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To Our Valued Subscribers:


It is hard to believe that we are only a few days past the 25th anniversary of 9/11. If you were a teenager or older, I am sure you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard or saw the horrific events of that day. It changed our lives forever. Hopefully, you also remember the heroic actions of everyone involved in the rescue efforts at the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Shanksville. Also remember how the country came together as we truly were—the United States of America. It would be nice to feel that connected again. Our thoughts and prayers are with those currently serving and their families.


On the brighter side, our industry has recovered and grown tremendously and is looking forward to ending the year on another record. If your organization is not complete-to-compete, you may need a Trusted Advisor Team, and American Recruiters is that team. A Trusted Advisor is someone who knows where your gaps are and, more importantly, how to fill them. With our domestic and international reach, we have on-the-street information to share, including current industry trends, compensation rates, and the skill sets your company may be missing (that we can find).


REACH OUT to me or any of my American Recruiter Associates—we will make a difference. Now is the time to PIVOT! As the leading foodservice manufacturing E&S and HVACR, as well as emerging technologies, including automation, AI, robotics, digital facilities management systems (DFM), private equity, M&A, and Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO) executive recruiting firm, American Recruiters has the resources to find exceptional stealth candidates, provide strategic growth opportunities, and help your company prosper.


Build your team and plan your strategy effectively now. We will Help You #beBetter. You can scroll down to see recruiter specialties.


How 9/11 Changed Things


Below are three reports showing the changes in Government Spending, Aviation and Tourism, and National Security and Law Enforcement since 9/11:


  • Government Spending: Huge baseline expansion for domestic security (creation of DHS) and foreign military engagements, as well as over $8 trillion spent on post-9/11 wars. This structural deficit spending contributed to the national debt, pushing it past $40 trillion.


  • Aviation and Tourism: Immediate collapse in travel demand; it took until 2004 for passenger volumes to recover. Congress passed a $15 billion airline bailout. The TSA security apparatus added permanent friction and travel time, creating a multi-billion-dollar compliance and security technology market.


  • National Security and Law Enforcement: The U.S. government created the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), establishing standardized airport screening and strict border protocols. Since 9/11, there has been no successful terrorist attack on a U.S. commercial flight that passed through TSA screening. This record reflects a layered defense-in-depth approach to screening passengers, baggage, and cargo, alongside intelligence, law-enforcement, and industry partners.


One thing that has not changed since 9/11 is the up-to-date information you need to succeed, as reported in American Recruiters Global Foodservice News. Enjoy our latest edition.


Until next time,


Craig Wilson

312.780.7510

cwilson@ariteam.com

View My LinkedIn Profile

Scroll down for news and recruiter specializations.



Sept. 15, 2026 Headlines

READ ALL FOODSERVICE NEWS ON ONE PAGE

Restaurants led all industries in job growth in August

This was a significant improvement after two straight months of job losses, according to BLS data. The restaurant industry saw the highest job growth rate out of all non-farm industries in August, according to the latest jobs report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the report, while the national unemployment rate remained...

Carl's Jr institutes cook-to-order standard

The chain joins Burger King, McDonald's and Wendy's in moving to improve food quality in order to boost frequency and sales. Dive Brief: Carl's Jr. launched its Burger Revolution on Tuesday, setting a systemwide cooked-to-order standard to provide "hotter, fresher and more consistently craveable burgers," the company said in a press release.

Pollo Tropical owner Authentic Restaurant Brands gets $325M investment

The funding from Trimontium will help Authentic open more locations and add more regional brands to its portfolio. The owner of Pollo Tropical, P.J. Whelihan's, and other regional restaurant brands has landed a $325 million investment to help it grow. London-based asset manager Trimontium is providing the "flexible capital solution" to Authentic Restaurant Brands, which...

Taco Bell teams up with Topgolf for inaugural Live Más Open golf tournament

The non-conventional nine-hole event will be held in November in Laguna Beach, California, and players can qualify at participating Topgolf locations. Taco Bell is breaking out the clubs and hosting a nine-hole golf tournament, called the Live Más Open. The inaugural, non-conventional, nine-hole tournament will be hosted by Actor/Comedian Kevin Hart at The Ranch in...

