Siddharth Rai3/17/2022What are restaurant paper goods suppliers? Restaurant paper goods suppliers are the providers of restaurant supplies like plastic food containers, disposable food plates and cups, plastic cutlery kits, hot liners, napkins, janitorial supplies, and more. These items are used for foodservice in restaurants. They are often made out of a variety of materials that include- paper, plastic, metal, or even ceramic. Depending on the material it is made out of, these products have different purposes that include; heat retention for dishes during cooking or serving warm meals, insulation from cold surfaces like ice or marble counters which can cause condensation or moisture to form on them and transfer to other surfaces in a room.
In the restaurant business, everything which is consumed by your employees and customers comes from some source. These sources are called suppliers and they are an integral part of any business. These restaurant supplies include almost every part of your business. These suppliers are the providers of restaurant supplies like plastic food containers, disposable food plates and hot cups, plastic cutlery kits including food trays, hot liners, paper towels, janitorial supplies, and more. You are bound to create a sizable margin of error if not properly equipped.
There are basically two sources to identify and secure supplies for your restaurant. One, the traditional supply chain for new equipment, and second, pre-owned equipment or second-hand sales.
Traditional suppliers
To secure the needs of those who are in the restaurant industry, traditional supplies shop carries tools and equipment for commercial kitchens.
From online search to word of mouth in the industry, there are many ways to find these traditional supply sources. There are professional organizations for the restaurant industry that can connect you with supply sources, helping you make an informed and responsible choice.
Restaurant publications can also act as a helpful resource for service supplies. They provide valuable leads to the suppliers around you. Online directories are also there for help.
Pre-owned equipment
Pre-owned equipment can work as well as the newer ones depending on their maintenance. For businesses on a budget, a pre-owned equipment supply chain may be a good option. This allows you to save money and keeps your business on the go.
There are resale markets for pre-owned equipment specifically for restaurant supply, online marketplaces can also be of useful help in this.
Supply Chain Supply Chain
Supplies and high-qualityfood service form the very basis of building a tasty menu and strong customer service. Therefore, it is important for the restaurants to partner with a trusted name in catering supplies. Good research over your competitors to find out which vendors they are using can also be helpful. Here are a few points for consideration before you sign a contract with your supplier.
Experience and Expertise- How long the company has been in the business? This should be the first consideration while finalizing suppliers for your restaurant business. With no disregard to the new companies, an experienced one will have the experience and the expertise to fulfill your demands through their supply chain.
Sample availability- From food supplies to raw materials, it is always a wise business move to test the samples before ordering. It helps you understand the quality and functionality of the product.
Payment terms and refund policy- While a few companies allow financing, others don't. Some take all the returns while others have strict restrictions. Always have these criteria checked before taking a decision.
Order size- Bigger brands may have their rights reserved to work with minimum order criteria, however, there are some which don't have such terms conditions. Discussing the terms of sale and privacy policy is vital before any deal.
References- Always ask for references from the supplier before signing the contract. Find out these references, contact them and take feedback about the supplier's service.
Supply Chain
The restaurant industry knows the importance of using the right equipment. There are several food equipment manufacturers but not all are created equal. They have their expertise in various sections from trash bags to food packaging, from bar supplies to heavy-duty food safety in the industry. Here is a list of top food equipment manufacturing companies dominating the market.
1. Alamo Refrigeration- San Antonio-based company caters to the cooling needs of the restaurant and ice cream shops.
2. Alto-Shaam- Wisconsin-based company deals in combination ovens, smoker ovens, food wells, thermal shelves, blast chillers, convection ovens, and more.
3. AMTek Microwaves- Iowa-based company is a groundbreaker in industrial microwave space along with heavy-duty cooling systems.
4. American Range- California-based company deals in restaurant ranges, griddles, deck pizza ovens, a number of different types of broilers, cheese melters, stockpot stoves, and even specialty equipment.
5. APW Wyott- Texas-based company specializes in general working products, toasters, warmers, grills, and food wells.
6. Bally Refrigerated Boxes Inc- Headquartered in California, its expertise caters to the commercial food business with its walk-in coolers and freezers.
7. Cambro Foodservice Equipment- Cambro offers many options to the food industry including insulated transport products, shelving, warewashing, vending carts, food storage, and more.
8. Dragon Food Equipment Inc- It deals in commercial kitchen ventilation solutions like exhaust fans, make-up air units, and more.
9. FPE- Food Processing Equipment also known as FPE caters to the industry in blanching equipment, saws, blades, hygiene systems, and much more.
10. Frymaster- It offers recognizable lines of fryers in the world.
11. Henny Penny- Yet another company is known for its range of open and pressure fryers.
12. Hobart- An industry giant which offers cooking equipment, commercial dishwashers, food preparation equipment, weighing and wrapping equipment, and more.
13. KitchenAid Commercial- It offers products like commercial stand mixers, blenders, and immersion blenders.
14. MTC Food Equipment Inc- Its specialty in seafood processing, food storage, and food containers makes it a giant in the food industry.
15. VR Food Equipment Inc- It specializes in fruit and vegetable processors along with offering products like puree machines, freeze driers, mixers, fillers, washers, depitters.
Budget is an important factor in any business. In food industry it is even more important because you have to find a way to balance wants and needs at the start of your restaurant.
While making a budget plan you must consider few points, here are some of them.
- Support staff needed in the beginning
- Employee salaries and other benefits
- Price of items in the menu
- Cost of table technology catering service trends in your area
- Overhead expenses including rent and payroll
- Regular supplies including paper goods
- Cost of equipment and furniture
In order to run a successful food business, you need to make an informed decision about your supply chain. Here are a few tips for finding the right food distributor.
- Information about the supplier/distributor
- Check the availability of all the required products
- Sample checking of the products
- You will need to ask questions related to their services
- Have multiple supplier options to take care of specific product needs
Supply Chain
In modern times there are plenty of online options for restaurant equipment and restaurant supply. Here is a list of top 3 online options to find restaurant paper supplies.
1. Amazon Food Service Equipment and Supplies
World's largest retailer has extensive collection of products in restaurant supplies. It has a dedicated page for food service equipment and supplies. From furniture to restaurant appliances, storage products, eco friendly
disposable products and more can be ordered from Amazon.
2. Webstaurant Store
It is also one of the largest suppliers of restaurant equipment and supply. From trash bag to industrial refrigeration products, Webstaurant Store offers everything online for the restaurant industry.
3. KaTom
With over 30 years of service, KaTom is one of the largest suppliers of restaurant equipment. The platform is well known for its extensive collection of shelves and carts.
Restaurant Supply
Fast Casual
Restaurant paper goods supply chain is a major resource for your business. The food industry is a challenging one, but a strong network of suppliers can make it much easier for you. If you select your supplies equipment wisely after thorough research, it's possible that your restaurant gets on the track from day one.
Supply Chain
