NEW YORK — Months after the Atlanta-based Arby’s/Wendy’s Group made plans to sell its struggling Arby’s franchise, it’s been announced that a majority stake in the roast beef sandwich chain will be sold to the Atlanta-based private equity firm, Roark Capital Group.

In a interview with the Associated Press, Wendy’s/Arby’s Group CEO Roland Smith, who was Arby’s CEO from 1997 to 1999, and then again starting in 2006, stands behind the 2008 deal that merged the two chains. “At the time we put the two brands together it was the exact right thing to do, but any business that continues to do well and perform has to be nimble and adapt,” he said.

CHICAGO — Technology and product innovation is front and centre at the 2011 NRA Show, which began Saturday, May 21, and ends today, May 24, at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and companion Wine, Spirits and Beer Event is wowing attendees, showcasing innovations such as the new and improved Coca Cola Freestyle touch-screen pop machine, the Self-Service Yogurt Wall from Stoelting Foodservice Equipment and a flash mob dance.

The Coca Cola Freestyle system, which launched in 2009, with 100 different carbonated drinks, now dispenses 125 drinks in honour of the company's 125th anniversary. It’s available in customer self-serve dispensers and behind-the-counter “crew-serve” versions. What’s more, radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips imbedded in beverage cups trigger the Coca Cola Freestyle machine to dispense and won't work without the chip, which can be set to limit the number of refills. ValidFill LLC of Sarasota, Fla., developed the RFID-control technology and sister company Whirley DrinkWorks makes the plastic cups and other food and beverage containers. The latest announcement expands the flexibility of Coca Cola Freestyle with cartridges that can hold syrup for 3,300 ounces of drink.

CHICAGO — Victoria Day aside, this weekend is more than a Canadian holiday, as it also marks the 2011 National Restaurant Association (NRA) Restaurant, Hotel-Motel show, which celebrates the foodservice and hospitality sectors.

The show, which will run from May 21 to 24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will feature exhibitors, the World Culinary Showcase, a keynote presentation by General Colin Powell, a Menu Masters award ceremony, an annual Gold and Silver Plate celebration, special pavilions and seminars.

Notable chefs participating in the World Culinary Showcase include Rick Bayless, owner and chef of the Frontera Grill and Topolobampo; Tiffani Faison, former Top Chef contestant; and Marcus Samuelsson, chef and owner of NYC’s Red Rooster and guest chef for the first Obama administration state dinner.