The Innovative Foodservice Group (IFG), a Tampa-based foodservice equipment and supplies dealer, has acquired Foodservice & Restaurant Supply (FRS), a dealer based in Charleston, South Carolina.
The acquisition is a key part of IFG’s strategy to provide clients with the highest quality foodservice product mix and customer service. "We are pleased to announce that both Don Ball and Carl Novit will remain with the business as joint presidents, and we look forward to their ongoing contribution with FRS but also across the Group,” said Iain Whyte, IFG CEO. “We are extremely pleased to add all FRS colleagues to the IFG family as they have provided their customers with best-in-class service over the years."
FSR has been in operation for more than 50 years and has branches in Charleston, Columbia, and Florence, South Carolina and in Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to FSR’s commercial kitchen equipment business, IFG has acquired the dealer’s growing dishwasher rental business, which operates across North and South Carolina.
“We are delighted to be joining the Innovative Foodservice Group. Finding a good cultural fit for our business and colleagues was always a priority of ours. At FRS, we have always focused on a strong breadth of products supported by professional sales and excellent customer service, and being part of the IFG will only enhance these capabilities,” said Don Ball, FRS president.
The acquisition signals IFG’s intent to strengthen its position in the Carolinas by adding more regional showrooms to its portfolio and by providing FRS with access to the company’s regional distribution center. “FRS has an outstanding reputation for providing local foodservice businesses with design, equipment and smallwares supply and delivery. Adding FRS to the IFG portfolio allows us to broaden our customer base in key growing markets while providing a broader range of products and services,” Whyte said.
The acquisition coincides with several additions to the IFG team. Steven Tournas joined the company as a regional sales manager, while Phil Petot was hired as a graphic designer. Additionally, Kyle Herod was picked to drive new business opportunities supporting the IFG portfolio of companies and Greg Tustin was named director of design.
Tournas started his career in the foodservice industry as a teenager working in restaurants. He eventually became a manager of four Bennigans in the Chicago area, which led to director and vice president roles at other companies. “I love leading and helping others become better at their job and life,” Tournas said.
Tustin has more than 30 years of experience in restaurant design and construction, having worked on both the architectural and client sides of the business. He was introduced to the foodservice industry in the early ‘90s while working on the then-new Taj Mahal Casino and has since gone on to work on numerous foodservice projects, from quick-service to fine dining.
Petot has more than 35 years of experience working for large and small advertising agencies. During that time, he has completed projects for architectural firms, automotive companies and publishers. “After witnessing the decline in the automotive space, I decided to look for another challenge,” Petot said. “With that, I didn't find IFG, IFG found me. IFG [offers] an excellent opportunity for me to showcase my skillset in an ever-growing marketplace.”
Herod has worked in the foodservice industry for more than 20 years, including time with Frito-Lay/PepsiCo. Most recently, he was vice president of retail and integration at AmerCareRoyal. “I have always enjoyed establishing long-term relationships when selling to my customers,” Herod said. “I am passionate about the partnerships that are formed in the foodservice industry to support and grow the restaurant community.”