Retail & FoodService

The list of Haggen, Inc. stores closing in Washington state continues to grow as the locally owned grocery chain announced three more of its TOP Food & Drug stores will shut their doors for good within the next three months. …

Empire Company Limited announced its long-term succession plan. Paul D. Sobey, a 32-year Empire employee, who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 1998, will retire from his position on December 11, 2013, while continuing as a director of the company. …

Sue Klug, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Unified Grocers, was presented the Illuminators Educational Foundation 2013 Torch Award at a dinner in her honor on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Hyatt Regency, Long Beach, Calif. The Torch Award is given to an individual in the grocery industry who advances education in his or her company and in the industry by example and leadership."The Illuminators does tremendous work in developing future industry leaders and I'm honored to receive such a prestigious award," said Klug. "I'm a firm believer in the value of continuous learning and professional development and I'm delighted to be recognized by an organization that shares my passion." …

Launched in trade magazines like Food Arts, Restaurant Business, and Plate this September, the Join Our Table promotional series will circulate for two years, targeting chefs and restaurant owners. …

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) is now accepting submissions for its second annual Kids LiveWell Recipe Challenge, an initiative aimed at showcasing restaurant and foodservice companies’ culinary ingenuity of creating healthful options for children. …