Legend Food Service, a leading independent convenience services operation, said it has acquired Vending Plus in Linthicum Heights, MD, and Jel-Cap Vending of Windsor Mill, MD.
Both businesses will now operate under the Legend umbrella and be managed by the Legend executive team, according to a press release. Financial terms of both transactions were not disclosed.
Since its formation in 2018, Legend Food Service, headquartered in East Haven, CT, has purchased six legacy companies to expand its reach. Four of those were transacted in the past seven months.
“These acquisitions underscore Legend’s commitment to expanding our industry-leading products and customer service to new markets and customers,” said Legend founder and chief executive Kyle Loughran.
“We are thrilled to bring our fresh and innovative workplace food service to the Mid-Atlantic region,” he continued. “We can now service customers from Northern Virginia to Massachusetts.”
Both newly acquired companies have a long history of operating in the Washington metropolitan market.
Vending Plus started operating in 1986 and has customer relationships that span more than 30 years. Jel-Cap Vending, founded by brothers Jerry, Elliot and Larry Caplan, started in the 1980s, as an extension of Caplan’s Deli, then transitioned into a full-line vending in 1989.
While each business brings unique strengths and experiences, Legend plans to invest and expand Jel-Cap Vending’s commissary, allowing it to offer fresh food and catering services across the region.
As the industry evolves toward offering healthier and ‘fresher’ food options, Legend said it’s now one of few independent operators in mid-Atlantic creating its own fresh and customized offerings.
“We love this industry because of its stability and opportunities for both growth and efficiency,” said Nick Duda, who heads Legends corporate development division. “Both our customers and investors have been amazed by how scale and investment in a historically overlooked and undercapitalized industry have created tremendous benefits for everyone.
Legend Food Service said it plans continued investment, organically and inorganically.
“We think we’ve found the secret sauce in a space that is ripe for disruption,” said Legend vice president of operations Kevin Koehr. “Our laser focus on using new technologies, coupled with our startup mentality on transforming the foodservices industry, will allow us to continue growing this company for our employees, customers and investors. We have found the right boat in a rising tide.”
Legend Food Service provides vending, micro markets and catering, as well as office coffee, water, pantry and office supplies delivery services. Its operations serves markets in northern Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and Pennsylvania, along with New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Contact Ben Adams at [email protected] for more information.
