Behind every good restaurant is a supply chain that actually works. Restaurant food suppliers are the quiet partners that make daily service possible, handling everything from fresh produce and meats to dry goods and specialty items. When they do their job well, no one notices. When they don’t, the whole kitchen feels it.
Choosing the right supplier is not just about price lists and delivery days. It is about reliability, communication, and understanding how restaurants really operate under pressure. A supplier who gets that reality can save time, reduce waste, and help chefs focus on what matters most - the food and the guests.
Signs and Mirrors: Why Sidewalk Signs Are Essential for Any Business
We started Signs and Mirrors after running our own photo studio in New York and struggling to find simple, well-made sidewalk signs that actually fit how real businesses operate. We ended up making our first mirrored A-frame by hand - not as a product idea, but as a practical solution for our own space. That experience shaped everything we do today: we craft durable, elegant signs that look premium and perform in real-world conditions.
In addition to reliable food suppliers and daily ingredient deliveries, every restaurant needs strong street-level advertising to attract customers and stand out. Sidewalk signs are one of the most effective and visible types of outdoor marketing - they work 24/7, require no electricity, and deliver your message right where potential diners walk by. We specialize in high-quality, stylish sidewalk signs that guide foot traffic, showcase menus or daily specials, highlight hours, and reinforce your brand.
Types of Premium Sidewalk Signs & Mirrors You Can Purchase
We keep things simple yet elegant, built for real-world restaurant use while looking intentional and high-end. Mirrored surfaces, brushed stainless steel, or lightweight acrylic — each piece fits a specific spot and need. Here’s a look at some of the most popular styles we offer.
1. Mirrored Stainless Steel A-Frame Sandwich Board Sign (#001)
The fully mirrored stainless steel A-frame reflects light beautifully from every angle, creating maximum eye-catching appeal on busy sidewalks. It’s heavy enough to stay stable on windy days yet polished to a mirror finish that feels luxurious. Use it blank for chalk or markers, or add custom graphics after checkout for double-sided messaging.
- Full mirror-polished stainless steel
- Ultra-reflective on both sides
- Extremely durable and weather-resistant
- Blank or custom print option
2. Brushed Stainless Steel A-Frame Sidewalk Sign (#002)
The brushed stainless steel version offers a clean, modern matte finish that looks professional without being flashy. It resists fingerprints, scratches, and weather, making it ideal for high-traffic entrances. Order it plain for chalkboard use or send your design for crisp double-sided graphics.
- Satin-brushed stainless steel construction
- Subtle, understated modern look
- Highly durable and low-maintenance
- Blank or custom print available
3. Mirrored Acrylic A-Frame Sandwich Board Sign (#005)
The lighter mirrored acrylic A-frame combines a premium reflective surface with a wooden frame for easier portability. It folds flat for storage, weighs less than steel models, and still delivers that eye-catching mirror effect. Perfect for pop-ups, patios, or quick seasonal changes — blank for markers or with custom prints added later.
- Acrylic mirror faces with wood support
- Reflective on both panels
- Lightweight and collapsible
- Blank or custom graphics option
4. Forma Architectural Mirrors (#015, #016)
These square and rectangular mirrors are designed to be mounted indoors or outdoors, adding light, depth, and elegance to any space. They work perfectly in window areas, dining rooms, or entrances to amplify natural and interior lighting while creating a more open, inviting feel.
- High-quality mirrored glass or acrylic
- Enhances ambient light and spatial depth
- Sleek modern frames
- Custom sizes and finishes available
Exploring the Top Restaurant Food Suppliers Available Today
1. Gordon Food Service
They operate as a broad restaurant food supplier serving a wide range of foodservice businesses, from independent restaurants to larger hospitality operations. Their role centers on supplying fresh, frozen, and dry goods while also supporting kitchens with tools that simplify ordering and inventory tracking. The setup is built around repeat orders, predictable delivery schedules, and making it easier for kitchens to stay stocked without constant follow-ups.
Beyond food products, they place a lot of emphasis on operational support. Their systems are designed to help restaurants manage menus, track usage, and keep ordering consistent across locations. For many kitchens, this means fewer surprises during service and a clearer view of what is coming in and going out, which matters just as much as the ingredients themselves.
Key Highlights:
- Broad selection of food products for restaurant kitchens
- Distribution network supporting regular, scheduled deliveries
- Online and mobile ordering tools
- Support for different foodservice segments
Services:
- Food distribution
- Online and app-based ordering
- Inventory and menu management tools
- Kitchen equipment and supplies
Contact Information:
- Website: gfs.com
- Phone: (302) 391-8456
- Address: 504 Advantage Way Aberdeen, Maryland 21001
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gordonfoodservice
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/GordonFoodService
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/gordon-food-service
2. Ben E. Keith Company
They operate as a long-established food and beverage distributor serving restaurants across multiple states. Their food division covers a wide range of restaurant staples, while their beverage division supplies beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic options to licensed venues. The structure is built around regional distribution, allowing them to serve local markets with consistent delivery routes.
