Restaurant supply companies in Chicago give local eateries the ability to operate at full capacity. Without these entities, the real estate that brings every restaurant business to life would be nothing more than an empty space.
Even if you purchase the food and beverages, quite literally the meat and potatoes of the business, you won’t have a place to store or cook it. And even if you did, how much can you really accomplish without cookware, glassware, and flatware?
In this blog post, we’re going to provide all Chicago-based hospitality professionals with the details pertaining to five nearby restaurant supply companies. Read on to learn all about them!
5 Best Restaurant Supply Companies In Chicago, IL
Despite catering to such a niche market, there are several restaurant supply companies that reside in Chicago, IL. If you're looking to furnish or revamp your food service business, one of the following brands should be able to supply you with what you need. Check them out!
1. City Food Equipment
As one of the largest restaurant supply companies in the Greater Chicago area, it’s no surprise that City Food Equipment is a leader in the restaurant supply sector. One of the main reasons why so many people choose to shop from City Food Equipment is that they sell both new and used restaurant equipment.
City Food Equipment sells meat processing equipment, commercial refrigeration systems, cutlery, utensils, and cooking equipment. City Food Equipment is also one of the few restaurant supply companies that sells staff uniforms.
2. OLYMPUS Culinary Solutions
Okay, so we’ve established that every food service establishment needs equipment and other furnishing to function. However, there are many scenarios where a business will need to consult with design experts. For those in the Greater Chicago area, OLYMPUS Culinary Solutions is available to help.
OLYMPUS Culinary Solutions has worked with over a dozen popular restaurants in Chicago to bring their visions to life. The company's services begin at the ideation phase and end at the time in which equipment is installed. Whether you need a new bar layout design or are planning a complete kitchen transformation, OLYMPUS Culinary Solutions can make it happen.
3. C&R Restaurant Equipment Supply
For over 25 years, C&R Restaurant Equipment Supply has been producing some of the best equipment for restaurants. Not only do they serve restaurants in the Greater Chicago area, but in other communities as well.
One thing in particular that sets C&R Restaurant Equipment Supply apart from other vendors is that they recognize the difference from one restaurant to the next. In other words, they develop their solutions to fit individual cases and specific needs. In the restaurant industry, this often depends on the cuisine and atmosphere of the business. And that’s why all their equipment is custom–to meet the needs of each client. Think of it this way–if your restaurant needs something, C&R Restaurant Equipment Supply can sell it to you.
4. Alliance Paper & Foodservice Equipment
As the leading restaurant supply company in the Chicago area, Alliance Paper & Food Service Equipment works with far more businesses than just eateries. They also work directly with schools, supermarkets, commissary kitchens, and more. And with over 10,000 products in their arsenal, they’re sure to have everything you need.
Seriously, Paper & Food Service Equipment offers all the supplies and kitchen necessities used by eateries, coffee shops, bakeries, catering companies, and beyond. They also carry a wide range of chemicals and cleaning products for janitorial work. While that’s not directly related to food service, keeping up with health and safety standards is a must.
If you opt for shipping, Alliance Paper & Food Service Equipment’s fleet of trucks can deliver goods to your business. Well, that’s if your business is in the Greater Chicago area or northern Wisconsin.
5. Gator Chef Restaurant Equipment & Kitchen Supplies
If your food service business is in need of experts pertaining to commercial kitchen design and restaurant equipment, you’re in luck. Gator Chef is an industry leader for its superior quality and thorough customer service. Between offering design services and equipment, they’ll have you covered from start to finish.
Gator Chef is also one of the restaurant supply companies in Chicago that sell used equipment. This is ideal, as the bulk of what a restaurant owner needs to install is pricey. Speaking of which, Gator Chef also offers equipment leases and rentals. This way, there are no long-term commitments. And if you should ever invest in equipment that’s technically out of your budget, they do offer equipment financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Supply Companies In Chicago, IL
Restaurant supply companies provide business owners with the items that make up the backbone of their eateries. In other words, a restaurant could not be in business without the furnishings that come from a restaurant supply company. You simply cannot have a functional business without furniture, gadgets, appliances, and so on. To learn more about restaurant supply companies in the Chicago area, review the FAQ section below!
Which Are Some Restaurant Supply Companies In Chicago, IL?
Five of the best restaurant supply companies in Chicago, IL include the following entities:
- City Food Equipment
- OLYMPUS Culinary Solutions
- C&R Restaurant Equipment Supply
- Alliance Paper & Foodservice Equipment
- Gator Chef Restaurant Equipment & Kitchen Supplies
What Kinds of Products Do Restaurant Supply Companies Sell?
Restaurant supply companies sell a wide range of products, consisting of equipment and other food service essentials. While there are some that specialize in commercial kitchen appliances, others cater to the aesthetics of an eatery by selling items like signs and decor. Then, you have the companies that sell a mix of everything.
Which Is the Largest Restaurant Supply Company In Chicago, IL?
One of the largest restaurant supply companies in Chicago, IL is City Food Equipment. While their main office is located in Chicago, they are one of the few that have multiple locations. Plus, they sell a wide variety of products while it’s common among competitors to focus on a particular specialty.
Do Restaurant Supply Companies Ever Sell Food and Drinks?
No, restaurant supply companies don’t normally sell food and beverage products. Instead, they focus more on the equipment and supplies that allow restaurant operations to stay in motion. Whether it be restaurant lighting and dining room furniture or BOH kitchen appliances, supply companies have a massive range of high-ticket items for sale.
Do Restaurant Supply Companies Sell Used Equipment?
Yes, there are many restaurant supply companies that sell used equipment. Commercial appliances like ovens and refrigeration systems, among many others, can cost a fortune. To combat the heaping amount of restaurant expenses that a business owner incurs, many of them opt for used and refurbished equipment.
Find a Restaurant Supply Company In Chicago, IL
Sure, any decision-maker working for a food service establishment can purchase products from a restaurant supply company, regardless of their location. However, there are a handful of benefits of sourcing these items locally. For one, the supplier can guarantee fast, if not expedited shipping. Then, once you have everything set up, the supplier’s support and repair teams will be nearby if you ever run into any issues. If you’d like to browse through restaurant supply companies in Chicago, the BlueCart platform can help ease the search process. If you’d like to learn all about it, schedule a demo with us and we’ll be in touch!