No matter the type of restaurant that we own and run, there will always be a need for certain supplies. From napkins to takeout containers and silverware, there are a ton of potential options for what we could bring into our restaurants, not to mention what we might need. Today, we’ll be covering some of those things, as well as where you can find them.
As a quick primer, let’s delve into what wholesale restaurant supplies are in the first place. Put simply, wholesale restaurant supplies are products and equipment that are purchased in bulk by restaurants and other foodservice establishments. This can include items like kitchen utensils, cookware, cutlery, food storage containers, cleaning supplies, disposable tableware, but there are plenty of other selections as well.
If you want to buy wholesale restaurant supplies Canada in bulk, it can allow restaurants to benefit from lower prices and ensures a steady availability of essential items. Something to note is that it’s important to source supplies from reputable wholesalers or suppliers that offer quality products to meet the specific needs of the restaurant industry – which is why we’re here today.
Picking Supplies
As you consider which wholesaler you want to purchase from, there are some important details that you’ll want to think about beforehand. Namely, it can be helpful to determine which supplies you need before you place an order. After all, a lot of the time you’ll end up getting discounts when you buy in bulk, so placing large orders tend to work out better.
Cookware
There are a ton of options out there for cookware. The supply chain for restaurants is something to keep updated on, as you can see here: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/BIJ-06-2020-0343/full/html. Perhaps the most important things in this category are Pots, pans, baking sheets, knives, spatulas, and other cooking utensils. After all, these are necessary for food preparation.
Food Storage Containers
Cleanliness and food safety are both critical pillars of this industry. It should come as no surprise that this is so critical as far as maintaining a restaurant. Containers for storing ingredients, leftovers, and prepared dishes in the refrigerator or freezer are going to be important to have, whether you get them wholesale or not – that is just the more affordable option.
Cutlery and Tableware
When creating a business plan for a restaurant, it’s important to take even the smallest details into account. Naturally, it’s a pretty big deal to have plates, bowls, glasses, cups, silverware, and napkins for serving food and beverages to customers. Even if you’ve been open for some time, eventually you will need some replacements, so keep this in mind.
Cleaning Supplies
As we mentioned above, there are a lot of supplies that you’ll have to consider. Cleaning ones are one of the most critical considering the regulations surrounding food safety. Dishwashing detergent, sanitizers, cleaning cloths, mops, and brooms are just a few examples of what we can get to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
Food Prep Equipment
Mixers, blenders, food processors, grills, ovens, fryers, and other specialized equipment for preparing and cooking food are all necessary parts of a restaurant system. Make sure to replace them as required as well, since working with damaged equipment can be a pretty big issue. You can read more about that here: https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/hospitalityreview/vol2/iss1/2/.
Refrigeration Equipment
The final type of supplies that we’ll touch on for now (though this list is far from exhaustive) are refrigeration units and other equipment. Storing food at the necessary and safe temperatures is not just required, but also simply the right and healthy thing to do. These can include refrigerators, freezers, and walk-in coolers, all of which can store perishable ingredients and maintain food safety.
Choosing a Wholesaler
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what you need to buy, whether you’re a well-established restaurant or just getting started, let’s discuss how you can choose an appropriate wholesaler for your needs. Much of this will depend on what sorts of items you need, since each retailer will have different options.
You can read a bit more about this on this page, if you’re curious. One of the first steps to finding a wholesaler is to find one that has positive reviews and is trusted in your community. In fact, one option is to start to ask around with friends, family members, and those who work in similar industries to you to find one that will be able to suit your needs.
From there, explore the different products that each has available. There are some that specialize in specific things such as cutlery or take out boxes, which are becoming increasingly important no matter where you’re located.
Here in Canada, don’t forget that a lot of us (including our customers) are interested in more eco-friendly selections. Some wholesalers will have those on offer, which could be quite helpful for improving our overall brand image. Having recyclable cutlery might not seem like the best expense to take on, but you may be surprised by how valuable it can be.
As one final piece of advice, remember that there are plenty of affordable ways to be able to get all of these items for our restaurants. We don’t have to break the bank, and we also don’t have to skip out on any of the essentials in order to provide our customers with the best experience possible.