-5600 Kool Technologies.................................. Page 41.............630-483-2256 Mechanical 24......................................... Page 25.............847-987-9738 Evolution Mechanical Heating & Cooling........................224-600-9326 REFRIGERATION SERVICE Ice Solutions 24...................................... Page 25.............847-987-9738 REFRIGERATION SERVICE & REPAIR Giant Refrigeration................................. Page 39.............773-539-9629 REFRIGERATION-EQUIP/COMMERCIAL Custom Cooler & Freezer....................... Page 10.............630-879-3131 Schultz Supply...................................................................708-652-2020 RESTAURANT CLEANING SERVICE Cruz’s Cleaning Service......................... Page 43.............630-379-3732 RESTAURANT DESIGN Ullo Designs.......................................................................312-296-8556 RESTAURANT EQUIP MANUFACTURERS EmberGlo................................................. Page 12.............866-705-0515
Page 36 RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Optimal Automatics................................ Page 04.............847-439-9110 Wood Food Systems.............................. Page 22.............847-949-9663 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 FSI/Foodservice Solutions...............................................847-719-6088 Losurdo Inc........................................................................630-833-4650 Schultz Supply...................................................................708-652-2020 RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES Custom Cooler & Freezer....................... Page 10.............630-879-3131 Ramar Supply Co.................................... Page 32.............708-233-0808 Alfa Restaurant Supply.....................................................773-588-6688 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 Schultz Supply...................................................................708-652-2020 RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT PARTS CSI............................................................ Page 12.............888-908-5600 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT REPAIR CSI............................................................ Page 12.............888-908-5600 RM Services............................................ Page 20.............331-300-7955 Up ‘N Adam Service & Suppy Inc......... Page 18.............877-876-2326 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT REPAIR SERVICE Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 Major Appliance Service...................................................708-447-4100 RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT-NEW & USED Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 March Quality Used & New Equip....................................800-210-5895 RESTAURANT FURNITURE Richardson Seating FSE Division.......... Page 47.............312-829-4040 RESTAURANT INSURANCE Society Insurance..............................................................888-576-2438 RESTAURANT REAL ESTATE SALES John Moauro Home Finders USA....................................708-921-4939 Nick Dibrizzi/Coldwell Banker...........................................708-562-9328 Ted Aretos/ Eatz & Associates.........................................815-761-8334 RESTAURANT-DESIGNERS Losurdo Inc........................................................................630-833-4650 Sarfatty Associates...........................................................847-920-1100 RE-UPHOLSTERY Chicago Booth......................................... Page 20.............773-378-8400 Joe’s Furniture Upholstery.................... Page 40.............773-965-4828 ROOF TOP GREASE CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS Enviromatic Corp of America................ Page 04.............800-325-8476 ROOFS-SALES-REPAIR & MAINTENANCE Care Sheet Metal & Roofing.................. Page 31.............708-387-9784 RUBS Char Crust................................................ Page 02.............773-528-0600 SALAD-DRESSINGS Ken’s Foods........................................................................800-633-5800 SALAD-DRESSINGS & OILS Columbus Vegetable Oils....................... Page 07.............773-265-6500 Tec Foods Inc.....................................................................773-638-5310 SALSA Simply Salsa............................................ Page 08.............630-519-5860 SANITATION CERTIFICATION Illinois Restaurant Association............. Page 22.............312-787-4000 Badger Food Service Consulting......................................262-902-2947 SAUCES Big Fork Brands.................................................................312-206-9444 My Father’s Best................................................................630-230-0332 SAUCES & GRAVIES Unilever Food Solutions......................... Page 03.............630-432-3641 SAUSAGE Anichini Brothers...............................................................312-644-8004 Big Fork Brands.................................................................312-206-9444 Crawford Sausage.............................................................773-277-3095 Vienna Beef........................................................................773-278-7800 SCALES Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 SCALES-SALES & REPAIR Accurate Scale Company..................................................773-847-1820 SEAFOOD Fisherman’s Pride................................... Page 17.............800-543-2110
