The foodservice industry is the backbone of dining experiences across America, encompassing everything from supply chain logistics to menu development and operational support.
"Food service companies," also referred to as food distributors are essential players behind the scenes for restaurants. These food service providers connect independent, regional and national chain restaurants as well as hotels, schools, grab-and-go and catering operations, and other foodservice businesses with supplies, ingredients, kitchen equipment, and expert guidance that help operators thrive.
In today’s challenging restaurant landscape, marked by labor shortages, supply chain unpredictability, and shifting consumer preferences, independent restaurant operators in particular face steep hurdles. Success depends not just on the quality of food served, but on the partnerships that support every aspect of business.
Performance Foodservice® is one of the nation’s leading food service companies, known for its blend of national reach and local support. Through innovative programs, premium food offerings, and personalized service, Performance Foodservice empowers independent restaurants to grow and succeed alongside trusted partners.
What Independent Restaurants Need from Food Service Companies
Running an independent restaurant today demands more than a good recipe. Operators need strategic partnerships with food distributors that can anticipate and address their biggest challenges. Here are four key areas where contracting top food service companies add critical value:
1. Reliable Supply Chain & Consistent Food Product Availability
Unpredictability in the supply chain can cripple a restaurant. Operators need food service companies that ensure consistency across product lines and deliver reliably, even during disruptions. Performance Foodservice leverages its nationwide network and local operating companies (OpCos) to offer just that — predictable product flow and inventory confidence no matter where you are located.
2. Menu Innovation & Culinary Support
Keeping menus fresh and exciting requires continuous inspiration. From trending ingredients to custom flavor development, restaurants benefit from food distributors who offer more than products — they need culinary partners. Performance Foodservice provides operators access to our expert corporate chefs and menu ideation tools that help spark innovation and streamline back-of-house operations.
3. Flexible Food Ordering & Delivery Solutions
Operators need tools that align with their unique schedules. Performance Foodservice’s CustomerFirst platform, in partnership with Area Managers (AMs), offers customized ordering solutions that flex with evolving restaurant needs. Whether through auto-replenishment, real-time adjustments, or split deliveries, the goal is to simplify the ordering process.
4. Digital Restaurant Tools & Operational Efficiency
Incorporating digital tools can transform how restaurants manage inventory, forecast costs, and train staff. With systems like CustomerFirst and access to One Source partners, Performance Foodservice helps operators boost efficiency, reduce waste, and improve profitability.
What To Look for in a Food Service Supplier
Not all food service suppliers are created equal. Leading food service companies demonstrate a combination of reach, reliability, and relationship-building. Here’s what sets the best apart:
- Nationwide Reach with Local Cuisine Expertise
The best of both worlds: broad distribution capabilities and local know-how. Performance Foodservice has more than 65 food distribution centers across the country, delivering tailored service based on regional needs and operator profiles.
- Extensive Food & Product Portfolio
From fresh and frozen food items to non-foods, equipment, and specialty products, top food distributors offer a one-stop-shop experience. Performance Foodservice supports operators with an expansive catalog, including grab-and-go, beverages, disposables, and custom kitchen tools.
- Innovation in Food Trends & Product Development
With over 500 new exclusive brand (EB) SKUs released annually, Performance Foodservice keeps operators on the cutting edge of food trends. These proprietary offerings span every cuisine type and are designed to meet operator demands for flavor, labor savings, and versatility.
- Tiered Brand Strategy
Different restaurants have different needs. Top-tier food service companies offer multiple levels of products within a category to match every budget, culinary aspiration, or operational size.
- Unmatched Customer Service
A leading foodservice distributor distinguishes itself through a commitment to partnership over transactions. By aligning dedicated teams—from sales consultants to culinary experts—with the unique goals of independent restaurants, these companies foster long-term success through collaboration, personalized support, and shared growth.
- Commitment to Sustainability & Safety
Food safety is non-negotiable, and sustainability is increasingly essential. Leading companies invest in eco-friendly packaging, responsible sourcing, and safety protocols that reflect the values of today’s consumers.
How Performance Foodservice Delivers on Your Restaurant’s Needs
Performance Foodservice isn’t just a supplier, it’s a strategic partner and ally in every phase of a restaurant’s growth. Here’s how our food service company delivers unmatched support:
Local OpCo Supports Restaurants Across the U.S.
Each local operating company is empowered to build relationships with restaurants and respond to the specific needs of the food industry in its community and region. This local-first approach ensures that solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all but finely tuned to the markets they serve.
Proprietary Brands Across Every Cuisine Type
From Italian cuisine with Roma® to Latin-inspired food products with Contigo®, and back-of-house staples with Silver Source®, Performance Foodservice’s exclusive brands cater to every style of restaurant. These specialized food products offer high value, exceptional consistency, and built-in differentiation for independent restaurant operators.
Custom Food Service Solutions for Unique Food Service Operations
Need a special cheese blend? Custom pizza boxes featuring your own branding? A specific meat cut? Performance Foodservice has the infrastructure and flexibility to offer tailored solutions that streamline operations and support your unique brand identity.
Dedicated Sales Consultants and Culinary Experts
Area Managers and corporate chefs aren’t just there to sell products — they act as hands-on food service partners and advisors. Whether troubleshooting a menu, launching a new concept, or incorporating trending food products, their expertise gives restaurant operators a competitive edge.
Value-Added Restaurant Tools and Programs
Operators can tap into powerful business support tools: menu design assistance, rewards programs, digital training, and both local and national food events. These offerings aren’t just perks; they’re performance drivers.
Success Stories from Independent Restaurant Operators
Partnering With The Bagel Baker, New York
This growing bagel shop partnered with Performance Foodservice, one of the leading food service companies, to ensure consistent delivery of essential restaurant food supplies like flour, bacon, and eggs. With a trusted account manager (AM) and dependable food distribution services, they’ve scaled operations while maintaining the scratch-made quality that keeps their customers coming back.
"Relationships are everything," the owner shares. "In this business — the restaurant business and the foodservice business — restaurants depend on relationships not only with their customers but also with their suppliers."
A Performance Foodservice customer, The Bagel Baker benefits from personalized service, supply chain reliability, and menu support that helps them stand out in a competitive market. From sourcing premium food service ingredients to accessing kitchen equipment and operational expertise, Performance is their go-to restaurant supplier for success.
Why Choosing the Right Food Service Company Matters
A great food service supplier can be the difference between a restaurant surviving and thriving. When independent restaurants align with the right food distribution partner, they gain not just a provider, but a collaborator who helps:
- Maintain consistency during unpredictable times
- Improve food quality and safety
- Unlock innovation and differentiation
- Reduce operational stress
- Strengthen guest loyalty and profitability
Choosing the right food distribution company like Performance Foodservice means more than getting product on shelves — it means joining forces with a team dedicated to your restaurant’s long-term success.
Independent restaurants are the heartbeat of local communities. And behind every great meal served is a support system that helps operators navigate the daily grind. Top food service companies are purposefully built to provide more than supplies; they offer partnership, innovation, and performance.
Partner With Performance Foodservice Today to Take Your Operation to the Next Level
Whether you're opening a restaurant, launching a fresh concept or scaling your operation, aligning with a proven foodservice partner ensures you're never navigating alone. Explore the possibilities today. Connect with your local Performance Foodservice representative to schedule a personalized consultation or browse our innovative product offerings.
Let us help bring your vision to life, one plate, one order, one success at a time. With the right partner, anything is possible.