Five Star Food Service announced the acquisition of a Chattanooga coffee service legend, Southern Coffee Service or as the locals call it, “Southern”.
Long a staple in the coffee and water service industry in Chattanooga, Southern and former owner Robert Berman are perhaps as well-known for its civic engagement and philanthropy across the region.
Berman purchased Southern Coffee Service in 1984 from its original owner James Powell, Sr. who founded the company in 1960. After acquiring ARAMARK Tri-State division in 1990, Southern grew into one of the largest and most respected vendors in the area. Mr. Berman will remain active in the business at Five Star serving in a sales and customer service capacity.
“Southern has a solid track record of providing excellent coffee and water service to some of the largest companies in the greater Chattanooga area. We look forward to adding Robert and his talented staff to our team,” said Mike Laurer, Five Star’s vice president of Coffee Service.