Star

Star Manufacturing was founded in 1921 in St. Louis, Missouri, and quickly became a leading supplier of a wide range of restaurant equipment – the name became synonymous with hot dog (“red hots”) machines, fryers, popcorn makers, and toasters. Over time, the company outgrew its manufacturing plant in St. Louis and opened its current factory in Smithville, Tennessee, in 1982, eventually expanding it in 1990.

With the acquisition of Toastwell in 1997, Star added a range of new products to its catalog, including two-sided grills (also known as paninis), drawer warmers, popup toasters, and waffle bakers. In 2000, Star acquired the Holman brand, adding conveyor ovens and conveyor toasters to the growing product line. The Lang brand was acquired by Star in 2006, adding convection ovens, ranges, and a robust Marine equipment line. As of August 2017, all of the company's offices have been moved from St. Louis, Missouri, to the manufacturing center in Smithville, Tennessee.