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Amy Gesenhues

Guide to Finding Restaurant Supplies

You'll need tables, chairs, a POS system, a beverage distributor…

By Amy Gesenhues, Director of Marketing, Autodemo LLC

As a restaurant owner, your checklist for supplies and inventory can leave your head spinning. If you're not careful, you may end up spending all of your time managing your supply chain and neglect other areas of your business. These simple steps will help you find the supplies you need to open and run your business:
  1. Create a detailed checklist of every item you will need to run your business.
  2. Use software that helps track inventory and purchasing costs.
  3. Find a point-of-sale (POS) system that will best fit with your restaurant's processes.

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


Get organized

In the beginning, your restaurant supply list may seem never-ending. But the more organized you are about supplies, the easier managing them will be over time.
I recommend: Use the Restaurant Resource Group's startup checklist to better manage your supply list.

Use software created for restaurants

There are a variety of software products that can help keep your inventory and costs in check. Save money and time by investing in a software solution that best meets your needs.
I recommend: Use Cost Genie or ChefTec to help track inventory and food supplies, as well as audit menu item prices and food and beverage costs.

Find discounted restaurant supplies online

Many sites offer discounted new and used supplies, including paper products and linens. The first items you will need to find are essentials like kitchen equipment, tables, chairs and barstools.
I recommend: Find kitchen and restaurant supplies at ACityDiscount, Tundra Specialties, Food Service Direct or the National Restaurant Association's Equipment Directory.

Choose POS software

Your point-of-sale software may be one of the most important technology decisions you make as a restaurant owner. You want something that's easy to use, easy to teach other people to use and fits into your operational processes.
I recommend: Find POS systems in the DMOZ Restaurant POS Software or PowerSourcing directories. You also can get POS systems from TA Technologies, Denver Research Software Development or POSGuys.com.

Find food and alcohol distributors

Once you have your start-up supplies, it's time to determine who will be your ongoing food and alcohol distributors. This is the most important vendor relationship you will have, so choose it wisely.
I recommend: Use the National Restaurant Association's food and beverage directories to find your distributor.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • If you're short on start-up cash, look into leasing restaurant equipment.
  • Establishing a good relationship with your vendors is a top priority in the restaurant business — they keep you operating.
  • Pay attention to waste prevention processes to help increase profit margins without shortchanging your customer.

The official source of Finding Restaurant Supplies is
the Restaurant Supply page at Business.com

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Recommended Solution Providers

AceMart: Restaurant Equipment
National provider of equipment for kitchens, barware, catering, concessions, janitorial, and dining.

Instawares: Foodservice Supplies
Stocks supplies from a variety of vendors.

Foodservice Direct: Restaurant Supplies
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Restockit: Foodservice Equipment
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Restaurant Source: Equipment
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Central Restaurant: Equipment
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Kerekes BakeDeco: Used Equipment
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Global Sources
Directory of Chinese exporters of kitchen equipment.

Best Sites to Learn More

Foodservice Equipment & Supplies
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Buyerzone: Restaurant Equipment Information
Matches you to multiple suppliers who can provide you with detailed product information.

Consumer Reports: Kitchen Appliance Reviews
Although focused on consumer products, there is relevant information for commercial buyers.

Instawares: Shopping Guides
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A City Discount: Buyer's Guide
Provides articles with advice for a limited selection of restaurant equipment.

Best Blogs and Forums

Chef 2 Chef: Restaurant Forum
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About: Restaurant Experts
Pose a question to experts about restaurant supplies.

Garden Web: Forum
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All Business Restaurant Blog
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Tips Waiter Bell: Restaurant Owner Blog
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FEATURED LISTINGS
Low Price Guarantee Restaurant Supply – Superior Products®
Shop Online for Wholesale Prices on Kitchen Equipment, Refrigeration, and More. Closeout Deals on Overstock Items. Get Free Shipping Today.
SuperProd.com/Restaurant_Supply
Restaurant Table Linens
Fine Hotel and Restaurant quality Table Linens at some of the best prices on the web - even cheaper than renting! Free shipping on orders over $50.
www.linentablecloth.com
Office Supplies and Restaurant Supplies - Free Shipping
We have a low price guarantee on office, restaurant, and cleaning supplies. Technology, tools and office furniture. Free Shipping and Low Prices.
www.restockit.com
Restaurant Equipment Leasing & Financing Quotes - AllOptions
Compare competitive equipment leasing & financing quotes from multiple lenders. Free, no obligation. Must have Good Credit and 2+ Years in Business.
www.AllOptions.com
Commercial Freezers & Coolers
Contact us for pricing on commercial freezers and coolers. Find chillers and display cases for floral shops, grocery stores, bakeries & restaurants.
bushrefrigeration.com
Temperature Monitoring for Haccp Compliance
Verify the integrity of your product with the Tempurity System from Networked Robotics.
www.NetworkedRobotics.com

What WorksTM for Restaurant Equipment and Supplies

Frances Sharpe

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 By Frances Sharpe, freelance writer/editor
Chef clothing and waitress uniforms reinforce your establishment’s identity
Along with the architecture and décor – and of course the food – your staff's uniforms make a powerful visual statement about your restaurant's style and identity.  With nothing more than a quick glance at a waitress uniform, diners can tell if your establishment promises an upscale gourmet experience, an ethnic flavor or a budget-conscious bite. Of course, uniforms need to be functional, too. Keep ... Read more

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