Restaurants, hotels and the myriad other businesses that offer food and beverage as part of their services rely on Michigan foodservice wholesalers to provide them with quality items to help their businesses run smoothly. Foodservice distributors in Michigan offer everything from fresh produce, quality meat and frozen items to restaurant booths, appliances and buffet stations. If this cog in the foodservice process breaks down, a restaurant will be hard-pressed to provide its customers with the service and food they’ve come to expect.

Some foodservice dealers in Michigan provide equipment, supplies and food, while others focus on just the food or equipment. Determine your needs before you start shopping around for Michigan foodservice distributors. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Explore regional foodservice distributors and wholesalers in Michigan to purchase local products and receive personalized customer service.

2. Consider big-name suppliers with local foodservice distribution centers in Michigan for cost savings.

3. Research local restaurant equipment suppliers in Michigan to outfit your entire business with quality supplies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out local Michigan foodservice distributors

Michigan foodservice distributors provide a wide selection of brand-name and local items to choose from. What's more, because the companies are local, you can often get quicker, more personalized service, which is a godsend in the hustle and bustle of the foodservice business.

I recommend: Karr Foodservice Distributors specializes in providing goods and supplies to family-style restaurants, country clubs, prisons and senior food programs like Meals on Wheels. B&B Specialty Foods, Inc., offers a line of wholesale specialty and gourmet items for restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other foodservice companies.

Opt for national suppliers over foodservice distributors in Michigan

If you can't find what you're looking for from one of the foodservice distributors and wholesalers in Michigan, consider one of the big national foodservice suppliers. They have a reputation of getting quality items to customers across the country within a reasonable time and at reasonable prices. You may not get the personal care you would from a more local supplier, however.

I recommend: Reinhart Foodservice has more than 14,000 items available, ranging from coffee and meat to glassware and produce. Clark Foodservice is a leading Midwest foodservice distributor focusing on disposable food packaging.

Find local Michigan foodservice distributors that specialize in restaurant equipment and supplies

While the food may be what the customer remembers most, all the equipment used to store, prepare and serve that food is just as important. That's why restaurants and other foodservice companies should take the time to choose the best equipment - at the best price, of course - from top-notch restaurant equipment suppliers in Michigan.

I recommend: Blue Line Foodservice Distribution carries a full line of restaurant equipment and supplies, including ice machines, griddles, sinks, warmers and more. Also check out the catalog of restaurant equipment from the Peoples Restaurant Equip. Co.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Offering customers items from local foodservice wholesalers in Michigan shows that you support local businesses, which may be a plus for customers.