Sodexo has announced an agreement, subject to customary regulatory processes, to acquire Frontline Food Services (dba Accent Food Services), a major player in the rapidly growing convenience market in North America. With this agreement, Sodexo plans to expand its multi-channel offerings in areas such as click n’ collect, take-out, delivery, convenience store concepts, micro-markets, self-service pantries service, office refreshments and smart selling and reflects the acceleration of its “any food, anytime, anywhere” strategy that is designed to expand beyond the traditional restaurant model on site in multi-channel food offerings designed to directly meet the varied needs of consumers.
The company characterized the move as the latest in its ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing on-premises dining environment, following last year to acquire food tech start-up Foodee and the model of kitchen curator Nourish Inc., as well as the continued expansion of The Good Catering Company.
The acquisition of Frontline not only strengthens the structuring of Sodexo’s food offering in the United States, but also extends its geographical footprint in North America from its established hubs on the East and West coasts to markets such as the Mid-Atlantic. , Texas, Arizona and Nevada.
“With the acquisition of Frontline, we can better adjust our offerings quickly, for example moving from vending to coffee service to micro-markets seamlessly, as the needs of our customers and their customers change over time. “said Sarosh Mistry, Sodexo North America. president of the region, in a statement accompanying the announcement. “Sodexo’s ability to be agile is paramount; this acquisition also allows us to meet this need.
Frontline started as a family-owned vending machine business in central Texas, but has grown into one of the largest independent convenience operators in the United States with an operational footprint in the Mid-Atlantic, South- west and the west coast. It offers a full menu of refreshment solutions, including vending machines, self-service payment markets, office cafe, pantry and food service for thousands of customers.
“Frontline has served Sodexo accounts for over a decade and over those years a strong partnership has been built,” Frontline Chairman and CEO Ken Sullivan said in a statement included in the announcement. “Today, we are proud to join the Sodexo family, a group whose ambitious vision is to reinvent foodservice across North America. Sodexo and Frontline’s shared passion for creating great consumer experiences through great food, great service and great technology makes this acquisition a real win for our organization’s employees and customers.