Their approach is rooted in long-term relationships with restaurant operators rather than short-term transactions. By handling both food and beverage supply, they often become a central vendor for kitchens and bars that prefer fewer suppliers to manage. This can simplify ordering, billing, and delivery coordination, especially for restaurants balancing both dining and bar service.
Key Highlights:
- Combined food and beverage distribution
- Regional delivery model across multiple states
- Long-standing presence in restaurant supply
- Focus on consistent service and coverage
Services:
- Food distribution for restaurants
- Beer, wine, and spirits distribution
- Non-alcoholic beverage supply
- Support for foodservice and hospitality businesses
Contact Information:
- Website: www.benekeith.com
- Phone: 817-877-5700
- Address: 601 E 7th St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
3. Shamrock Foods
They operate as a foodservice supplier focused on supporting restaurants and other food operations with consistent access to everyday kitchen needs. Their setup covers a mix of fresh and frozen foods, along with dry goods, supplies, and equipment, which allows kitchens to source most items from one place. The company structure reflects long-term distribution work rather than one-off orders, with an emphasis on keeping inventory steady and deliveries predictable.
Beyond products, they also spend time on operational guidance that fits into real kitchen workflows. This includes sharing menu ideas and general kitchen practices that help operators plan ahead or adjust without overhauling how they work. Their role sits firmly in the background of restaurant operations, supporting daily service rather than shaping it.
Key Highlights:
- Broad food and non-food inventory for restaurant kitchens
- Distribution model built around regular deliveries
- Focus on restaurants and foodservice operations
- Additional resources tied to kitchen and menu planning
Services:
- Food distribution
- Delivery of supplies and equipment
- Menu and kitchen resource support
- Ordering and account management
Contact Information:
- Website: www.shamrockfoodservice.com
- Phone: 480-447-0477
- Address: 1120 S Country Club Dr, #105, Mesa, AZ 85210
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shamrockfoods
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShamrockFoods
4. KeHE Distributors
They work primarily as a distributor for natural, organic, and specialty food products, supplying businesses that want access to these categories at scale. Their distribution network supports regular restocking while allowing retailers and food operators to introduce new or less common products without managing multiple suppliers. The structure is built to move curated assortments rather than bulk-only staples.
Alongside distribution, they rely heavily on internal systems that help partners manage orders and visibility across locations. This makes it easier for kitchens and retail teams to keep track of specialty items that may rotate or change more often than standard inventory. Their position in the supply chain leans toward flexibility rather than volume-driven logistics.
Key Highlights:
- Focus on natural, organic, and specialty food products
- Nationwide distribution network
- Support for rotating and curated product assortments
- Digital tools for ordering and visibility
Services:
- Specialty food distribution
- Order management platforms
- Product discovery and onboarding
- Distribution center and route delivery
Contact Information:
- Website: www.kehe.com
- Phone: 855-938-1462
- Address: 3800 Deerpark Blvd. Elkton, FL 32033
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/kehe-distributors-inc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KeHEUS
- Twitter: x.com/keheus
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/keheusa
5. Vistar
They operate as a distributor focused on snacks, candy, and beverages, supplying a wide range of foodservice and retail environments. Their work centers on keeping high-turnover items consistently stocked, which is especially relevant for restaurants, convenience-focused venues, and hybrid food operations. The distribution model is designed for frequent replenishment rather than seasonal buying.
In addition to physical distribution, they support ordering through systems aimed at reducing manual work. Their approach reflects the needs of operators who rely on steady product flow and simple restocking processes. While the product mix is narrower than full-line food suppliers, their role fills a specific and practical part of the restaurant supply chain.
Key Highlights:
- Focus on snacks, candy, and beverages
- Distribution across multiple service channels
- Systems built for repeat and high-volume orders
- Support for foodservice and retail settings
Services:
- Snack and beverage distribution
- Automated and streamlined ordering
- Route-based delivery
- Account and inventory support
Contact Information:
- Website: www.vistar.com
- Phone: (336) 668-9411
- Address: 4754-B McConnell Center Drive Greensboro, NC 27405-9764
6. Restaurant Depot
They operate as a warehouse-style supplier where restaurants handle their own purchasing, either in person or online. The setup is straightforward and built around access rather than delivery, which suits operators who prefer to control timing, quantities, and substitutions themselves. Their locations are organized to support bulk buying as well as smaller restocks, depending on what a kitchen needs that day.
Instead of a rep-driven model, they lean on self-service tools and in-store availability. Members can review past purchases, build shopping lists, and plan future orders without much back and forth. For many restaurants, this works well when flexibility matters more than scheduled deliveries.
