Where would I find a wholesale/bulk food supplier for a restaurant?

MelindaE · 08-05-08

I live in PA. I am looking into opening a restaurant. And I can't find a website that has food suppliers on it. I would like one locally or at least in PA. I need to get an idea of start up costs etc. If you could please supply me with the specific website I could use. Thank YouBob - You are ignorant first of all...I have been looking...I found 2 places, but I want to have more to compare prices...I have other businesses of my own and I have never dealt with "suppliers" and I was looking for advise...and you seem to be the only one with a problem...why don't you find somewhere else to complain...You have a problem and need help...It is called counseling bob...I hope you work out your problems...Thank you to everyone else...you have been very helpful.

scotth · 08-05-08

SAM'S

SkinnyFuck · 08-05-08

The people that deliver to my restaurant are U.S. Food Service (http://usfoodservice.com) and they've consistently provided excellent product. However, if you're looking for small things to start out, try one of those wholesale stores like Costco, Sam's Club or Price Club. You can still reach a nice turnover that way, too.

Voodoo · 08-05-08

Where in PA are you located? And what type of restaurant are you thinking of opening?For bulk food items that you'd use in quantity (condiments, salad dressings, frozen foods, etc.) you could get most of those at Sam's Club. Sam's also has a good supply of flatware, glassware, etc. That would be a good option if you plan to run a very small business.Regardless of size and type of restaurant, you will need to have the money up front to furnish the place (buying the necessary equipment, etc.) in addition to finding food purveyors (or, alternatively, stores/markets where you can reliably find what you need).Word-of-mouth is probably the best way to find what's available in your area. You might want to talk to other restaurant owners to get ideas. I'm sorry I can't give you more specific help ... there are just so many variables to consider.Some restaurants do their shopping every single morning at a local market and plan their daily menu around what is fresh, in season, and readily available. Others order EVERYTHING from their purveyors and set their menu weeks in advance. What type of place you hope to open will (largely) determine where you buy your food and supplies.

bob3240 · 09-05-08

Is this a joke? You are seriously asking random people to do YOUR homework for YOUR business? You're having a laugh - it won't last 5 minutes if you're running it. Grow the hell up, get off your backside and do your own research into suppliers!