Broaster Company, headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, is a pioneering manufacturer of commercial foodservice equipment and branded food programs, best known for its iconic Genuine Broaster Chicken. With over 65 years of experience, the company combines innovation in pressure fryer technology with turnkey food program solutions tailored for operators across the quick-service, convenience, and hospitality sectors.
Company Overview
Founded in 1954 by inventor L.A.M. Phelan, Broaster revolutionized the foodservice industry by developing the world’s first commercial pressure fryer. Since then, the company has expanded into a globally recognized brand with thousands of Broaster programs operating across more than 100 countries.
Broaster Company is a privately held business and a member of the American Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) association, known for its blend of engineering precision and culinary insight.
Product and Service Portfolio
Broaster offers a diverse portfolio of equipment and foodservice programs designed to increase foodservice profitability while ensuring product consistency and speed.
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Pressure Fryers
- Broaster 1600
- Broaster 1800
- Broaster 2400
- E-Series 24G (gas-powered model with SmartTouch™ controls)
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Ventless Fryers
- VF-2
- VF-3 (SmartTouch model with automated cleaning cycles)
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Branded Food Programs
- Genuine Broaster Chicken®
- Broaster Express®
- Rock County Smokehouse®
These programs include not only marinated and breaded chicken but also side items, branding materials, training, and POS solutions.
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Frozen Foods and Ingredients
- Pre-marinated Chicken
- Chicken Tenders, Wings, and Popcorn Chicken
- Potato Wedges and Side Items
- Marinades, Coatings, Seasonings, Batters
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Accessory Equipment
- Instant Burger Cookers
- Smokaroma Pressure Smokers
- Merchandisers and Holding Cabinets
Unique Selling Propositions (USP)
- Proprietary Pressure Frying Technology: Reduces oil absorption and cooking time by up to 50%, resulting in juicier, healthier fried foods.
- SmartTouch™ Controls: Intuitive touchscreen systems available on select models, improving consistency and ease of use.
- Turnkey Branded Programs: Complete plug-and-play food concepts with national recognition and operational support.
- Ventless Frying Systems: High-efficiency fryers with built-in air filtration, ideal for non-traditional locations without hoods.
- Training & Support: Includes culinary training, equipment servicing, menu development, and marketing collateral.
Market Presence and Clientele
Broaster’s equipment and food programs are found in:
- Convenience Stores
- Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR)
- College and University Dining
- Hotel and Resort Kitchens
- Franchises and Independent Operators
The company supports over 5,000 active food program operators globally.
Financial and Operational Performance
As a privately held manufacturer, Broaster does not publicly disclose its financials. However, market indicators and product shipment data suggest:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: $40M–$60M
- Installed Equipment Base: Over 50,000 Broaster pressure fryers in operation worldwide
- Food Program Locations: 5,000+ active outlets in North America and international markets
- Export Reach: Distributed in over 100 countries via certified international dealers
Capabilities
- Engineering & Manufacturing: All equipment is designed and manufactured in the USA with ISO-compliant processes
- Custom Program Deployment: Regional customization of food programs for cultural and operational relevance
- Dealer Network: Over 200 authorized dealers and service providers
- R&D: In-house testing kitchens and product innovation labs
Certifications and Compliance
- NSF, UL, and CE Certified Equipment
- Energy Star Ratings on select models
- Prop 65 and RoHS Compliance
- FDA-Compliant Food Products
Customer Testimonials
- “The Genuine Broaster Chicken program added $5,000 a week in incremental sales to our C-store.” — Operations Manager, Multi-Unit Retailer
- “Our Broaster 1800 has been running 14 hours a day for the past 3 years without a single breakdown. Their equipment is built like a tank.” — QSR Franchise Owner
Notable Achievements
- Invented and patented the original commercial pressure fryer in 1954
- Launched Rock County Smokehouse program in 2022 to expand into smoked meat offerings
- Featured in national media for innovative ventless frying technology
- Achieved 95% satisfaction rating in operator training and service support surveys
- Participated in NACS, NRA Show, and Convenience U for over a decade as a key exhibitor
Broaster Company continues to lead the commercial foodservice space by combining engineering innovation, culinary quality, and brand-driven food programs. With a commitment to consistency, profitability, and operator success, Broaster stands as a legacy name in high-performance foodservice solutions.
