Franke Foodservice Systems, a global equipment and supplies solutions provider based in Smyrna, Tennessee, announced the acquisition of Chain Link Services, LP of Fort Worth, Texas, a specialty distributor focused on national foodservice and convenience retail chain customers. With this move, Franke deepens its focus on providing highly tailored systems for large customers that are typically comprised of supply chain, logistics and project management services.

Chain Link has two principal business activities. Turnkey Resources has a comprehensive services package enabling highly efficient and cost-effective store openings and upgrades to large c-store chains. Meanwhile, In Step Foodservice helps leading restaurant brands with ground-up development, remodels or system upgrades.

“Both of our business units are laser-focused on process improvements in procurement, logistics and project management so that our customers can maximize both cost and operational efficiencies,” says Harold Gernsbacher, Chain Link founder.

Chain Link’s team of approximately 80 employees operates from a 310,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility located approximately 5 miles north of downtown Fort Worth. The current management team now headed by Kevin Garsek, President, will remain in place.

“We greatly admire the organization and customer base that Harold has built over many years, and we look forward to carrying on that legacy,” says Thomas Campion, CEO of Franke’s global Foodservice Systems business. “Kevin and his team are a perfect fit because their goals are the same as ours. We build deep knowledge of our customers’ business, and then leverage extensive assets and decades of chain experience to help them grow in a way that lowers costs to franchisees while protecting their brands.”

“Joining with Franke presents our organization with a remarkable opportunity to combine skills and energies to present an even more capable strategic resource to chain systems,” adds Gernsbacher. “We appreciate the energy and the expertise Tom and his team will bring to supporting and growing this united enterprise.”