an alternative to sysco?

Hi: Each fall I run an urban camping program where we camp out with families in parks in the city. We cook up burgers and beans and hot dogs and then in the morning make pancakes and sausages and such. For the past 5 years I have had to go with Sysco as we had a contract with them, now we no longer do and my sales rep is awful and glacially slow in terms of follow through. Does anyone have any suggestions for a reliable wholesaler? Someone that has everything from bar towels to onions and everything in between. I have to go with a company that accepts Purchase Orders as a form of payment, so I cannot go with a CostCo.

thanks in advance!

bjt

U.S. Foodservice and Gordon Food Service are the other two mainline distributors in the area. Or are you looking for a smaller distributor?

hi: thanks, well, I'm thinking maybe a smaller wholesaler might give me a little more er, customer service. The Big Boys treat my like a thorn in their side because I am putting in a seasonal purchase and it's not that huge compared to what a weekly restaurant might bring in. But I usually end up purchasing about $1500 worth of stuff (perishable and non-perishable). I was also a little freaked out by Sysco when I realized they were charging me, hold on to your hat, $38 for a 12 pack of paper towel rolls. Uh-huh. Talk about price gouging! (I really think they charged me that because I work work for a city agency and that I wouldn't even look.)

Anyhow, so yes, a smaller wholesaler would be great.

Thanks!

bjt

is restaurant depot /jetro an option for you? you have to go there and pick up everything yourself, and transport it yourself. not sure if they take purchase orders either.

but they do carry everything that sysco carries. and it's kind of nice to be able to shop in person rather than over the phone with a rep. there's one on division just west of the river. another in rosemont.

try mt food service. they can get you anything you want. Gary is the owner and here is their number 1 312 733 7028

thaks for the recs. I will call MT today!

bjt

Hi,

I am curious to know what are the requirements, if any, to shop at restaurant supply stores such as Jetro. My partner and I have recently started a baking related business and are looking for supplies. The business is incorporated, and we have a city of Chicago business license. Is that all thats required? Right now the business is set up at our address, but since the City doesn't allow food products intended to be sold to the public be made in your own kitchen, we're going to a rental professional kitchen called Kitchen Chicago. Not sure if it matters to places like Jetro where the business is based from. Anyway, any input would be helpful.

Thanks,
Joel

JoelM wrote:Hi,

I am curious to know what are the requirements, if any, to shop at restaurant supply stores such as Jetro. My partner and I have recently started a baking related business and are looking for supplies. The business is incorporated, and we have a city of Chicago business license. Is that all thats required? Right now the business is set up at our address, but since the City doesn't allow food products intended to be sold to the public be made in your own kitchen, we're going to a rental professional kitchen called Kitchen Chicago. Not sure if it matters to places like Jetro where the business is based from. Anyway, any input would be helpful.

Thanks,
Joel

I think if you have cash in your pocket, you're good to go.

HI,

I would expect they would want to register your resale certificate with them. Wholesalers don't usually collect taxes if what your purchasing is ultimately for resale.

If you don't have a resale number, then you need to contact the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Regards,

Restaurant Depot/Jetro requires a business license to join. In order to buy wholesale (no sales tax charged), you'll also need a state resale certificate. But, if you don't have one, it's not a problem...but they'll charge you sales tax on food purchases.

I have a wholesale meat business if that would help, but we don't do the bar towels, etc.

Karrie