These companies join Biztro, The Hale Group, Hewlett Packard, Lettuce Entertain You, The National Restaurant Association and its Educational Foundation, Nation�s Restaurant News, Procter & Gamble�s Commercial Products Group, Technomic, Visa, and others supporting The Instill Foodservice Network. The Network is aimed at the huge opportunity to provide cost savings to the foodservice supply chain-from large restaurant chains and independent operators, to distributors and foodservice manufacturers.

With these partner and member alliances, along with Instill�s current installed network of thousands of operator units, hundreds of distribution centers, and numerous leading foodservice manufacturers, The Instill Foodservice Network solidifies its position as the leading provider of e-procurement, and other resources specifically designed for the foodservice industry.

�The Instill Foodservice Network gives foodservice operators a place for community, resources, education and a multitude of other services,� said Mack Tilling, CEO, Instill. �We are thrilled to have two of the leading players in the industry, Applebee�s and Sodexho Marriott Services, begin to use the Network�s services.� 

�The Instill Foodservice Network is a win-win for all parties in the foodservice supply chain,� said Anthony Wilson, president and chief operating officer, Instill. �Not only do our newest customers Applebee�s and Sodexho Marrriott Services benefit, but all operators from large to small, distributors and manufacturers will also get access to unbiased independent services that will streamline procurement and improve operational performance.�

�As a  result of the rapidly developing Internet and e-business environment, we have spent a significant amount of time identifying how we and our franchisees can take advantage of the growing momentum for e-business services.� said Lloyd L. Hill, chairman and chief executive officer of Applebee�s International.  �Our agreement with Instill is an important e-business relationship, and we are excited about the prospect for improvements in the procurement side of our business.�  

�We are impressed with Instill�s management team, partners, industry focus and customer solutions,� said Steve Lumpkin, executive vice president of strategic development and leader of Applebee�s e-business strategy.  �This agreement represents the implementation of one of several initiatives we are currently evaluating to operate more effectively.� 

�The Instill web-enabled purchasing system, combined with our internal data capture systems, will ensure that we are getting the right products at the right prices,� said Michel Landel, president and CEO of Sodexho Marriott Services.  �We believe forming an alliance with a leading web-based technology partner is key for our continued growth and industry leadership.  We are providing another tool for our managers allowing them more time to spend serving our clients and customers.�  

Based on core services and technology from Instill with value-add partner services, The Instill Foodservice Network is chartered to provide services to all segments of the foodservice supply chain:

• Multi-unit Operators - With Instill Purchase Web and Instill Purchase Insight-Instill�s flagship e-procurement and analysis reporting services�large chain environments can deploy headquarter-controlled procurement with the added benefit of corporate-wide reporting and analysis.  Customers can select partner services to enhance their corporate suite of e-business services provided by Instill.
• Independent Operators  - With Foodscape.com, a portal designed specifically for small chains and independent restaurant operators, users can quickly gain access to relevant news, third-party tools and services, community and e-commerce offerings specific to their business.
• Distributors - For all distributors - broadline to specialty -  The Instill Foodservice Network delivers electronic purchase transactions, automating fast and easy ordering to their customers.
• Manufacturers - With Instill Market Intelligence, manufacturers of all sizes can benefit from aggregated market data across industry segments.