Food & Food Equipment News

Toast Announces $101 Million in Additional Funding

Toast, the all-in-one restaurant technology platform has received a commitment for an additional $101 million in financing led by new investors Generation Investment Management and Lead Edge Capital. Existing investors including Bessemer Venture Partners also participated in the oversubscribed round. Toast plans to use these new funds to continue building its guest experience cloud platform for restaurants of all sizes.

“The restaurant industry has historically been slower than others to adopt technology, leading to operational inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Advances in hardware, software and cloud computing are shifting that dynamic,” said Greg Wasserman, Partner at Generation Investment Management. “Toast is leading this digital shift with its powerful, yet easy-to-deploy platform that is democratizing access to best-in-class technology. With Toast, all restaurants can maximize revenue, optimize operations, digitize paper processes, reduce food waste and other costs, and ultimately deliver a superior dining experience.”

Innovation

Toast will use this funding to build on its track record of innovation, including:

• Investing further in Toast Online Ordering, enabling a best-in-class ordering experience across various devices and channels 
• Enhancing key areas of the platform such as self-ordering kiosks, handheld pay-at the-table experiences, CRM and marketing tools, advanced reporting, inventory, loyalty, and more 
• Creating the industry’s most robust cloud-based restaurant platform, including modern, commercial grade hardware
• Leveraging the immense amount of data restaurants collect to enable a more personalized guest experience and improve labor and food cost profiles

"We’ve rapidly expanded our business over the past year by delivering on our mission and promise to be obsessed with customer success," said Chris Comparato, CEO of Toast. "We plan to accelerate our growth even faster in the year ahead with strategic investments that will help our restaurant customers focus on delivering great food and guest experiences."

Toast Customers and Partners

“We found that the Toast POS system is fast and intuitive for our cashiers to use. During peak times, we can process about 20 percent more transactions after introducing Toast to our restaurants,” said Jeff Jacobson, COO of Costa Vida. “Our team has been with Toast since 2015; they are a true partner and a key factor in our ability to focus on excellent service and great food.”

Joe Guenther, the owner of O’Maddy’s, an iconic Florida-based restaurant and bar, echoed, “We never expected that we could bring the ‘Apple Store experience’ to our restaurant. Handheld tablet ordering resulted in faster table-turns and increased revenue by 20 percent. At our restaurant, this equates to a potential increase in revenue by $1 million.”

In addition to Costa Vida and O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille, Toast’s 50+ midmarket and enterprise-level customers include Pieology, Beef 'O' Brady's, Bareburger, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, b.good, The Human Bean, Protein Bar and Sticky Fingers Ribhouse. The Toast API Partner Program boasts integrations with companies like Grubhub, Samsung Pay, Paytronix and LevelUp. Toast continues to add local restaurants to its growing customer list from small coffee shops to fine dining.

"From its differentiated, all-in-one restaurant management and point of sale solution, to its explosive growth and world-class team of cloud technology engineers with a passion for restaurants, we know Toast is the future of restaurant technology," said Brian Neider, Partner at Lead Edge Capital. "Out of all the feedback we gained from key players in the restaurant and food technology space, Toast customers and partners had an overwhelming sentiment of excellent product and customer success feedback.”

Growth and Hiring

The investment will also support the company’s hiring plan to double year-over-year; key appointments thus far include Hugh Scandrett, Vice President of Engineering, formerly of IBM and Kronos, as well as John Morrison, Vice President of Services, who joins Toast from Oracle MICROS. Toast currently boasts more than 500 employees nationwide, and is on track to hire nearly 1,000 more in the next 18 months.

Bringg Announces Panera Bread as Latest Customer of Logistics Platform

Bringg has started rolling-out its customer-centric delivery platform across the Panera Bread network of bakery-cafes. Bringg's customer-centric logistics platform helps Panera U.S. bakery-cafes maintain control and visibility over their expanding delivery offering.

With the Bringg platform, at Panera:

• Bakery-cafes can use a single web-based or mobile dashboard to dispatch orders, manage drivers and track them in real time, as well as set up alerts for specific events, create reports for performance optimization, and much more.
• Drivers have everything they need to ensure the perfect delivery right on their mobile phone, including the ability to manage their tasks, navigate to their next destination and communicate with customers
• Customers can enjoy a delightful experience that keeps them coming back for more.  Seamlessly integrated into the Panera Ecommerce Ordering Experience, guests can now follow the driver in real-time, communicate with them, and rate them after receiving their order. 

"As we introduce Panera delivery to markets across the country, we are delighted to add Bringg's solution to our forward-looking technology arsenal," said Dan Wegiel, Senior Vice President, Panera to You. "In our real-time era, fast, timely and personalized delivery services are a must-have for consumers, and Bringg helps to make that possible."