Long John Silver's Brings Back 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' for September 19

Ahoy, mateys! Long John Silver's is once again turning Talk Like a Pirate Day on Sept. 19 into a celebration worthy of the high seas with free food, bigger rewards for dressing the part, and pirate swag for guests. Guests who talk like a pirate can score a free piece of Long John Silver's signature...

Pei Wei Named Best Fast-Casual Chain in Reviewed's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards

Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, the fast-casual Asian dining concept known for its wok-fired flavors and made-to-order meals, has been named the Best Fast-Casual Chain in the Reviewed 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, earning national recognition from consumers and reviewers alike. The award celebrates Pei Wei's long-standing commitment to delivering fresh, flavorful Asian cuisine with the speed...

KFC names first global chief brand officer amid identity overhaul

The chain created the post as it refreshes iconic assets, including Colonel Sanders, and recenters its menu on offerings like boneless chicken. KFC has appointed Amy Ellis Durini to the newly created role of global chief brand officer, effective Nov. 1, according to a press release.

TGI Fridays Heads to Balkans With 10-Unit Deal

The brand's partner Devolli Group will develop 10 TGI Fridays restaurants across Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. TGI Fridays has signed a deal that will lead to its first-ever expansion into the Balkans. The brand will partner with Devolli Group, which will develop 10 TGI Fridays restaurants across Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia.

NRA publishes public safety guide for restaurants in the US - American Recruiters

The guide follows a three-stage framework covering preparation, incident response, and recovery. The National Restaurant Association in the US has released 'Always Ready: Public Safety', a resource guide for restaurant operators and employees responding to public safety incidents. The guide is designed to help restaurants identify risks, improve preparedness, and support staff and guests during...

ARK MFG Acquires Therma-Tek Commercial Cooking Solutions

The deal marks ARK MFG's move into the hot side of commercial kitchen solutions. ARK MFG has acquired Therma-Tek Commercial Cooking Solutions. Therma-Tek designs and manufactures commercial cooking equipment in the U.S. The deal marks ARK MFG's move into the hot side of commercial kitchen solutions.

Unox sees AI driving next-generation kitchens

UK managing director Steve McGarvie insists the technology built into its latest ovens is taking kitchen performance to new levels Unox equipment is designed to support today's chefs, foodservice operators, bakers and retail users who are looking to deliver high-quality food, without compromising on efficiency and consistency.

The Ferri Group Adds Culinary Sales Associate

The new hire, Michael Kalajian, will demonstrate equipment for operators and dealers. Manufacturers' rep firm The Ferri Group has hired Michael Kalajian as its culinary sales associate. Kalajian brings more than 40 years of foodservice experience to the role. He spent 20 years as a chef in upscale restaurants in New York City before transitioning...

Why everyone suddenly wants a classic Pizza Hut lamp and what's next for the Tiffany-style lamp revival

If you remember the smell of pan pizza baking under a Tiffany-style lamp, the squeak of a vinyl booth against the back of your knees and the ding of a Book It button pin, Pizza Hut is quietly rebuilding your childhood. Even as the restaurant prepares to shutter roughly 250 U.S.

Why Exceptional Hospitality Matters More Than Ever

In Canada, full-service restaurants now represent a significant share of the hospitality landscape. In May 2025 alone, full-service restaurant sales reached $8.5 billion, reinforcing that guests are still seeking out refined, sit-down dining experiences, according to Statistics Canada, However, this opportunity for growth also means competition.

Speed Wins: The Restaurants That Hire First Are Winning the Talent Race

In a competitive labor market, restaurants that respond quickly to applicants can gain an edge in securing top hourly talent before it disappears. For years, restaurant hiring has been treated like a numbers game. Post a job, collect applications, review resumes, schedule interviews, and hope the best candidate is still available when you're ready to...

How 7 Brew's first CMO is marketing the fastest-growing brand in the US

Ex-KFC U.S. CMO Nick Chavez is building on existing brand love for the beverage chain with culture-hacking campaigns and a loyalty app that is social by design. Since its 2017 founding, 7 Brew has quickly established itself as a restaurant brand to watch, with a drive-thru model that serves up more than 20,000 possible drink...