Key Highlights:
- Warehouse-based shopping for restaurant operators
- Membership access across multiple locations
- Mix of food items, equipment, and supplies
- In-store and online purchasing options
Services:
- Wholesale food access
- Restaurant equipment and supplies
- Online account tools
- In-store purchasing
Contact Information:
- Website: www.restaurantdepot.com
- Phone: (972) 231-9848
- Address: 1300 N Glenville Dr Richardson, TX 75081
- Email: communications@jetrord.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/restaurantdepot
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/restaurant_depot
7. The Chefs' Warehouse
They focus on supplying specialty ingredients, fresh produce, and proteins to restaurants that care about sourcing and menu detail. Their role in the supply chain is less about volume basics and more about helping kitchens access specific products that shape a menu. This includes both imported items and locally sourced options, depending on the market.
Their operating style combines distribution with hands-on coordination. Each customer works through a consistent point of contact, while ordering and logistics run through digital systems designed for repeat use. This balance supports kitchens that want reliability without losing flexibility in what they buy.
Key Highlights:
- Specialty and fresh ingredient focus
- Support for restaurants and hospitality groups
- Combination of local and global sourcing
- Structured ordering and account management
Services:
- Specialty food distribution
- Fresh produce and protein supply
- Non-food kitchen essentials
- Ordering and logistics support
Contact Information:
- Website: www.chefswarehouse.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/wherechefsshop
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/wherechefsshop
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/the-chefs-warehouse
8. Wasserstrom
They operate mainly on the equipment and supply side of restaurant operations rather than food itself. Their work centers on helping restaurants source, replace, and manage the tools needed for daily service, from smallwares to larger equipment setups. This often connects closely with supply chain planning, especially for multi-location operators.
Instead of one-size-fits-all ordering, they focus on adapting distribution and procurement to how a business actually runs. This includes planning around growth, renovations, or changes in service style. Their role tends to sit behind the scenes, supporting consistency across locations rather than influencing menus.
Key Highlights:
- Focus on equipment and non-food supplies
- Support for single and multi-unit restaurants
- Supply chain and logistics planning
- Custom distribution approaches
Services:
- Foodservice equipment sourcing
- Smallwares and operational supplies
- Distribution and logistics coordination
- Design and build support
Contact Information:
- Website: www.wasserstrom.com
- Phone: (614) 228-6525
- Address: Human Resources 4500 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43213
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/the-wasserstrom-company
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/WasserstromFoodserviceSupplies
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewasserstromcompany
9. Martin Brower
They work behind the scenes of large restaurant brands, focusing on how food and products move from suppliers to kitchens in a steady and controlled way. Their role is less about selling individual items and more about designing supply chains that can handle scale, consistency, and tight operating standards. For restaurants, this means having the right products arrive where and when they are needed without adding complexity to daily operations.
Rather than acting as a typical food wholesaler, they concentrate on coordination, planning, and logistics across the full supply process. This includes managing temperature control, traceability, and risk points that matter when restaurants depend on uniform menus across many locations. Their work tends to stay invisible to guests, but it plays a direct role in keeping restaurant systems running smoothly.
Key Highlights:
- Focus on supply chain planning for restaurant brands
- Support for consistent product flow across locations
- Emphasis on logistics, control, and coordination
- Work centered on long-term restaurant operations
Services:
- Supply chain management
- Distribution and logistics coordination
- Planning and forecasting support
- Brand and product handling processes
Contact Information:
- Website: martinbrower.com
- Email: mbcommunications@reyesholdings.com
- Address: 6250 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/martin-brower
10. Labatt Food Service
They operate as a regional foodservice distributor serving restaurants and other food-away-from-home businesses. Their structure is built around efficiency in distribution, with an internal focus on keeping costs down across the supply process. This allows restaurants to rely on predictable deliveries without excessive overhead built into the system.
Their business approach centers on long-term customer relationships rather than short-term transactions. By refining logistics and internal processes, they aim to make food distribution more straightforward for restaurant operators. The company’s role stays practical and operational, focused on keeping kitchens supplied rather than shaping menus or concepts.
Key Highlights:
- Regional foodservice distribution focus
- Emphasis on efficient delivery operations
- Long-term supplier relationships
- Customer-driven operating model
Services:
- Foodservice product distribution
- Delivery and logistics management
- Inventory flow support
- Restaurant supply coordination
Contact Information:
- Website: web.labattfood.com
- Phone: 210-661-4216
- Email: sanantoniocustomerservice@labattfood.com
- Address: 4500 Industry ParkSan Antonio, TX 78218
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LabattFood
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/labattfood
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/LabattFood
Wrapping Up
Choosing restaurant food suppliers is rarely about finding one perfect option. It is more about fit. Some kitchens need tight logistics and predictable delivery across many locations. Others value hands-on access, specialty products, or the freedom to control purchasing day by day. The suppliers covered in this article show how different those needs can be, even within the same industry.
What matters in the long run is how well a supplier fits into the rhythm of a kitchen. Do they reduce friction or add to it. Do they make planning easier or more complicated? The best working relationships tend to be the quiet ones, where orders show up as expected and problems get handled without drama. That kind of reliability may not be flashy, but in a restaurant, it often makes all the difference.