"We are very proud to add Panera Bread to the growing list of innovative brands using our platform," added Lior Sion, Chief Technology Officer at Bringg. "Our main goal is to enable our customers to provide their employees with optimal operational processes, help their drivers ensure accurate deliveries, and offer their end-customers excellent real-time experiences."

Fogg’s New Door Styles Offer Greater Safety and Durability

Fogg Filler, a market leader in the design and manufacture of rotary filling systems for the liquids industry, is continually focused on improving technology that better serves its customers and the environment. Fogg raises standards on enclosure features to offer more durable enclosures that are safer and more durable.

Fogg’s newest enclosure features now come standard on all filling and rinsing machines. Stainless steel door frames offer a fresh new look, while still allowing visibility of rinsing and filling activity from the outside. The stainless steel frame supports all hardware and hinges, allowing for thermal expansion without cracking, and allowing for tighter tolerances and better fume containment. The new enclosure promotes positive pressure within the filler due to the tighter seal. This new door style enables chemical fumes from the rinsing machine to be better contained inside the enclosure, and then evacuated outside the building through an exhaust system, or chemical scrubber. This also allows for better fluid containment during enclosure washes keeping the filler’s outside surroundings dry and safe from any splashing.

Fogg enclosure doors are completely removable with quick and easy “lift-off” hinges. Simply flip up the cable guard, which runs across the top of the enclosure door, and unplug sensor wiring. Once the wire is free, the door can be lifted up and off its hinge for easier maintenance and changeovers. The spring-loaded cable guard and simple lift-off hinges make this process tool-free and faster than ever. Safety switches on enclosure doors are best in class, and Fogg also offers logo etching on enclosure doors for a more personalized machine.

Fogg strives to continually improve technology and functionality, aiming to achieve a hit list of improvements on every single machine, and creating an operator-friendly filling environment. Call 616.786.FOGG or visit www.foggfiller.com to see the full line of filling and capping machines and accessories.

 

JBT Corporation Acquires Avure, a Provider of High Pressure Processing Solutions

JBT Corporation, a global technology solutions provider to high-value segments of the food and beverage industry, has purchased Avure Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of high pressure processing (HPP) systems. Privately-held Avure is headquartered in Erlanger, Kentucky, with a manufacturing center in Middletown, Ohio.

HPP is a cold pasteurization technology that ensures food safety without heat or preservatives, maintaining fresh food characteristics such as flavor and nutritional value, while extending shelf life.

"We are excited about the rapidly expanding market adoption of HPP across protein and liquid foods," said Steve Smith, President of JBT FoodTech. "With the addition of Avure, JBT will be able to offer comprehensive thermal and non-thermal preservation solutions."

"As part of JBT, Avure will benefit from our global salesforce, service support and extensive customer relationships, as well as our commitment to developing solutions that maximize customer profitability," said Tom Giacomini, JBT's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The purchase price is $57 million, before customary post-closing adjustments. The acquisition of Avure expects to add annual revenue of approximately $50 million. Transaction costs and purchase price accounting associated with the acquisition are expected to more than offset earnings generated under JBT ownership in 2017, with approximately $0.05 per share of dilution for the year. The company anticipates earnings accretion of $0.07 - $0.12 per share for 2018 and $0.12- $0.17 per share for 2019.

Linde Introduces New Technology to Test for Leaks in Food Packaging

Linde LLC introduces a fast and more reliable process to detect leaks in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). The high-speed, inline MAPAX^® LD leak-detection system will be introduced to the North American market for the first time at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, January 31–February 2.

The patented MAPAX LD system is ideal for packaged meat, poultry, seafood and prepared foods packaged with tray sealers or thermoforming machines. It tests packages inline and can achieve 100 percent sampling at speeds up to 120 packages per minute.

 

High-Accuracy in Real Time

The inline MAPAX leak-detection system offers high accuracy in real-time. It works by adding a small volume of hydrogen as an indicator to the modified atmosphere mixture at the package sealing stage. The MAPAX LD sensor detects for the gas after the sealed packages travel into the leak-detection unit. Linde supplies MAPAX^® modified-atmosphere packaging gases including nitrogen (N₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) to the food industry.

Inline testing is a major advantage over other leak-detection methods such as needle- or immersion testing, which may rely on statistical sampling but typically check only a single package for each batch or test period. With such offline test systems, if a leak is detected, the entire batch is lost, which can result in excessive waste and downtime.  

In contrast, the MAPAX LD system offers non-destructive package testing. Because testing is inline, if a package leak exists due to a pinhole, tear or defect in the seal, a visual alarm signals so issues can be immediately resolved or investigated. A defective item can be removed from the production line with minimal interruption to the process flow. MAPAX LD also identifies faulty settings on a machine if, for example, several leaks are found consecutively.

