WebstaurantStore
ActiveOverview
WebstaurantStore is an online restaurant supply distributor that serves both commercial foodservice businesses and individual customers globally. The company operates as the largest online retailer in its category, offering over 430,000 products including commercial-grade equipment, smallwares, and supplies. WebstaurantStore maintains a significant market presence through its e-commerce platform, multiple warehouse locations across the United States, and a portfolio of over 70 private-label brands.
History
WebstaurantStore was founded in 2004 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania as a business-to-business sales company by Dave Groff and colleagues. The company expanded its warehouse footprint beginning in 2012 with a location in Madisonville, Kentucky, followed by facilities in Dayton, Nevada (2013) and Cumberland, Maryland (2014). In 2013, the company relocated its headquarters from Smoketown to Lititz, Pennsylvania. Subsequent expansions added warehouse operations in Delaware, Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, supporting nationwide distribution capabilities.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Kitchen Equipment | Heavy-duty foodservice equipment for professional kitchens | $200 - $15,000 |
| Smallwares and Utensils | Everyday kitchen tools and accessories for restaurants | $5 - $500 |
| Disposables and Supplies | Single-use and consumable items for food service | $10 - $1,000 |
| Furniture and Décor | Seating, tables, and restaurant interior furnishings | $150 - $5,000 |
| Private-Label Brands | Proprietary equipment lines including Avantco, Choice, Noble, and Regal | $50 - $8,000 |
Manufacturing
WebstaurantStore sources products from multiple manufacturers rather than operating in-house production facilities. The company leverages its network of suppliers and maintains inventory across nine warehouse locations in the United States to enable fast shipping to customers. Products are distributed through a combination of direct supplier relationships and private-label manufacturing partnerships.
Notable Products
- Avantco Commercial Equipment - Private-label line of commercial kitchen equipment including ovens, refrigeration, and cooking appliances
- Choice Brand Smallwares - Proprietary line of affordable kitchen utensils, cookware, and food preparation tools
- Commercial Refrigeration Units - Heavy-duty coolers, freezers, and reach-in refrigeration systems for professional kitchens
- Food Prep Tables - Stainless steel work surfaces and prep stations for commercial kitchen operations
- Disposable Serviceware - Plates, cups, containers, and packaging supplies for food service operations
Reputation
WebstaurantStore is recognized as a reliable and convenient source for restaurant supplies with competitive pricing and broad product selection. The company benefits from its established market position, extensive inventory, and efficient distribution network. Some customers note that while the online platform is user-friendly, product quality can vary across the broad range of offerings, and customer service responsiveness has been inconsistent. The brand is generally viewed as a practical choice for cost-conscious foodservice operators seeking convenience over premium positioning.
Sources (6)
- https://www.zoominfo.com/c/webstaurantstore-co/104120339
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebstaurantStore
- https://www.webstaurantstore.com/aboutus.html
- https://www.bbb.org/us/pa/lititz/profile/restaurant-supplies/webstaurantstore-0241-41245874
- https://www.clarkassociatesinc.biz/companies/webstaurantstore/
- https://www.datanyze.com/companies/webstaurantstore/104120339