US Business News

US BUSINESS NEWS

What Sysco’s Restaurant Depot Buyout Means for U.S. Suppliers

US Business News Staff 2 US Business News Staff 2 on March 31, 2026

Sysco confirmed it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Jetro Holdings, which operates Restaurant Depot and Jetro Cash and Carry. The transaction is expected to add a warehouse-based purchasing format to Sysco’s existing distribution model.

Restaurant Depot is expected to continue operating under its current brand and leadership structure. Sysco stated that the business will function as a standalone segment, with its headquarters remaining in New York.

The addition of Restaurant Depot introduces a different format within Sysco’s broader operations. While Sysco’s traditional model centers on delivery-based distribution, Restaurant Depot operates through physical warehouse locations where customers can purchase goods directly.

This structure reflects an expansion in how Sysco may serve different types of foodservice operators across the United States.

Sysco Enters Cash and Carry Wholesale Segment

Restaurant Depot operates within the cash and carry wholesale segment, which allows registered businesses to purchase products in bulk through warehouse locations. This model differs from scheduled delivery systems commonly used in foodservice distribution.

The acquisition places Sysco within this segment while maintaining Restaurant Depot’s existing operating framework. Company disclosures indicate that Restaurant Depot serves a wide base of independent businesses, including restaurants, caterers, and other foodservice operators.

By adding this format, Sysco broadens the range of access points through which customers can source products. The company has indicated that Restaurant Depot will remain structurally separate, suggesting continuity in how customers interact with the platform.

Sysco Supplier Network Adjusts to Expanded Platform

The addition of Restaurant Depot introduces a broader platform for product distribution across Sysco’s network. Suppliers that currently work with Sysco or Restaurant Depot may interact with a larger combined system following completion of the transaction.

Sysco has not outlined specific changes to supplier terms or agreements as part of the announcement. However, the combined scale of both operations may influence how products are distributed across different channels.

Suppliers participating in the system may continue to align with existing requirements related to logistics, quality, and compliance. The structure of the standalone segment suggests that Restaurant Depot’s current sourcing approach may remain in place in the near term.

Sysco Moves Alongside Industry Competitors

The transaction takes place within a competitive landscape that includes companies such as US Foods and Performance Food Group, both of which operate across the U.S. foodservice distribution market.

These companies have reported ongoing activity within the independent restaurant segment, which remains a significant part of the industry. The addition of Restaurant Depot provides Sysco with another format through which it can engage with this segment.

The deal reflects continued activity across foodservice distribution, where companies operate across multiple channels to serve a range of customers, including independent operators and larger institutional buyers.

Sysco Financial Outlook and Review Process

Sysco stated that the transaction is expected to contribute positively to financial metrics following completion, including margins, earnings per share, and free cash flow. The company indicated that the impact is anticipated within the first year after closing.

As with transactions of this scale, the agreement remains subject to regulatory approvals. The review process is expected to consider market structure and competition within the foodservice distribution sector.

At this stage, there has been no formal announcement of outcomes related to regulatory review. The transaction will proceed through standard approval processes before completion.

Sysco Expands Access Across Distribution Channels

The combination of Sysco’s delivery-based distribution and Restaurant Depot’s warehouse model introduces multiple ways for customers to access products within a single corporate structure.

Restaurant Depot’s model allows businesses to purchase goods directly from warehouse locations without relying on scheduled deliveries. Sysco’s existing operations provide delivery services across a broad range of foodservice customers.

The standalone structure of Restaurant Depot indicates that its current operating approach is expected to continue, while also being positioned within Sysco’s broader organizational framework.

This combination reflects an expansion in distribution formats rather than a replacement of existing systems.

Sysco Positions Within Evolving Foodservice Structure

The foodservice distribution sector continues to include a mix of delivery networks, warehouse purchasing models, and digital ordering systems. Companies across the industry operate within these formats to serve different types of customers.

Sysco’s agreement with Restaurant Depot introduces an additional component to its existing operations. The transaction aligns with broader industry activity where companies expand capabilities across multiple distribution channels.

Further details on integration and long-term operations are expected to emerge following regulatory review and closing. At present, Sysco has outlined the structural framework of the deal, including the continuation of Restaurant Depot as a standalone segment.

