By Local Restaurants, For Local Restaurants
Ever since six restaurant owners met in 1948 to create their first product list, the member-owners of Chattanooga Restaurant Supply have combined their voices to form a food distribution co-op that is smart, successful and unique.
Holding board meetings weekly at Chattanooga landmark eateries such as Tomlinson’s, Edmund’s and the Read House, a small group of owners began negotiating bulk prices on milk, eggs and soap. A donated office, a refrigerator and the services of a secretary for phone orders launched Chattanooga Restaurant Supply into business.
With a vision for growth, the tiny co-op acquired its first warehouse at 225 West Main Street with the help of a $1,800 pledge from its original members.
Today, operating from a 26,000-square-foot facility at 822 East 11th Street, Chattanooga Restaurant Supply has grown into one of the Southeast’s leading wholesalers of food products, cooking supplies and paper products. To scores of independent restaurant owners, the name “Chattanooga Restaurant Supply” means:
-
Local. One of only two wholesale food co-ops in the nation, Chattanooga Restaurant Supply has seen its core membership grow from six to nearly 150 restaurants and caterers in southeast Tennessee and north Georgia, plus . The co-op also serves the particular needs of hundreds more non-member customers.
-
Quality. From its very first delivery, Chattanooga Restaurant Supply has provided only the highest quality products from a broad selection of regional brands.
-
Wholesale. Chattanooga Restaurant Supply offers prices to compete with national wholesalers, including a member discount program -- with consistent product availability and fast, local delivery within a 75-mile radius.
-
Personal. As shareholders of Chattanooga Restaurant Supply, member-owners have a strong hand in everything from product selection to company values. A dedicated staff of 15 employees work closely with Chattanooga area restaurants to meet their inventory needs.
In 1995, some of these valuable benefits were made available to local consumers through our on-site Cash & Carry Store -- click here to lo learn more.