Classifieds / Buyer’s Directory SEASONING BLENDS Rollicking Buckaroo..........................................................415-737-5265 SEASONING BLENDS FOR MFR’S Famar Flavors.......................................... Page 10.............708-926-2951 SEATING Dearborn Sourcing LLC......................... Page 16.............312-243-6214 Richardson Seating FSE Division.......... Page 47.............312-829-4040 Trendler Inc.........................................................................773-255-4407 Waco Manufacturing.........................................................312-733-0054 SEWER(MAINT)-RODDING & JETTING Tierra Environmental.............................. Page 19.............888-551-1998 A & J Sewer Service..........................................................847-701-5836 SHAKE MIX Fox Valley Farms................................................................630-231-3005 SHORTENING Columbus Vegetable Oils....................... Page 07.............773-265-6500 SLICERSAUTOMATED Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 CES Nationwide.................................................................773-533-3333 SLICERS-SALES & SERVICE Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 SLOT MACHINES J&J Gaming............................................. Page 19.............833-788-1949 SOAPS & DETERGENTS Meikem Supply Inc................................. Page 43.............847-427-3344 SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Chicago Social Media Mktg Group....... Page 46.............847-387-9873 SOFT DRINKS PepsiCo Foodservice.........................................................773-893-2319 SOFT SERVE-ICE CREAM/EQUIP & SUPPLIES Kool Technologies.................................. Page 41.............630-483-2256 SOFT SERVICE MIX Fox Valley Farms................................................................630-231-3005 SOUP BASES Unilever Food Solutions......................... Page 03.............630-432-3641 Tec Foods Inc.....................................................................773-638-5310 SOUPS Bistro Soups (Div of Vienna Beef)...................................773-278-7800 Vienna Beef........................................................................773-278-7800 SPICES Tec Foods Inc.....................................................................773-638-5310 SPICES & SEASONING BLENDS Char Crust................................................ Page 02.............773-528-0600 STAFFING AGENCIES Midway Staffing...................................... Page 10.............708-397-8800 STEAM CLEANING Olympia Maintenance.......................................................708-344-0344 SUPERMARKET EQUIPMENT Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 CES Nationwide.................................................................773-533-3333 SUPERMARKET EQUIPMENT REPAIR Up ‘N Adam Service & Supply Inc........ Page 18.............877-876-2326 Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 SUPERMARKET- EQUIPMENT/ NEW & USED Berkel Midwest..................................................................800-921-9151 TABLES-ALL TYPES Chicago Booth......................................... Page 20.............773-378-8400 Richardson Seating FSE Division.......... Page 47.............312-829-4040 Waco Manufacturing.........................................................312-733-0054 TAMALES Supreme Frozen Products................................................773-622-3777 TAX APPEALS (PROPERTY) Reveliotis Law PC................................... Page 42.............312-230-0160 TAX PAYMENTS Cook County Treasurers Office........................................312-443-5100 THEATERS AND VENUES Onesti Entertainment Corporation...................................630-962-7000 TILE & GROUTCLEAN/RESTORE Classic Touch Floor Care...................................................847-513-3501 TOMATO PRODUCTS Neil Jones Food Company................................................800-543-4356 Red Gold.............................................................................765-557-5500 TRADE PUBLICATIONS Food Industry News..........................................................847-699-3300
Food Industry News® — October 2026 TRUCK BODIES-SALES & REPAIR Paramount Truck Body.......................... Page 06.............312-666-6441 UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Sexton Group Floor Care...................................................847-827-1188 VEGETABLES-FIRE ROASTED Neil Jones Food Company................................................800-543-4356 VEHICLE WRAPS Paramount Truck Body.......................... Page 06.............312-666-6441 VENTILATING-SYTEMS CLEANING Enviromatic Corp of America................ Page 04.............800-325-8476 Olympia Maintenance.......................................................708-344-0344 VERTICAL BROILERS Optimal Automatics................................ Page 04.............847-439-9110 VIDEO GAMING J&J Gaming............................................. Page 19.............833-788-1949 VIDEO GAMING TERMINALS J&J Gaming............................................. Page 19.............833-788-1949 VIDEO PRODUCTION SERVICES Big Ears...............................................................................312-543-0037 WAFFLE-BATTER & MIX Tec Foods Inc.....................................................................773-638-5310 WALK-IN COOLER REPAIR & MAINTENANCE Mechanical 24......................................... Page 25.............847-987-9738 Evolution Mechanical Heating & Cooling........................224-600-9326 WALK-IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS Custom Cooler & Freezer....................... Page 10.............630-879-3131 WAREHOUSE LABOR Midway Staffing...................................... Page 10.............708-397-8800 WEBSITE DESIGN Americaneagle.com................................ Page 33.............847-699-0300 WEDDING CAKES Ideal Bakery........................................................................773-631-6897 WELDING & FABRICATING KOP Ind. Welding & Fabrication............ Page 22.............630-930-9516 WHIPPED CREAM Instantwhip Chicago.............................. Page 12.............773-235-5588 WIND SCREENS Thatcher Oaks Awnings....................................................630-833-5700 WINDOW CLEANING SERVICE Sparkle Squad of Chicago ..................... Page 09.............773-255-6771 WOOD FLOOR CARE Classic Touch Floor Care...................................................847-513-3501 Sexton Group Floor Care...................................................847-827-1188 WORKERS COMP INSURANCE Employco USA........................................ Page 05.............620-286-7381 Heil & Heil Insutance Agency................ Page 24.............847-866-7400 Serpe Insurance...................................... Page 14.............773-871-0809 Society Insurance..............................................................888-576-2438 YOGURT & SOFT SERVE EQUIPMENT Kool Technologies.................................. Page 41.............630-483-2256
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
Food Industry News® — October 2026
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Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Moretti’s Chicago 6727 N. Olmsted, Chicago, IL 5 - 9 p.m.