Dr. Rozbeh Torabi is Looking to the Future

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on March 31, 2026

By: Jeremy Murphy

Dr. Rozbeh Torabi didn’t set out to become a plastic surgeon. In fact, his path into medicine began almost accidentally, sparked less by a calling than by an American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine brochure filled with beaches and golf courses. “I applied and got in,” he says, recalling his decision to attend medical school abroad. “At the time, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do.”

What followed, however, was anything but accidental.

Today, Torabi is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon and one of the driving forces behind Elite Plastic Surgery in Arizona, a boutique, full-service center that blends advanced surgical techniques with a growing focus on longevity, recovery, and whole-body optimization. With locations in Chandler and Scottsdale, the practice reflects both his technical rigor and evolving philosophy: that modern aesthetics is as much about long-term health as it is about immediate results.

“I’ve been in practice about 10 years,” Torabi says. “I started out on my own, opened up a clinic. My younger brother joined me about six years ago, and then my youngest brother joined about a year and a half ago.”

That family dynamic has become central to the practice’s identity. Alongside his brothers, Dr. Radbeh Torabi and Dr. Ramyar Torabi, the team offers a wide spectrum of services, from complex reconstructive procedures to high-demand cosmetic work. The youngest brother specializes in oculoplastics, while Torabi and his other brother focus on general plastic surgery, including intricate breast reconstruction cases.

“We do a lot of autologous breast reconstruction,” he explains, referring to procedures that use a patient’s own tissue rather than implants. “We’re among a small number of practices in the area that offer that level of microsurgery.”

Still, like most modern aesthetic practices, the majority of their work is cosmetic. “It’s probably 60 to 70 percent cosmetic now,” he says. “It used to be the other way around.”

The demand reflects broader cultural shifts. While cosmetic procedures have become more socially acceptable, particularly among men, Torabi notes that his patient base remains predominantly female. “Probably 80 to 90 percent female and 10 percent male,” he says. For male patients, however, one procedure dominates: gynecomastia surgery. “We do a ton of that,” he adds.

Among women, the most requested procedures tend to center around body restoration and refinement. “A lot of it is the mommy makeover,” he says. “Breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and lipo 360 are very popular.”

Yet the aesthetic goal has changed. Gone are the days of exaggerated transformations or overt celebrity mimicry. Today’s patients are chasing something far more subtle.

“A lot more people just care about looking more natural than overdone,” Torabi says. “That’s what I try to provide.”

Even when patients bring in reference images, they are less likely to point to Hollywood icons and more likely to cite influencers or even friends. “It’s gone away from celebrity photos,” he explains. “People bring in photos of results they’ve seen online or even people they know.”

That shift toward personalization mirrors Torabi’s own approach to patient care, which he describes as deeply relational. “I treat my patients like my own family,” he says, a philosophy that has helped build his reputation for both results and bedside manner.

It also informs his work on the reconstructive side, particularly for breast cancer patients. While insurance coverage for reconstruction has improved significantly due to federal mandates and advocacy efforts, challenges still exist. “For the most part, they cover it,” he says. “Where we see some trouble is when patients want the opposite breast worked on or removed as well. Sometimes there’s a fight for that.”

If Torabi’s early career was defined by surgical precision, his current chapter is increasingly shaped by something broader: longevity.

Elite Plastic Surgery has expanded beyond traditional offerings to include therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen treatment, red light therapy, hormone replacement, peptide therapy, and medical weight loss injections, part of a growing movement that merges aesthetics with performance and wellness.

“I really got into biohacking about four or five years ago,” Torabi says. “I haven’t put it down since.”

His enthusiasm is palpable. He spends his free time listening to lectures, attending conferences, and experimenting with emerging technologies designed to enhance recovery and extend lifespan. “I don’t want expensive cars or things like that,” he says. “All I want is to buy different things to biohack, hyperbaric chambers, red light therapy. I have tons of gadgets.”

The most exciting frontier, in his view, lies in peptides, rapidly evolving compounds that may hold the key to cellular repair and optimization. “They keep getting better and better,” he says. “There’s a lot of good stuff coming out.”

That curiosity has already translated into patient care. Many of the therapies he explores personally are now integrated into the practice, particularly to support post-surgical recovery. “Our patients seem to love it,” he says.

