New MD642 will support large-scale operations throughout Eastern Pennsylvania

Canteen, a leader in workplace food and beverage services, is expanding its long-standing relationship with Mack Trucks by adding a new 2025 Mack MD642 to its fleet. The acquisition will support the company’s large‑scale workplace operations throughout Eastern Pennsylvania.

The partnership between Canteen and Mack dates to the late 1980s, when Canteen first began servicing Mack facilities. Today the company supports multiple Mack locations with vending, dining, markets and office coffee services. Shauna Rieth, district general manager in Allentown, Pa., describes the relationship as one built on reliability and service. “You could say we help fuel the people who keep Mack moving,” Rieth says.

A culture of trust

Founded in Chicago in 1929 by entrepreneur Nathaniel Leverone as the Automatic Canteen Company of America, Canteen began with 100 five‑cent candy machines. Today, the company has grown into a national provider of markets, dining, pantry, catering, vending and office coffee solutions. Built as a business focused on meeting the everyday needs of people at work, that idea still guides Canteen today. While its offerings have expanded over the years, the company’s focus on convenience and workplace support remains unchanged.

“Our people and their commitment to serving customers, clients and each other remain the heart of our business,” said Joe Benti, Northeast Division president. “Today Canteen combines smart, connected technology with strong local execution to deliver programs that simply work.”

Benti credits their combination of reliability, innovation and local service for Canteen’s success. “When you combine empowered teams, smart technology and consistent execution, you build trust,” he said. “That trust is what drives long‑term partnerships.”

Adding a Mack truck to the Canteen fleet was a natural extension of that trust, according to Benti. “Mack’s reputation for building durable, dependable trucks was a key factor,” he said. “Our teams rely on equipment that performs consistently and supports the fast‑paced environments we operate in.”

Growth mindset

The new Mack MD642 will primarily support large manufacturing and workplace clients throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. Michael Gillespie, regional director, said the vehicle will play a critical role in logistics for large‑scale catering events that serve thousands of employees. It will also assist in new business installations as the company continues to grow across the region.

The MD Series is a versatile Class 6 medium duty truck Mack specifically purpose built for regional and urban vocational applications, and is highly customizable, which makes it perfect for general freight or refrigerated transport.

Canteen’s MD features custom Canteen graphics and has already earned positive feedback from drivers, who noted its smooth ride and strong visibility. “It’s so cool to be driving a Mack!” one driver said.

Canteen worked with Holman Fleet during the ordering process and plans to continue evaluating future fleet needs as operations expand. “Our experience with Mack has been positive,” Gillespie said. “We value the relationship as we assess future fleet investments based on operational needs and business priorities.”