Our December 8th Shmoozefest event features a panel of three industry experts sharing ideas and insights, followed by a live Q&A session to help you address your questions. Panelists for this event include Dirk Ahlbeck, CPA and principal at Ahlbeck & Cook Restaurant Accountants; Nate Zureikat, Vice President Commercial Relationship Manager, Fifth Third Bank; and Lauren Tuckey – an attorney specializing in serving restaurant, food, beverage and hospitality businesses. Together they’ll discuss what lenders are looking for: red flags, traditional loans, alternative financing, equity funding, SBA loans, equipment financing, revenue-based financing, investor capital, private equity, crowdfunding, community grants, and more.
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Food Industry News was proud to be an exhibitor at this year’s very well attended Performance Foodservice Chicago World’s Fair at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. With more than 200 exhibitors, the show brought together foodservice professionals and leading vendors serving Performance’s customers. Local Food Service operator Legends and leading industry suppliers were available to help buyers discover new products, culinary innovations, labor saving solutions and business building ideas. We were also proud to see many of our advertisers exhibiting and connecting with customers and Food Industry News readers throughout the event.
Food Industry News® — October 2026
MGM Grand Earns the Southwest’s Only Two-Star Distinction Six acclaimed restaurants. A pivotal night for Las Vegas dining. MGM Resorts earned four Michelin Stars across three restaurants at the inaugural Michelin Guide Southwest Ceremony, more than any other Las Vegas resort operator. Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand earned the Southwest region’s only Two Michelin Star award, while L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and é by José Andrés each earned One Michelin Star. Gymkhana, Michael Mina Bellagio and China Poblano by José Andrés also received Michelin recognition, bringing MGM Resorts’ total to six honored restaurants. The results underscore the depth and diversity of MGM Resorts’ culinary portfolio while reinforcing Las Vegas as a world-class dining destination.
Food Industry News® — October 2026
Flyover Welcomes Its One-Millionth Rider
Flyover, Chicago’s premier immersive attraction located inside Navy Pier, has officially welcomed its one-millionth rider since opening in March 2024. The milestone guest, Madeline from Forest Park, was crowned Flyover Chicago’s 1 millionth rider and won a Lifetime Flyover Pass, offering unlimited Flyover rides for life. With locations in Las Vegas, Vancouver, Iceland and Chicago, Flyover in Chicago became the fastest of the brand’s four global locations to reach 1 million riders. Since opening, Flyover has earned local and national recognition including Best Visitor Attraction in Modern Luxury’s Best of Chicago Travel Awards and USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best New Attraction. Flyover has also become an active community member since opening, welcoming more than 451 Chicago Public Schools field trips and 15,600 students to date, while donating more than 2,000 tickets across 571 local events and partnering with organizations like the Black Boy Literacy Campaign, Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care, Roseland Hospital, Make-A-Wish Illinois and Boys & Girls Club of Chicago.