Despite the high-tech tools and advanced procedures, Torabi remains grounded in a simple routine: work, learning, and family. With two young children at home, much of his downtime is spent off the clock, away from the operating room.

Still, the throughline of his career is clear. What began as a chance decision has evolved into a highly disciplined pursuit, one that blends surgical excellence, entrepreneurial instinct, and a forward-looking view of medicine.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do at first,” he says. “But once I got into surgery, I knew. I was like, this is it.”

And for his patients, whether they’re seeking reconstruction, refinement, or simply a longer, healthier life, that certainty makes all the difference.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results from any surgical or wellness procedure may vary. Consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions about your health or care.

How KingsOne Is Using Technology to Reshape Modern Agriculture

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on March 31, 2026

By: Ashley Hansen

KingsOne is advancing modern agriculture by combining deep-rooted farming tradition with advanced technology to produce high-quality, sustainable food at scale. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, KingsOne is pursuing innovation, efficiency, and a commitment to cleaner, more consistent produce, starting with its fresh lettuce offering.

At the center of this transformation is Founder and CEO Cole Mucci, whose background is built on generations of agricultural experience. With farming embedded in his bloodline, Mucci brings a unique perspective that blends traditional knowledge with forward-thinking execution. This foundation has enabled KingsOne to develop a model that respects agricultural principles while pushing the industry toward a more technologically advanced future.

KingsOne’s approach is centered around a fully autonomous greenhouse system designed to optimize every aspect of the growing process. By using automation, environmental controls, and data-driven systems, the company is able to maintain precise conditions that lead to higher-quality crops and more efficient production. This controlled environment eliminates many of the variables that traditionally impact farming, allowing for consistent output regardless of external conditions.

One of the company’s primary focuses is its fresh lettuce, which reflects a strong commitment to quality and sustainability. Grown entirely within a greenhouse environment, KingsOne’s lettuce is pesticide-free, consistently crisp, and produced with a level of precision that traditional farming methods cannot easily replicate. By removing the need for pesticides and controlling every stage of growth, the company is delivering a cleaner, more reliable product to market.

How KingsOne Is Using Technology to Reshape Modern Agriculture

Photo Courtesy: KingsOne

The use of a fully autonomous greenhouse also allows KingsOne to operate with increased efficiency and reduced waste. Advanced monitoring systems track environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels in real time, ensuring that each crop receives exactly what it needs to thrive. This level of control not only improves crop quality but also supports more sustainable practices by minimizing resource usage and maximizing yield.

In addition to improving product quality, KingsOne’s technology-driven model enhances scalability. The ability to replicate controlled growing conditions across multiple environments allows the company to expand production while maintaining consistency. This is particularly important in today’s market, where demand for fresh, reliable produce continues to grow.

KingsOne’s innovation extends beyond production and into the broader agricultural ecosystem. By demonstrating how technology can be integrated into farming at a high level, the company is contributing to a shift in how agriculture is perceived. No longer limited to traditional methods, modern farming is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with automation and data playing a central role in driving progress.

Sustainability is also a key component of the KingsOne model. The greenhouse system is designed to reduce environmental impact by limiting water usage, eliminating harmful chemicals, and optimizing land efficiency. This approach aligns with the growing demand for responsibly sourced food and reflects a broader movement toward more sustainable agricultural practices.

The leadership behind KingsOne continues to focus on building a future where agriculture is both innovative and reliable. With Cole Mucci guiding the company’s vision, KingsOne is positioned to continue advancing agricultural practices, delivering products built on quality and consistency.

As the industry continues to evolve, KingsOne represents what is possible when tradition meets technology. Through its fully autonomous greenhouse system, pesticide-free growing methods, and commitment to producing consistently crisp lettuce, the company is not only reshaping how food is grown but also shaping the future of modern agriculture.

Media Contact: KingsOne – cmucci@kingsone.ca

 

How Dr. Desi Bartlett Advanced Yoga and Fitness Innovation

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on March 31, 2026

The fitness industry has long evolved alongside changes in culture, technology, and public awareness of health. Over the past two decades, consumer demand has grown for products that not only enhance physical exercise but also integrate ideas of mental wellness and sustainable living. Companies like Peloton, Lululemon, and Manduka have responded with products that attempt to serve these needs. In such an environment, some practitioners and entrepreneurs have distinguished themselves by developing tools and systems aimed at closing the gap between exercise and wellbeing. Among them is Dr. Desi Bartlett, who has brought together her exercise physiology and yoga teaching backgrounds with product creation and branded fitness strategies.

