Hot Stuff Foods CEO Resigns

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- John Fontana, CEO of Hot Stuff Foods based here, resigned this week and will be replaced on an interim basis by Jim Illaria, a principle at Allied Capital, the equity owner of Hot Stuff Foods.

Fontana came to Hot Stuff Foods two years ago with a background of more than 20 years of management, turnaround, consulting and investment experience. He was also a managing director at Allied Capital, responsible for growth and monitoring the existing portfolio of companies, including the growth and turnaround of Hot Stuff Foods.

Hot Stuff Foods franchises and/or licenses its branded food concepts including Hot Stuff Foods, SmashHits Deli and Hot Stuff Food On the Go in more than 1,400 locations throughout the U.S. Canada, Europe and Asia. Hot Stuff Foods also offers Lettieri’s Food To Go through distributors across the U.S.

Last year, according to a report by CSNews Online, Hot Stuff unveiled its "Store of the Future," a new food solutions initiative designed to provide multiple food solutions or "touch points" for increased convenience and store profitability.

Fontana, back in the Washington, D.C. area, told CSNews Online he plans to take some time off, then pursue acquisition and/or management opportunities in the retailer or supplier side of the business.
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