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

With our acquisition of Toastwell in 1997, Star added a range of new products to our catalog, including two-sided grills (aka - paninis), drawer warmers, popup toasters and waffle bakers. In 2000 Star acquired the Holman brand, adding conveyor ovens and conveyor toasters to our 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, we have moved all of our offices from St. Louis, Missouri to our manufacturing center in Smithville, Tennessee.

In December 2007, the Star Group was acquired by the Middleby Corporation.