1960
In 1960, John Payiavlas, a son of Greek immigrants in a working class family began what has evolved into AVI Foodsystems.
As a small entrepreneur of the Village Cafe, John took a chance that would change history. An acquaintance presented an opportunity to purchase a few vending machines which was an opportunity John quickly seized. Automatic Vendors was born.
1960s
As the business began to take shape, John and his brother joined together to build a new building on Elm Road in Warren, Ohio. Part of the building would be used as a bowling alley while John would use the warehouse space for his food service business.
1970s
Realizing one of the key ways to differentiate his business from competitors, John insisted on creating fresh food from scratch in his own kitchens for the vending machines he serviced. His Commissary operation continued to grow and expand as new clients were added.
1970s
The Automatic Vendors operation gains two lifelong team members. John's two children, Patrice (Patsy) and Anthony begin learning the business from the ground up by sweeping the floors, preparing sandwiches and assisting their father in the office. They learned firsthand that success begins with integrity and ends with accountability.
1980s
AVI clients had been asking John to expand his homemade foods into their on-site cafés. AVI responded quickly by developing a team of seasoned professionals, able to meet any client request.
1988
Now in five states, Automatic Vendors no longer represented the dynamic food service portfolio the company now offered. The new name and logo were unveiled in 1988. AVI now operates more than two dozen branch offices.
1997
AVI's Culinary Support Center produces 100,000 units of production in one day. Building upon our food safety success, AVI invests in PocketSwab technology to ensure the highest food sanitation standards are upheld.
1998
AVI opens the AVI Institute of Vending Equipment Technology. The Institute, the only of its kind in the industry instantly becomes another key differentiator for AVI.
1999
In the late 1990s, the Dining Division expanded rapidly as the sales team promotes the "Top Of The Charts" campaign.
2000
John Payiavlas, Founder and Chairman of the Board was inducted to the Inside Business Hall of Fame.
2001
A new logo was introduced to reposition the Company to clients and team members as America's Food Service Leader.
2001
Patsy and Anthony become co-presidents of AVI Foodsystems. Patsy heads the corporate services division while Anthony focuses on developing unique programs for the education and healthcare sectors.
2002
AVI begins their first campus-wide dining program.
2003
AVI begins providing patient dining services at some of the world's most respected healthcare facilities.
2005
AVI begins serving Kenyon College in central Ohio. The food service program becomes a model for sustainability, utilizing more than one-third of the ingredients from local farms and local suppliers within 100 miles.
2006
The education and healthcare division began trading as AVI Fresh. AVI completes expansion to their Headquarters Service Center.
2008
AVI announced a new strategic direction. Two separate operating divisions, corporate services and education/healthcare merged into one to leverage greater synergy among the organization. Anthony Payiavlas was named to President & CEO and Patsy Kouvas assumed the role of Vice Chair of the Company. John Payiavlas continues to serve as Chairman of the Board.
2010
AVI expanded into its 10th state of operation, Georgia. 2010 also marked a new vending acquisition and a new company-wide strategic goal setting program, modeled from Stephen Covey.
2010
AVI adds to their portfolio of franchises. A new Quaker Steak & Lube opens at Cleveland Hopkins Airport.
2011
The healthcare division expands rapidly with new innovations.
Through newly formed strategic partnerships, AVI announces its first account with operations coast to coast bringing the Company in to its 16th state of operation.
A new division dedicated to leisure and entertainment is formalized.
2011
Partnering with the Borough of California and California University of Pennsylvania, AVI Foodsystems invests and breaks ground on a new 84-room hotel in California, PA.
A new convocation center being built at the California University of PA is also under construction. AVI will operate the food services at the new 6,000-seat arena.
2012
AVI Foodsystems introduces Market C, a complete turn-key convenience store, offering fresh selections with 24-hour availability. Market C combines fresh, convenience and innovation in an attractive package, giving our guests a full retail shopping experience.
2013
AVI Foodsystems announces the acquisition of Columbus, Ohio-based Sanese Services, expanding the AVI's services and market penetration.
2014
AVI client partner, Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, PA, is named one of nine Best Dining Halls by Food Management magazine.
2014
AVI Foodsystems once again is ranked as the sixth largest foodservice company in the United States by Food Management magazine.
2015
Recognizing an opportunity in the marketplace, AVI completed an expansion in Lexington, Kentucky with the opening of a new state-of-the-art service center.
2015
2015 proved to be an exceptional year of growth. Each major operating division celebrated major client acquisitions.
2015
Market C, AVI's innovative micro market program, grows rapidly, now totaling more than 300 stores.