One of the most significant contributions attributed to Bartlett is the development of an innovative round yoga mat. Historically, yoga mats have been rectangular and constrained movement to a linear style. Bartlett’s background in product design spans several major brands, including work as a product director for Gaiam and a mat design for Lululemon. That experience informed what would become one of her most recognized creations.

In 2019, Bartlett co-created the eQua eKO round mat with Manduka, a company committed to sustainability in yoga. The circular mat was built with sustainable materials, featuring a natural rubber core and an absorbent microfiber top layer, aligning with growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious products. According to Nielsen research published in 2019, 73 percent of global consumers indicated they would change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact. The round mat has been marketed as appropriate for yoga, meditation, and fitness classes, where movement on the mat can be 360 degrees.

Beyond product design, Bartlett also developed the BodyMind Workout™, which is a trademarked technique that includes strength training, yoga, and meditation, and reflects an overarching trend developing in the fitness world where mental and emotional well-being is included in physical exercise sessions. Based on the American College of Sports Medicine’s 2020 trend survey, mindfulness-based practices and functional training were also very highly reported among participants globally. Bartlett’s system supports these interests and offers women a formalized system in which to balance physical load, incorporating emotional resilience.

The BodyMind Workout™ has been launched via both in-person classes and online material. Fitness-on-demand platforms have flourished, especially since 2020, when lockdowns and social distancing drove consumer dependence on home-based exercise. Statista reports that the worldwide online fitness market was over 6 billion U.S. dollars in value in 2019 and expected to surpass 59 billion dollars by 2027. Bartlett’s work places her within this broader shift, where hybrid formats and accessibility are key for fitness education.

Her videos have been on a variety of platforms, including ones that focus specifically on yoga, strength training, and alternative wellness. The incorporation of meditation into exercise is part of a larger interest in stress reduction, as data from the American Psychological Association indicates that 79 percent of adults in the United States experienced symptoms of stress in 2021. By offering movement along with breathing and meditation, the BodyMind Workout™ attempts to attract individuals interested in both physical fitness and stress-reduction methods.

The development of branded exercise systems has emerged as the hallmark characteristic of the wellness economy. From Pilates and CrossFit to newer hybrid systems, several systems have been developed by practitioners who formalize patterns into reproducible formats. Bartlett’s BodyMind Workout™ falls into this category as a trademarked system that tries to bring strength, flexibility, and mindfulness together under a single system. Though its core market has been women, the approach reflects a more overarching industry trend in which multi-dimensional health and inclusivity are central.

Alongside her own branded approach, Bartlett’s work on fitness products signifies the positioning of innovation within the yoga and wellness market. Circular mat development and the use of sustainable materials are examples of how equipment design can be aligned with practice philosophy. The sustainability component, specifically, aligns with an emerging movement throughout the apparel and fitness industries. A study by McKinsey in 2020 revealed that 67 percent of consumers make purchasing decisions based on the use of sustainable materials. Manduka’s collaboration with Bartlett on a round mat built from natural rubber and microfiber exemplifies this alignment.

Another aspect of Bartlett’s work has been bringing these innovations to various media. Instructional videos, streaming platforms, and fitness websites have enabled approaches such as the BodyMind Workout™ to become accessible to communities beyond the studios. The trend of digital fitness communities has opened up the consumer pool and the power of branded workout systems. This easy access mirrors a steady migration in the way that fitness education is being consumed, with apps and virtual training sessions frequently serving as substitutes or additions to live classes.

Together, Bartlett’s product design and branded methods represent how individual practitioners can affect larger fitness trends. Through introducing equipment that shifts practice dynamics and through designing a technique that integrates both mind and body, her work positions itself among the shifting priorities of the wellness industry. Although long-term effects will be gauged by adoption and ongoing practice, the fact that they exist shows the convergence of consumer needs, health science, and creativity.

Dr. Desi Bartlett’s fitness career has thus moved well beyond teaching and training to encompass tangible product development contributions and branded systems. The round yoga mat and BodyMind Workout™ are some examples of how her efforts have responded to changing fitness trends, green initiatives, and fusions of body and mind wellness practices.

 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.