Ready-to-Drink Beverages Become a 'Must Have' for C-Stores

Retailers are expanding RTD assortments and rethinking shelf space as consumer demand grows across liquor- and malt-based offerings. C-store retailers are noticing a surge in ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, with John Parduski, director of merchandising for Onvo, which operates more than 40 locations in Pennsylvania and New York, noting that the current state of the segment...

The fastest-growing food and beverage brands of 2026

Only 14% of brands saw growth in purchasing intent among consumers, with legacy players securing the biggest boost, according to Morning Consult. In a year marked by inflation and slower consumer spending, it was tough for food and beverage brands to log growth in 2026. A Morning Consult survey of 2,800 brands spanning industries across...

Designing Commercial Heat Pumps for Greater Performance

CASE STUDY: As more buildings move toward electrification, engineers must be as focused on operational equipment tolerances as they are on equipment schedules and capacity calculations. Key Highlights Heat pump systems require careful evaluation of operational limits, hydraulics, and control sequences to ensure reliable performance; Hydraulic decoupling and dedicated pumping are essential for stabilizing flow...

Tulsa Winlectric Opens to the Electrical Market

The Winsupply Family of Companies has welcomed a new Local Company with the opening of Tulsa Winlectric. Tulsa Winlectric opened its doors on June 19, 2026, at 10702 E. 11th St. and features a 20,000-square-foot facility. Led by President/Owner Jacob Wares, the Tulsa Winlectric team-Campbell Yeager, Brandon Mercer, Colton Collier, Landon Bart, Zevveyln Balalong, Jordan...

Data Centers Drive July Growth in US Nonresidential Construction Spending

Excluding data centers and power generation, nonresidential spending declined for the second consecutive month, reaching its lowest level since September 2023. Key Highlights Nonresidential construction spending increased by 0.1% in July, driven mainly by data centers Private nonresidential spending rose 0.4%, while public spending declined 0.2% Contractor confidence remains high, but optimism is increasingly dependent...

McDonalds and Burger King turn to novel idea to entice customers: Human workers

The past 10 years in the fast-food industry have been a study in automation. McDonald's rolled out in-store kiosks in 2016 for customers to order at instead of waiting in line for an employee at the counter. Wendy's debuted a human-free AI drive-thru system - "FreshAi" - in 2023.

Shadow AI's Potential Risk to Food Manufacturing

AI adoption is ahead of and going beyond what leadership approved. Every generation of food and beverage leaders reaches a moment where they had to decide what to trust. Your grandfather trusted his gut because the business was small enough and he could see everything for himself.

Ageing populations spell a robotic future for food and drink retailers

Retailers are struggling to staff hospitality businesses, but robotic innovations offer high-efficiency, low-maintenance options. Retailers are turning to robotic solutions in countries where longer life expectancies and falling birth rates are reducing the hospitality talent pool, according to a new report. GlobalData's new Future of Consumer report says: "The number of people available to work...

PlantPaper Earns First Green Seal Certification

Green Seal announced that PlantPaper is the first bamboo toilet paper and facial tissue to earn Green Seal certification, marking a major milestone for the rapidly growing alternative-fiber tissue market. The certifications put Green Seal's new sustainability standard for alternative-fiber sanitary paper into action, giving consumers independently verified options in a category where environmental claims...

Mondelēz cuts 2200 tons of plastic with paper cookie trays

Mondelēz International is replacing rigid PET trays with FSC-certified paper trays across more than 115 cookie products in Europe as the food manufacturer moves a significant part of its bakery packaging away from virgin plastic. The program covers eight brands including LU, Milka, Granola, Cadbury, Marabou, Chips Ahoy!, Lacta and Freia and reaches more than...

Inclusive Hygiene is Coming to Restrooms

Key Takeaways: * Public restrooms often fail to meet the needs of people with disabilities, limiting their dignity, independence, and ability to participate fully in everyday life. * While the ADA established a foundation for accessibility, evolving needs and modern mobility equipment have exposed gaps that require more inclusive restroom standards and stronger enforcement.

Does Paper Actually Get Recycled? The Industry Answers

Question: You put your recycling in the bin and drop it at the curb. Then what happens? Does it actually get recycled? Answer: Yes! Today, more than 2/3 of all paper recycled in the U.S. is turned into new products Americans rely on at mills nationwide.

READ ALL FOODSERVICE NEWS ON ONE PAGE

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217.670.8672

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608.710.8007

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