Linde LLC supports the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and the advancement of food safety. Linde has a Food Safety Management System in place for all bulk carbon dioxide (CO₂) plants and air separation facilities supplying the food & beverage industry in North America. In June 2012, Linde became the first supplier to certify all of its CO₂ plants to a benchmarked GFSI scheme, FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification).

The Linde food team performs in-plant assessments and works with food processors to develop optimal solutions. For more information visit Linde (www.lindefood.com), or call: 800.755.9277.

 

O3-Matic Ozone Delivery System from Ice-O-Matic

The uniquely designed O3-Matic™ infuses ozone into the incoming water of a modular cube ice machine, retarding bacterial growth throughout the entire ice path, from ice machine to bin or dispenser. Instead of using light bulbs or air to distribute ozone, the O3-Matic utilizes water, which sets it apart from other ozone devices. Ice-O-Matic's exclusive O3-Matic is designed for modular cube ice makers and can be retrofitted to existing Ice-O-Matic cuber ice units.

See the O3-Matic ozone infuser at NAFEM. 

Alto-Shaam Introduces New Line of Heated Shelf Merchandisers

Alto-Shaam’s newest merchandiser product line now includes individually controlled heated shelves that keep food warm for hours at the highest level of quality.

Featuring exclusive Halo Heat® fanless technology for precise, even temperature, these merchandisers hold a variety of grab-and-go products, including rotisserie chickens, pizza, sandwiches, and more.

“The individual shelf control gives operators flexibility over their holding needs,” said Robert Simmelink, corporate chef for Alto-Shaam. “Different food items can be held at different temperatures, allowing operators to merchandise a cross-section of menu items. The merchandisers highlight the best of your food to increased impulse purchases by on-the-go consumers who need meals that work with their busy lifestyle.”

These merchandisers improve store profits with more consumers looking for hot, ready-to-eat meals. Convenient, fresh meals are displayed to sell to customers in the aesthetically pleasing and customizable merchandiser. The customizable banner (available through Alto-Shaam’s third-party supplier) can enhance a company’s brand image while the shelves include LED lights to draw attention to the food.

Other enhancements include:

• Even heat distribution
• Lighted shelves for added visibility
• Convenient power switch located at the front of the unit
• Glass sides for an open view
• Fully skirted to conceal casters
• Simple operation and cleaning

Countertop models are available in 24-inch and 36-inch widths. Floor-standing units are offered in widths of 24, 36 and 48 inches. The merchandisers can be purchased separately or as part of a full system package to cook, hold and merchandise rotisserie chickens, pizzas, sandwiches and more.

“We work with our customers to determine the best solution for their needs based on sales projections, food they are holding, and packaging type,” said Simmelink. “Unique equipment system solutions are tailored with innovative products that exceed their expectations.”

The heated shelf merchandisers will be available to order starting at NAFEM and shipping mid-March.

AAR's Containerized Kitchens Heading to Presidential Inauguration

AAR will be sending two of its Mobility System's containerized kitchens to Washington, D.C., for use by the National Guard to serve meals to the active and reserve soldiers who will be on duty during the 58th Presidential Inauguration.

The Expandable ISU® (EISU) Flex Kitchen and the Containerized Kitchen - Enhanced MECC® (CK-E MECC®) are among AAR Mobility Systems' portfolio of rapidly deployable containers and shelters used by the U.S. military and its allies, and will provide up to 3,000 meals per day.

"We are honored to provide support for the Presidential Inauguration, while at the same time showing how one of our core capabilities can support homeland defense requirements in addition to the standard military applications," said Jeff Jackson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, AAR Mobility Systems.

The newly created CK-E MECC enhances the capabilities of previous containerized kitchens with noted improvements including integrating AirBeam expansion wings into the MECC, eliminating the need for steel poles and providing additional head room for heat to escape. The CK-E MECC also incorporates Babington Technology's kitchen equipment which dramatically reduces heat, noise, fuel consumption and risk of carbon monoxide exposure. This kitchen can feed 800 personnel three hot meals per day.

The EISU Flex Kitchen is the three-in-one expandable version of the ISU Containers that have been used by the military for over 25 years and manufactured by AAR Mobility Systems. This rapidly deployable containerized kitchen occupies only one pallet position, but is expandable to 399 cubic feet and utilizes the same energy, water, and manpower-efficient kitchen equipment. The EISU Flex Kitchen can feed 300 personnel two hot meals per day.

RATIONAL Ends 2016 on a High Note

RATIONAL's US subsidiary announced that it has achieved record growth in 2016 with a 27 percent increase in unit growth over the previous year. In addition, roughly 6,000 RATIONAL appliances were shipped out of its local North America Distribution Center in 2016. Increasing its install base to more than 35,000 coast to coast, RATIONAL is now capturing roughly 40 percent market share in the US.

