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Find Growth That Sticks at the 2026 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference
Today's business environment demands more than hard work—it requires disciplined execution. At the 2026 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference, bestselling author and Scaling Up creator Verne Harnish will share a practical framework for helping leaders build organizations that grow without sacrificing performance. Drawing on decades of experience advising companies around the world, Harnish will explain how aligning people, strategy, execution, and cash enables businesses to scale confidently, navigate disruption, and build lasting momentum. If you're looking for actionable ideas to strengthen your organization and prepare it for the next stage of growth, don't miss this keynote presentation Sept. 16 in Park City.
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Final Week to Apply for the Gold Awards!
FEDA 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. Please submit all awards applications by Friday, July 24. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Ashley Mueller at ashley@feda.com.
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The Kitchen Guys Expands Southeast Presence With Hawk Acquisition
Founded in 1978, Hawk has built a reputation for providing exceptional customer service, quality products, and long-standing relationships. The Kitchen Guys was established in 1955 and began operating as a foodservice equipment and supplies distributor in 1986. Company officials said the acquisition will allow the businesses to share resources, grow revenue, and increase the services they offer their respective customer bases. It will also expand The Kitchen Guys’ footprint across Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and the broader Southeast to better support customers.
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Burkett Supports Culinary Education With Equipment Donation
The donated unit, a Convotherm C4eT 10.20 EB electric boiler combi oven, gives students access to commercial kitchen equipment used in professional foodservice operations. The oven offers steam, combi-steam, and hot-air cooking methods, allowing culinary students to learn a variety of cooking techniques on a single piece of equipment. In a news release, Burkett said it selected the school because the oven could make an immediate impact on its culinary program.
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Atlantic Culinary Environments Adds Project Management and Design Talent
Dakota Jarrett and Lindsey Reinhart join the distributor to strengthen project execution and food and beverage design capabilities.
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Hubert, Central Restaurant Products Mark Major Milestone Anniversaries
TAKKT acquired Ohio-based Hubert in 2000 and Indiana’s Central Restaurant Products nine years later. In 2023, the companies unified back-of-house functions, although they continue to operate under their own brand identities. In a news release, TAKKT said the alignment between the brands has enabled greater efficiency, expanded product access, and improved service levels across the combined customer base.
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Flexeserve Strengthens North American Operations With New Hire
In her new role, Meagan Crouch will coordinate administrative and operational activities across the business, including scheduling meetings and arranging travel, and serve as a primary point of contact for visitors to Flexeserve’s headquarters in Southlake, Texas. She will also help improve workflows and procedures to help support the company’s business objectives.
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Rising Restaurant Costs Outpacing Inflation, Industry Analysis Finds
Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Restaurant Association’s surveys of operators, restaurant expenses have risen sharply across all major categories over the past seven years, with the largest increases in food and labor. Average hourly earnings of restaurant employees jumped 41% from pre-pandemic levels, while average wholesale food prices were up 35%.
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Small Business Optimism Improves as Economic Outlook Brightens
According to the National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Optimism Index, the percentage of owners expecting better business conditions in the next six months rose 10 points from May, a net of 13%. It was the first time the outlook improved this year. That increased optimism was further supported by an 8% rise in the number of owners expecting high real sales volumes over the next quarter (a net of 9%).
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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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