Finding a restaurant supply store in your area is a great option to consider. It can give you many advantages over buying online. You can visit a local supply store and see what you are buying for your restaurant before you purchase it. There have been many situations where restaurant owners have ordered supplies online, only to receive the wrong item or a table or chair that did not match the picture they looked at online. Almost every major city in every state will have a restaurant supply store for you to visit.
There are different stores you can also shop at online. I recommend looking at local supply stores and restaurant supply stores online to find high quality used restaurant equipment. You can read the reviews that other restaurant owners have written to make sure you are dealing with a reputable company. You may also be able to get better pricing for your restaurant supplies online then you could at a local supply store.
Some different supply stores online that have been in business for a while are: superprod, instawares, restaurant equipment, standard restaurant, ace mart, Web restaurant store, business, and many other choices. Your problem will not be finding a restaurant supply store, but choosing the one you want to do business with. With so many restaurants going out of business, the supply stores or lowering their prices to try and compete and give more business. This is a great advantage to a restaurant owner who needs supplies. When the supplies are high, the demand for any one supply store is Low.
If you do choose to do business online, make sure you find a restaurant supply store or warehouse that offers free shipping and warrantees on all of their products. You especially need an extended warranty if you plan to buy used restaurant supplies.
Make sure your restaurant supply store also stocks the main equipment and supplies that will be needed for your restaurant so you can buy everything from one place. A few things to keep in mind are your restaurant equipment which will include all refrigeration, ice machines, and cooking equipment, such as stoves and ovens. You will also want to look for dinnerware, glassware, flatware, and dining room china if you have a nice and fancy restaurant. You will also need kitchen supplies, making supplies, dishwashing supplies, and a good automatic dishwasher.
Consider your disposables such as your food-service disposables, bag and can liners, and towels and tissues for the restroom. If you have a bar in your restaurant you will need bar supplies, bar equipment, bar glasses, etc. You will need janitorial supplies for your restaurant, such as cleaning supplies, bathroom supplies, and waste containers.
Make sure you know which kitchen equipment you are purchasing in which manufacture it is made by. This will give you an ability to do research on which parts are readily available for the equipment you are considering. Make sure your restaurant supply store also stocks parts for items in your kitchen, such as your refrigerator and freezer.
You also need office supplies such as filing supplies, paper envelopes, and mailroom supplies for your restaurant office.
Last, you will need to consider what catering supplies need to be purchased. You will need catering utensils, the ability to deliver meals, and restaurant fountains for soft drinks.
There are many supplies one can use for their restaurant. Every restaurant is unique in its own way and might need some special equipment that another restaurant may not have. Equipment and supplies must be properly working and readily available for your restaurant. Make sure your restaurant supply store will be in business for a long time to come if you plan on being in business for many years in the future.