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
Poland’s No. 1 Sparkling Wine Brand Arrives in Chicago Chicago’s wine lovers and foodservice operators now have the opportunity to discover one of Poland’s most popular wine brands. Long enjoyed throughout Poland, these sweet, fruitforward sparkling wines are known for their refreshing character, approachable style, and versatility with a wide variety of cuisines. Food entrepreneur Marek Wolanowski is introducing the brand to the United States, importing a portfolio of affordably priced wines for restaurants, supermarkets, bottle shops, liquor stores, and specialty ethnic markets. The collection offers an easy-drinking option that appeals to both consumers familiar with Polish traditions and those looking to explore something new. With light, vibrant flavors, a clean finish, and balanced body, these wines are ideal for celebrations, casual gatherings, and menus where guests enjoy lingering over a meal. Their approachable taste profile makes them an excellent complement to appetizers, desserts, and many traditional European dishes. For more information about bringing this exciting new Polish wine collection to your business, contact Marek Wolanowski at Flavorful Imports based in Griffith Indiana.
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Food Industry News® — October 2026
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It’s free. Mykonos is celebrating 45 years of serving the community including many successful, high-level, well respected Greek people in the food industry. Established in 1981, Mykonos Greek Restaurant located in Niles, Illinois has grown to become a leader in traditional Greek cuisine. They are well known for their philoxenia, which translates to “the hospitality of strangers.”
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Holiday Marketing Campaigns Start Earlier
Marketers are increasingly launching holiday campaigns earlier in the year, driven by the shift in consumer shopping habits toward extended deal-hunting periods rather than focusing solely on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The 2026 Holiday & Seasonal Shopping Trends Report from tvScientific by Pinterest shows that 62% of advertisers plan to start holiday campaigns earlier this year, and that advertisers will focus on social (68% budget share) and performance and connected TV (54% of budget). – Source: MediaPost Communications
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Popular Street Food from Hong Kong Moves Indoors Hong Kong’s vibrant street food scene has largely transitioned from curbside stalls to indoor venues such as shops, malls, and take-out windows. This move indoors has allowed traditional favorites – like rice rolls, siu mai, and egg waffles – to remain popular while benefiting from improved hygiene and air conditioning. The indoor settings offer convenience and comfort without sacrificing the authenticity or immediacy of classic street food experiences, writes Howie Southworth. – Source: Salon
Jameson, the world’s no. 1 Irish whiskey, announced a multiyear partnership designation as the Official Spirits Sponsor of the National Football League (NFL). The collaboration marks a major expansion of the brand’s cultural commitment to sports fandom, bringing the smoothness of Jameson to millions of football fans as they gather weekly with friends in neighborhood bars across the country starting this fall.
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Singaporean chefs such as Nicolas Tam of Michelin-starred Willow are redefining local cuisine by blending global culinary techniques with flavors from their childhood. Tam’s latest menu at Willow, for instance, incorporates local Chinese flavors, exemplified by his crispy scale amadai, which evokes shark’s fin soup without using the controversial ingredient. “I want people to think, ‘I’ve had something like this before,’” Tam says. – Source: Tatler Asia
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Kansas City Hickory Provisions Announces Production
Kansas City Hickory Provisions (KCHP) announced plans for a new USDA-inspected and SQF-certified production and distribution facility that will occupy the site of the former Walmart building on North Commercial Street in Harrisonville, Missouri. The facility, one of the most anticipated commercial investments in the area, is slated to open in early 2027. KCHP is an independent business created by the family ownership group behind Jack Stack Barbecue after nearly 70 years of smoking meats and 17 years of perfecting their USDA production capabilities in their current facility. KCHP is focused on producing premium branded and private-label Kansas City-style barbecue products for retail and foodservice customers nationwide. The 72,000-square-foot Harrisonville facility represents a significant expansion of the company’s production capabilities, building on its existing operations to meet growing demand in retail and food service markets nationwide.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort Returns with Festival Favorites and Classic Traditions Holiday festivities and magic shine at The Happiest Place on Earth when Holidays at the Disneyland Resort returns Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 6, 2027, featuring dazzling décor, lively entertainment, seasonal food and beverages, merry merchandise and more. Holiday cheer arrives in style at Disneyland Park as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends debut their festive new fashions that capture the spirit of holiday travel and a wintry alpine gathering. Adding to the festivities, there’s also a new stop on Santa Claus’ holiday route. Beginning Nov. 13 through Dec. 24, Santa will now make an appearance at Mickey’s Toontown Trolley Barn near Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin in Disneyland Park, as well as at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure Park, where guests can share their holiday wishes