Supplier question

smokelahoma · BBQ Fan Joined: 22 Mar 2009 Posts: 314

I am trying to finally get started by the end of this year. I will be doing weekend roadside vending with a handful of festivals throughout the year. I will start with p pork and brisket sandwiches, beans, coleslaw, pot. Salad.

I had been basing all of my numbers on prices from sam's or the grocery store. I am wondering if it would be worth it to talk to a food supplier for such a small volume?
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corndog · Posted: May 22 2011 Post subject:

That really depends on who your supplier is...I deal w/ US Foods, but I am only 1 mile down the road from the distribution center, so I pick up all of my stuff from them. I just call in my order to my salesman, and he has it sent in and ready for pick up..I only get a few items at a time, no min or anything, so I am lucky that way. My salesman is real good about getting w/ me and answering my questions on new stuff I am thinking about serving as far a quantities and price per portion...I can't hurt to call around and see...
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ckone · Posted: May 22 2011 Post subject:

I'd check into it if it were me. They all do "will call" so you can pick it up with out a minimum. Pricing differences between Sams, Grocery stores, and food-service wholesale will boggle your mind. The wholesale guys do not always beat the others. However, they most likely have everything you need and then some.
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Jarhead · Posted: May 22 2011 Post subject:

Most of the time, the salesman has a price of what he can do. They are out to make money too. Mention that you can buy a case of whatever for $X per pound at the grocery store and I will bet that they either match it or beat it. At least mine does. Butts, Ribs and Chicken anyway.
YMMV
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Pit Boss · Posted: May 23 2011 Post subject:

For small operations, Sam's Club pricing will most likely be pretty close to wholesale/delivery pricing. The thing to keep in mind is that the latter can be delivered to inside your business where with Sam's you have to spend your time and money to go get it, load it, and unload it. Do what is right for you.

No, I would not mention "grocery store prices" to my salesperson...unless they are crooks and try to charge me more than retail.
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Jarhead · Posted: May 23 2011 Post subject:

Virginiasmoke · Posted: May 25 2011 Post subject:

smokelahoma
I'm in the same situation as you. I called Sysco, US food service and the few other big guys. When all was said and done... Sam's club was my better choice.
A couple of the big distributors could beat Sam's by pennies a pound but I would have to order from different places to get everything I wanted.
Besides... I plan on doing a cash and carry business. The big guys wanted credit apps and references. Just seemed like to much hassle to me.
If your really lucky... you might have a Restaurant Depot near you.

Kronk · Posted: May 28 2011 Post subject:

Virginiasmoke · Posted: May 28 2011 Post subject:

Kronk... I think we're saying the same thing. The only difference is, I'm using Sam's instead of Sysco.

Kronk · Posted: Jun 04 2011 Post subject:

BBQMAN · Posted: Jun 04 2011 Post subject:

I'm a Sam's Club guy AND I have a meat purveyor that offers quality item's like steak, 1/4 cut chicken, whole pigs, whole lamb, seafood, you name it.

I don't care for Sysco's meat selection, and I don't care for their policy on minimum orders here (used to be $750, that might have changed with the economy in the toilet).