From utensils and wholesale cleaning supplies to commercial appliances, restaurant businesses need a variety of supplies in their day-to-day operations. The mid-Atlantic region makes no difference in that regard. In fact, as it attracts millions of visitors every year, Baltimore and other nearby towns are home to multiple restaurants and hospitality businesses. Companies in the metropolitan area partner with distributors of restaurant supplies in Baltimore that can offer a wide range of bulk restaurant supplies like linens, paper goods, plastic items, utensils, and other equipment. Some restaurant managers choose to partner with Baltimore broadline food distributors that offer not only high-demand products such as produce, meat, and seafood but also suppliers and equipment. In this post, we’ll shed some light on the industry of restaurant supplies in Baltimore. If you’re currently looking for wholesalers, check out our posts on distributors of wholesale dairy in Baltimore and the sector of wholesale seafood in Baltimore.
Key takeaway: From disposable cups and tableware to professional equipment for commercial kitchens, there’s a variety of products in the restaurant supplies sector.
What Are Restaurant Supplies?
The term usually refers to disposable products like wholesale paper goods, kitchen utensils, and professional restaurant equipment. Sometimes the category of restaurant supplies also includes ingredients used in the hospitality sector.
Main Categories of Restaurant Supplies
This niche market has multiple subcategories and product groups. Some distributors of restaurant supplies in Baltimore focus on a specific category like commercial kitchen equipment. Others aim to be the one-stop shop for the hotel industry and other hospitality businesses. Let’s examine some of the main categories of restaurant supplies.
- Furnishing. Many distributors of wholesale restaurant supplies in Baltimore and other areas of the country also sell various types of furnishings like décor, restaurant seating, and tables.
- Commercial kitchen equipment. From refrigerators to cooking equipment, there are various products in this category. Sustainable suppliers also offer energy-efficient equipment that saves money in the long run.
- Bar supplies and equipment. This category includes tools used by bartenders as well as other equipment behind the bar such as small refrigerators and storage solutions.
- Tableware. Plates and other tableware are crucial for the dining experience.
- Utensils and cookware. Chefs need large quantities of pans, pots, and other cookware and utensils to offer fast service.
- Inventory and storage solutions. From pantry shelving to displays, there are multiple types of storage solutions available.
- Disposable products. This subcategory includes paper goods, single-use tableware, and plastic containers wholesale. In recent years, bulk deliveries of biodegradable or reusable disposables have increased as sustainability is one of the main restaurant industry trends.
Broadline Distributors VS Specialized Restaurant Supply Store in Baltimore
When choosing a distributor of restaurant supplies in Baltimore, food service companies have two options – a broadline supplier or a specialized wholesaler of restaurant supplies.
A lot of companies choose broadline distributors that offer all the wholesale products their business needs. They usually have various technological solutions like eCommerce ordering and a streamlined delivery system. However, these wholesalers rarely have a diversity of products in the restaurant supplies category. Since they focus on wholesale sales of many different subcategories, they might only offer limited options.
On the other hand, specialized companies for restaurant supplies in Baltimore can offer their customers commercial kitchen equipment maintenance, customizable supplies, and other services. They are suitable for high-end establishments such as Michelin-starred restaurants.
Top Distributors of Restaurant Supplies in Baltimore
As Baltimore is a city with multiple restaurants and hotels, some of the biggest chains of restaurant supply stores have physical locations in or around the city. That includes wholesalers such as The Restaurant Store, Restaurant Depot, and Sysco. Many businesses purchase their supplies from these companies. Below we’ll share some other options for companies that look for distributors of restaurant supplies in Baltimore.
Carey Sales & Services
The company specializes in sales of commercial kitchen equipment. In addition to working with hospitality businesses, they also partner with distributors of perishable products such as wholesale meat in Baltimore as these suppliers need various types of freezers and refrigerators. Carey Sales & Services offers design and building services for commercial kitchens as well as maintenance and repairs of kitchen equipment.
Known for: The company has been in this sector for over 75 years. As such, they are among the top choices when it comes to restaurant equipment in Maryland.
Ram Supply
The company offers various products for hospitality businesses like restaurants, hotels, and Baltimore coffee roasters. They also deliver to institutions such as hospitals and home care facilities. From safety supplies and wholesale janitorial supplies to disposable goods for the food service sector, Ram Supply has a diverse selection of products.
Known for: Being a family-owned and operated business for restaurant supplies in Baltimore.
H.C. Walterhoefer
From food service supplies to pizza ingredients, the company offers a variety of goods for its customers. It has been serving the Baltimore area since 1900 and has partnered with multiple businesses throughout the years. The company is part of BradyPLUS. As such, H.C. Walterhoefer can offer custom solutions and supplies in categories such as packaging, janitorial, and food service.
Known for: Their over 100 years of history in the sector and the variety of disposable products and other supplies offered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Restaurant Supplies in Baltimore
Whether you wish to know about the latest restaurant automation trends or you’re looking for wholesale bakeries in Baltimore, you’ll find multiple useful resources on our website. Below we have answered some common questions regarding restaurant supplies.
What Are the Trends in Restaurant Supplies?
Eco-friendly disposable products are among the biggest trends in the industry. A lot of businesses purchase biodegradable or reusable products from distributors of restaurant supplies in Baltimore. Sustainability can be achieved through other means as well. For example, businesses in the restaurant industry can invest in energy-efficient appliances. They have a lower ecological footprint and will lower their utility bills as well. A growing number of customers are choosing products and services based on their impact. That’s why food service establishments may use their sustainability practices as part of their marketing strategy.
What Businesses Purchase Restaurant Supplies?
The wide range of restaurant supplies makes them suitable not only for restaurants but also for a variety of other companies. Hospitality groups, cafes, catering businesses, hotels, mobile food stands, and various other businesses might need a reliable distributor of restaurant supplies in Baltimore. Some broadline distributors also partner with wholesalers of restaurant supplies in order to include such products in their catalogs. It’s not uncommon for a business that specializes in B2B sales of restaurant supplies to also sell such products retail to individuals or cooking enthusiasts. That’s why there are a lot of physical stores for restaurant supplies.
Is Restaurant Equipment Rented?
Yes. Some items in a restaurant can be rented in order to reduce the initial cost of opening a restaurant. When searching for a place to rent, some business owners might opt for a location that already has the restaurant equipment needed such as furnishing, kitchen appliances, and tools. Although the rent of a fully-equipped restaurant will be much higher, the owner doesn’t need as big of a capital investment when starting their business.
Some high-end restaurant equipment can also be rented. That includes technological equipment such as self-ordering kiosks (popular in the fast-food industry) and robot waiters that are expensive but can be rented during peak season.
BlueCart: The Solution for Distributors and Purchasers of Restaurant Supplies
If you wish to find suppliers that offer an easy ordering process, you can look for them on BlueCart. Alternatively, if you’re a distributor of wholesale linen, paper goods, and other supplies, you can easily increase your sales and automate various processes thanks to the solutions offered by our software. Schedule a free demo today and automate your business!