and snap a photo. “World of Color - Season of Light” makes its mesmerizing return to Disney California Adventure Park featuring moments from films like Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Beauty and the Beast” and hits such as Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out,” set to holiday classics and fan-favorite songs. Returning favorites at Disneyland Park include the “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” featuring beloved Disney characters alongside toy soldiers, dancing reindeer and gingerbread cookies, as well as the dazzling “Believe...in Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular in Disneyland featuring festive fireworks and magical “snowfall.” Back for the season, merry overlays bring the holiday spirit to Haunted Mansion Holiday and “it’s a small world” Holiday at Disneyland, with Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl revving up the celebration in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure ParkBeginning Nov. 13, 2026, Disney Festival of Holidays returns to Disney California Adventure, bringing the season to life with cultural music and dance performances, delightful sips and eats and heartfelt celebrations inspired by the many ways families celebrate this special time of year. The spirit of the season comes alive with toe-tapping holiday entertainment including the high-spirited Holiday Toy Drummers and colorful “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” cavalcade. On select days, Mirabel and her friends bring stories and songs from Disney Animation’s “Encanto” to life in “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season” at Paradise Gardens Park, while the duo of Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland and Miguel from Pixar’s “Coco” perform delightful bilingual renditions of holiday songs in “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel!” on Buena Vista Street. Holiday Magic at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort-The celebration continues at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, where special experiences create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the season, Santa Claus will spread holiday cheer with appearances at select times at the Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Deck the Halls at Downtown Disney District-The Downtown Disney District shines with merry trimmings, holiday shopping, special snacks and sips and live entertainment throughout the holiday season. At the Downtown Disney Live! Stage, guests can enjoy nightly “snowfall” as well as a lineup of holiday entertainment to keep the celebration going nightly. Live bands and energetic DJs perform holiday favorites for all to enjoy.
“At its best, travel should challenge our preconceptions and most cherished views, cause us to rethink our assumptions, shake us a bit, make us broader minded and more understanding.” – Arthur Frommer
Located in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland Park (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District dining, entertainment and shopping complex. The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and Pixar Place Hotel. Open daily, year-round. For more info- visit Disneyland.com.
Food Industry News® — October 2026
AHA Weighs in on Coffee Consumption Drinking up to five cups of caffeinated coffee a day is safe for most healthy adults, including some people with heart conditions, according to a statement from the American Heart Association published in the journal Circulation. Cardiologist Gregor y Marcus, who chaired the committee that wrote the statement, says moderate coffee consumption may also reduce diabetes risk, but there is no evidence that increasing caffeine consumption improves health. – Healio
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Alternative Sweeteners Bring Fresh Flavor to BBQ
Barbecue chefs are increasingly reaching for alternative sweeteners beyond the classic brown and white sugar, molasses and honey to balance and enhance their dishes. These alternatives include mirin – a sweet rice wine from Japan – for subtle sweetness and umami; maple syrup for its complex, caramel-like notes; banana ketchup for its unique tangy-sweet flavor; and maltose for a glossy, lacquer-like finish. Each of these sweeteners offers distinct benefits, allowing pitmasters to tailor the flavor, texture and appearance of their barbecue to new and exciting profiles. – Source: Food & Wine
Tractor Beverage Company Earns Fifth Consecutive Spot on Inc. 5000 Tractor Beverage Company announced it has been named to the 2026 Inc. 5000 for the fifth consecutive year. The annual list recognizes the fastest-growing private companies in America. Today, the farmer-founded, employee-owned company’s USDA certified organic drinks are poured at restaurants, universities and cultural venues across the country. That reach expanded into retail in 2026 with the national debut of Haymaker, Tractor’s award-winning line of organic apple cider vinegar sparkling tonics, at Sprouts Farmers Market. Since first appearing on the Inc. 5000 in 2022, Tractor has grown from a foodservice disruptor into a broader organic beverage company without straying from the belief that growth should do more than sell more drinks. Along the way, Tractor established the Farmhand Foundation, launched the Organic Impact Tracker with HowGood, deepened its support of family farmers through Farm Aid and 1% for the Planet, brought its beverages into leading music venues through AEG Presents, and opened its first national retail chapter with Haymaker at Sprouts Farmers Market. In 2025, Tractor’s organic sourcing supported 4,815 acres of organic land and helped avoid 44 tons of synthetic pesticides. In 2026, Haymaker earned Clean Label Project certification, a NEXTY Award and four FABI Awards, while Tractor Beam received a Fast Company World-Changing Ideas honorable mention.
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