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Take a Look Inside the Digital Supply Chain at the FEDA Tech Talks Conference Session
As the FEDA Future of Distribution Council (FDC) works toward a more interconnected and aligned supply chain, one of the biggest questions facing distributors and manufacturers is how their systems and processes can better connect with the broader logistics network. The FEDA Tech Talks session at the 2026 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference is designed to help attendees assess the current state of technology available to the industry and learn how other supply chain segments are maximizing their use of digital tools and data.
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Time is Running Out! Apply for the 2026 FEDA Gold Awards Today
The association is excited to once again recognize the unique achievements of members during the Gold Awards presentation at the 2026 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference. FEDA distributor and manufacturer members are encouraged to nominate their own companies, a colleague, or a team member for any of the five award categories. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Ashley Mueller at ashley@feda.com.
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Parts Town Expands Repair Technology Capabilities With 86 Repairs Acquisition
Parts Town, a FEDA business services member and distributor of OEM replacement parts, has acquired 86 Repairs, a technology solutions provider that helps foodservice operators manage repairs and maintenance. By automating time-consuming workflows, providing actionable insights, and helping operators better coordinate with service providers, 86 Repairs’ platform helps reduce complexity and lower costs while improving visibility across equipment performance and service activity. Through this acquisition, Parts Town will combine its OEM parts availability with 86 Repairs’ advanced technology and insights, creating a more connected experience that helps operators identify issues earlier and make more informed decisions across their operations.
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Zepole Supply Co. Strengthens Minnesota Presence With New St. Cloud Location
Located at 725 Crescent St. NE and opening on July 21, the new store gives restaurants, grocery stores, hospitality groups, architects, designers, general contractors, and foodservice professionals a dedicated local resource for equipment and supplies. The location will also offer design support, project coordination, local delivery, and access to the company’s Z-Chem Solutions warewash service program.
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Gator Chef VP Michael Wartan Named 2026 Emerging Leader
Foodservice Equipment Reports recognized the FEDA distributor member as one of its five next-generation leaders in foodservice. In this short Q&A, Wartan discusses joining the family business and his advice to other young people in the industry.
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Alto-Shaam Promotes Gabriel Estrella Talentti to Regional Director – EMEA
Talentti has been with Alto-Shaam for more than a decade and most recently served as sales director for the Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, he has helped develop markets across the region by building strong customer and partner relationships while supporting the company's continued growth. He also brings extensive culinary expertise to the role and regularly supports live cooking demonstrations at Taste of Alto-Shaam events and international trade shows.
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Hoshizaki America Adds Industry Veteran to Consultant and Design Team
Matt Rigney brings more than 25 years of foodservice experience in culinary operations, hospitality, and sales leadership to the FEDA manufacturer member. Before joining Hoshizaki America, he was national sales manager - East for Structural Concepts, where he played a key role in expanding market presence, cultivating customer partnerships, and delivering customized solutions across the industry.
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Thermo-Kool Appoints Steve Allen as Plant Manager
In his new role, Allen will oversee the company's manufacturing operations, ensuring production schedules are met while driving continuous process improvements, maintaining quality and safety standards, and supporting employee development across the organization.
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SilverChef Assigns Award-Winning Regional Account Manager to Florida Market
In 2025, Lo Davlin led the SilverChef U.S. sales team in rent-try-buy financing volume, helping hospitality businesses gain access to equipment through flexible funding solutions. She has also been recognized through SilverChef’s Amplify Awards program, which celebrates employees who demonstrate outstanding performance across the business.
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FEDA Legislative and Regulatory Updates: State EPR Laws and AI Use in Federal Contracts
With the U.S. District Court for Oregon set to begin a five-day trial to determine the constitutionality of the state’s extended producer responsibility law, it’s a good time for FEDA members to view the association’s recent update on the status of various EPR legislation and policies across the country. Additionally, the Software and Information Industry Association provided an overview of the data ownership and intellectual property rights issues in the federal government’s proposed General Services Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) clause. Both videos are now available on the FEDA Advocacy Center. If you need assistance logging in, please contact Tim O’Connor at tim@feda.com.
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EPA’s Revised Refrigerant Compliance Deadlines Ease Transition for Food Industry
Signed into law at the end of President Donald Trump’s first term, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 requires an 85% phasedown in the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) — synthetic gases that contribute to global warming — in refrigerants, air conditioning, and other applications by 2036. In 2023, under the Biden administration, the EPA adopted a Technology Transitions Rule that would have required grocery stores and other foodservice operators to move to alternative refrigerants for commercial refrigeration systems beginning in 2026. Some trade organizations opposed the Biden administration’s timeline because it would have forced the foodservice industry to move to a handful of refrigerant alternatives that currently are impractical, technologically infeasible, or create safety concerns.
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Upcoming FEDA and Other Industry Events
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2026 FEDA Annual Conference
Sept. 15-18, 2026
LEARN MORE
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Full Calendar of Industry Events
Ongoing
LEARN MORE
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Support the FEDA Learn Institute
The FEDA Learn Institute is supported in part by donors to the FEDA Education Foundation, which develops important and relevant education and training programs for distributors. Learn about becoming a Diamond Donor and be recognized within FEDA for your support.
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The FEDA Weekly News is published by the Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association. FEDA's mission is to provide advocacy, education, and service on behalf of foodservice equipment and supplies distributors and dealers.
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