SOUTH ST. PAUL, MN (July 9, 2008) — New from Crane Vending Solutions Distribution are two versatile combination venders in the company’s GPL and Automatic Products lines. Both are offered in five- and six-shelf models, and can dispense candy and snacks, packaged cold beverages and food… [full story]

LAS VEGAS ( JULY 2008) — The convergence of lower-cost, more powerful wireless networks, higher vend prices and enhanced computer-based auditing is encouraging the installation of credit and debit card payment systems in vending machines. At the same time, growing public enthusiasm for cashless purchases has widened the use of “closed” stored-value and debit transaction technology in an expanding range of affinity-group locations… [full story]

WEST CHESTER, PA (July 18, 2008) — MEI has teamed up with electronic recycling companies Intercon Solutions and Scientific Recycling Inc. to offer a “no landfill” recycling process for electronic vending products. MEI explained that the need for such a process became evident when it received a large number of outdated bill validators from vending and amusement customers taking advantage of its “New $5 Trade-in Program”… [full story]

ROSEMONT, IL (July 27, 2008) — As time-pressed workers try to cut costs and eat healthier, brown-bagging is becoming increasingly popular in the American workplace, according to a new study from market research firm The NPD Group. NPD reports that the rise in lunches carried from home is contributing to the softening of the midday meal business at commercial restaurants… [full story]

CINCINNATI (July 16, 2008) — Pierre Foods Inc. has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, in order to restructure its debt. Operations are expected to continue normally while the company executes its reorganization plan… [full story]

BURLINGTON, ON, Canada (July 18, 2008) — Sodexo and VIP Energy Services have entered an exclusive arrangement aimed at providing energy management services to current and future Sodexo clients… [full story]

CHICAGO (JULY 2008) — Incredible Technologies revealed a new cabinet design, a miniature golf videogame and several other developments during its seventh annual Operator Summit, held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare here this spring. Some 140 representatives from 80 operating companies attended, making this the second-largest summit to date, and received a firsthand report on IT’s product and marketing plans for the coming year… [full story]

NEW YORK CITY (July 18, 2008) — The three major music providers serving the nation’s digital jukeboxes scored big with several prereleases this week. Joining the digital jukebox networks is new material from Alice Cooper, Black Stone Cherry and Foreigner… [full story]

DANVILLE, CA (July 3, 2008) — TGI Fridays selects TouchTunes as the restaurant’s exclusive provider of digital jukebox music. TouchTunes will maintain ownership of its Gen 3 broadband-enabled Ovation and Allegro jukeboxes, which will likely be installed in all 324 corporate-owned Friday’s locations by the end of September. The Pelican group will manage deployment and ongoing administration… [full story]

APOPKA, FL (July 2008) — The Lobster Zone crane once again has been targeted by PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which charges that the “machine turns torture and death into a game.” This time, the animal rights activists called attention to a machine in Denver, CO, following a complaint from a restaurant customer… [full story]

MELROSE PARK, IL (JULY 2008) — Stern Pinball Inc. has rolled out two flipper games based on proven cinematic franchises. The first, which made its debut in late spring, is titled Indiana Jones, inspired by all four of the Steven Spielberg archaeological fantasies. Rolling out at this writing is Stern’s Batman pin, just in time for the July 18 premiere of Warner Bros.’ latest Batman epic, “The Dark Knight”… [full story]