A Beginner's Guide to Restaurant Supplies in Fort Worth



Opening and operating a restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas, requires gathering a variety of restaurant equipment and supplies. From commercial-grade ovens and refrigerators to small wares like dishes and cutlery, restaurateurs need reliable vendors to source all the necessary items to run their business. This guide covers everything a new restaurateur needs to know about procuring restaurant supply store.

Finding Restaurant Supply Stores in Fort Worth

Fort Worth and the surrounding area are home to several well-established restaurant supply companies. These vendors keep inventory on hand and provide next-day delivery for most products. Here are some of the top options to consider when sourcing restaurant supplies in Fort Worth:

Main Auction Services, Inc.

Main Auction is a staple for restaurant owners in Austin. Known for its wide product range, Main Auction Services, Inc. offers everything from kitchenware to dining furniture. Their experienced staff is always ready to help, making them a reliable choice for both new and established restaurateurs.

Texas Restaurant Supply

Texas Restaurant Supply has a solid reputation in the industry. It offers both new and used equipment, including everything from commercial-grade cooking appliances to smaller kitchen gadgets. It also provides equipment repair services, making it a one-stop shop for your restaurant needs.

Sourcing Commercial Grade Cooking Equipment

The cooking equipment forms the heart of a commercial kitchen. Investing in sturdy, energy-efficient appliances from the start saves hassle and money down the road. Here are some top brands to look for when buying ovens, grills, and other cooking equipment:

  • Blodgett - Known for their versatile and durable deck ovens ideal for baking, pizza, and roasting.

  • Vulcan - A leader in heavy-duty gas and electric commercial ranges and grills.

  • Southbend - Makes stainless steel convection ovens perfect for baking and roasting meats.

  • Garland - Specializes in professional kitchen grills ideal for steaks, burgers, and other grilled menu items.

  • Pitco - A leading brand for high-quality commercial deep fryers and specialty cooking equipment.

Be sure to match the equipment to your menu offerings. For example, buying a top-tier proofer will help a bakery produce consistent results, while a pizza spot will get more use out of a quality deck oven. Discuss intended food offerings with the restaurant supply sales staff to ensure you purchase suited cooking equipment.

Investing in Quality Refrigeration

From walk-in coolers to reach-in refrigerators, a commercial kitchen needs ample cold storage space. Professional-grade refrigeration units offer durability and temperature consistency to keep ingredients fresh and safe. Here are some popular refrigeration brands in restaurant kitchens:

  • True - Known for their spacious walk-in coolers as well as reach-in refrigerators and freezers. True uses airflow technology to maintain accurate temperatures.

  • Delfield specializes in refrigeration for bars, cold prep tables, and other food prep stations. Its VariTemp units allow for temperature adjustment.

  • Traulsen is the leading choice for compact under-counter refrigerators and freezers that save space in tight kitchens. Units cool evenly and recover temperature rapidly after door openings.

  • Continental - Designed for durability in busy restaurant settings, Continental fridges and freezers operate reliably at proper temperatures.

Look for ENERGY STAR-rated units, as they can save up to 40% in utility costs over less efficient models. When investing in refrigeration appliances, also pay attention to the warranty.

Sourcing Smallwares and Dinnerware

The small wares and dinnerware play a big role in the dining experience. Quality plates, drinkware, and cutlery feel substantial in hand and allow displaying food appealingly. Here are some leading brands for outfitting a restaurant with small wares:

  • Libbey - Extensive selection of sturdy and stylish drinkware options like beer mugs, wine glasses, and mixed drink tumblers.

  • Corelle - Known for their durable plates and bowls that resist chipping and cracking with commercial use.

  • Oneida - The food service division offers stainless steel cutlery and cooking utensils built to withstand restaurant use.

  • Cambro - Leading source for food storage containers, prep bowls, and display trays made from shatter-resistant plastic.

When selecting small wares, consider your restaurant's style and atmosphere. An upscale steakhouse may choose heavier forks and knives than a casual bistro. Partner with restaurant supply sales reps to ensure you purchase appropriate barware, dishes, and other front-of-house items.

Setting Up Janitorial and Cleaning Supplies

A commercial kitchen requires heavy-duty cleaning tools and sanitizing products to keep it up to the health code. Mops, brooms, and other janitorial basics need to withstand frequent use. Here are the top suppliers to turn to for stocking up on cleaning items:

  • Rubbermaid Commercial Products—From carts and bins to mops and brooms, they make durable cleaning tools for heavy-use settings.

  • Procter & Gamble - Trusted brands like Dawn dish soap, Spic and Span cleaners, and Mr. Clean are restaurant kitchen staples.

  • Ecolab - Provides industrial strength cleaners, sanitizers, degreasers, and hand soaps ideal for food service.

  • Western Paper & Chemical's food service division stocks paper towels, toilet paper, gloves, and other disposable items.

Remember to stock up on dishwashing items like dish racks, detergent, and rinse additives for the machine. Also, stock up on gloves, aprons, and other safety gear that kitchen staff will use.

Outfitting Front of House Furnishings

The furnishings at the front of the house establish ambiance and style. Along with furniture like tables and booths, stock service essentials like:

  • Drink dispensers - Soda fountains, coffee makers, and beer tap towers.

  • Point of sale system - Touchscreen POS hardware seamlessly takes orders.

  • Signage - Eye-catching menus, hours, and daily special boards.

  • Decor - Artwork, faux plants, lighting fixtures, and textiles set the tone.

  • Displays - Cases to show off desserts, appetizers, and open kitchens.

Work with your restaurant designer to create a cohesive look using high-quality furnishings. Prioritize durability when selecting fabrics and furniture finishes for high-traffic areas.

Ordering Disposable Supplies

Restaurants go through high volumes of disposable items like to-go boxes, beverage cups, and paper napkins. Source a reliable vendor for prompt delivery at wholesale costs. Here are the top disposable supply companies:

  • Sysco - The food service giant offers every disposable item a restaurant needs, from the kitchen to takeout packaging.

  • Webstaurant Store - Carries all major brands of disposable supplies shipped direct to your door.

  • Sam's Club - Members get access to wholesale pricing on napkins, to-go containers, trash bags, and more.

  • Costco - Great for buying bulk paper towels, cups, straws, gloves, and other high-volume disposables.

  • Smart & Final - Warehouse store focuses on the food service industry with wholesale supplies.

Monitor usage to maintain adequate stock of disposable supplies without overspending. Storage space can help dictate ordering frequency and units per order.

Used Equipment Considerations

Sourcing used cooking equipment, refrigeration units, and furniture can provide big savings for new restaurants. Used items may cost 50% less than new ones. However, only purchase used equipment from reputable dealers who refurbish and guarantee their products.

Carefully inspect any used item before purchasing. Key things to look for include:

  • Intact door gaskets and hinges on fridges and ovens

  • Heating elements fully functional on ranges and cooking equipment

  • Steamers and dishwashers drain properly and hold the temperature

  • No major dents, cracks, or corrosion on the exterior

Test appliances to ensure they run properly and hold set temperatures before finalizing a purchase. While used equipment can save money upfront, items with existing wear will have a shorter lifespan than brand new. Weigh the long-term costs against the initial savings when deciding on new versus used purchases.

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