One key factor for RATIONAL’s success is innovation. The company recently launched the next generation SelfCookingCenter with advanced features as well as the new, compact-size SelfCookingCenter XS Model 6 2/3, which has opened the door to new business opportunities when it comes to target groups, including delis, supermarkets, convenience stores, and smaller restaurants. RATIONAL is deeply committed to listening to what the commercial foodservice market needs and developing a superior product and service that is unmatched. This commitment earned RATIONAL USA the 2016 Kitchen Innovations Award and the 2016 Best in Class by Consultants Award.

The company’s growth can also be attributed to its focus on offering best in class aftercare within the foodservice industry. RATIONAL USA’s unique aftercare package, coined CustomerCarePlus, provides its customers superior service throughout the life of the product. This includes a Total Freight Solution Program, reliable service network, product trainings, 24/7 ChefLine, and much more. “Quality service knows no limits. We are there for our customers every step of the way. We will continue to focus on providing the best in class aftercare, showing that we are the ideal kitchen partner,” states Markus Glueck, Executive Vice President of RATIONAL North America.

Lastly, the company continues to increase its sales force, expanding its reach across the US in order to maximize customer benefit. Last year, the company hired 26 new employees and plans to hire nine more individuals in 2017, bringing the US team to 88 in total by the end of this year. RATIONAL USA has also expanded its manufacturer representative group network to 20 with the addition of Equipment Preference Inc., Inform Marketing Group, Tri-State Marketing Associates, and M.K. Food Service Equipment, Inc.

“We will continue to invest in R&D, our sales force, and focus heavily on providing the best in class aftercare because we are committed to growing the US market and delivering the most beneficial cooking solutions. We are able to do this because we are a company of chefs, for chefs that works closely with our customers in order to provide the right solutions when it comes to thermal food preparation,” adds Glueck.

For more information about RATIONAL USA, visit www.rationalusa.com.

 

ePN to Modernize the $12B Commercial Food Equipment Industry with Groundbreaking B2B eCommerce Platform

ePurchasing Network (ePN), a company dedicated to helping commercial equipment manufacturers and dealers sell more – and more efficiently online, today announced the launch of the ePN eCommerce Hub, a private-label platform that enables dealers to launch an online presence faster and more effectively than they can do themselves.

The ePN eCommerce Hub is a fully customizable, cloud-based, platform-as-a-service ecommerce tool that simplifies the current complexities and intricacies of commercial equipment B2B sales, order management and marketing for commercial food service firms, and companies in other industries with two-step distribution models including aerospace, medical equipment, property management, and construction.

“Today’s buyers, no matter what industry, expect an Amazon-like buying experience, but the commercial equipment industry has lagged behind in taking advantage of the incredible efficiencies, scale and revenue opportunities that exist with e-commerce platforms,” said ePN CEO, George Spears. “With ePN, dealers can sell more, faster online at a fraction of the cost of building and managing their own e-commerce platform.  We like to think of it as an e-commerce package with a twist- specifically designed for complex two step distribution models, fortifying the link from manufacturer, to dealer, to end customer.”

Founded by industry veteran, George Spears, ePN offers a one-stop holistic sales and marketing platform that transforms how commercial equipment dealers and manufacturers work together to organize, showcase and sell products across B2B channels. Additionally, with ePN, dealers and manufacturers can now provide customers with around-the-clock order placement and processing capabilities to optimally serve the demands of today’s “always on” business environment.

Features and benefits of the ePN eCommerce Hub include:

• Searchable digital sales catalogs, offering much greater depth of content (videos, spec sheets, warranty info, etc.) – updated in near real-time from manufacturers
• Price management controls specific to the industry’s unique channels of distribution
• A built-in order automation platform streamlining the purchase process enabling buyers to purchase online from dealers
• Sophisticated shipping and tax calculators along with payment options
• Tracking tools providing visibility from point of sale through delivery

The ePN eCommerce Hub is flexibly designed to meet dealer specifications. Alexandria, VA-based food service equipment dealer, Alto Hartley has adopted the eCommerce Hub as an extension of the company’s physical showroom. “The eCommerce Hub is not only helping us move inventory from our warehouse, but it also serves as a convenient re-ordering tool for repeat customers,” said Peter Huebner, President, Alto Hartley. “At the end of a busy shift, a chef might want to place an order for a needed item. We no longer risk losing those after-hours orders while also freeing up our sales reps to focus on value-added selling.”  

“With the ePN eCommerce Hub, we now have an efficient way to promote our monthly specials to customers”, said Kathleen Wilkie, Vice President of Springfield, Virginia-based, American Energy Restaurant Equipment. “We used to communicate promotions via flyers and emails, and had no convenient way to capture the sale from that point.” 

The ePN eCommerce Hub complements other solutions in the ePN suite portfolio including ePN eCatalogs (searchable online sales catalogs), ePN eProducts (product information management solutions for manufacturers), and ePN eNetwork Memberships.