FED Global Thought Leadership 2018

Who Wrote the Rule? Challenging the Foodservice Status Quo


We are in an ever-changing marketplace with an up-and-coming generation shaping the future of foodservice. Menus keep expanding with new offerings, and our employees and customers continue to evolve as well. What worked even five years ago is not ideal in today’s market. Middleby's Steve Spittle will challenge traditional rules and share personal experiences to encourage those in the industry to take off blinders when looking forward.

Steve Spittle, Group President, Commercial Foodservice Segment, Middleby Corp.

Steve Spittle is a Group President within Middleby Corporation’s Commercial Foodservice Segment. He is responsible for the Middleby brands Pitco, Blodgett, MagiKitch’n, Anets, Perfect Fry, Marsal, and Market Forge. Steve also has oversight for the Middleby National Account teams. In his role as Group President, Steve is responsible for the day-to-day operations, including engineering, sales, and marketing of the Middleby brands based in the Northeastern U.S. Under Steve’s leadership Pitco and Blodgett have developed several one-of-a-kind, award-winning, patented products that have evolved the commercial kitchen.

In overseeing National Accounts, Steve leads the Middleby team dedicated to finding commercial kitchen solutions for both large and emerging chains. Steve’s industry experience and expertise in innovation has helped Middleby customers save costs on labor, energy, water and lessen food waste. He can often be found hands-on, in the kitchen beside Middleby customers working closely with them to fine-tune their menus and choose the best equipment.

Since joining Middleby in 2010, Steve has held several senior positions, including President of Pitco and the VP of Sales at Pitco, where he was responsible for managing the domestic and international sales teams, in addition to 24 rep firms, while developing and executing sales strategies that helped expand Pitco sales by approximately 50%. Steve is a Level I Certified Foodservice Professional and currently serves on the NAFEM Board of Directors. Steve is also actively involved in NAFEM’s Young Executive Forum.