Why You Should Be Attending Food Industry Trade Shows

Nortwest Food Show Tillamook Booth

As an independently owned and operated wholesale food distributor, we understand the importance of attending food industry trade shows. Not only do they provide the opportunity to sample food vendors and learn about new restaurant technology and equipment, but they also allow you to come together with people facing the same challenges you are in …

How to Reduce Food Waste in Restaurants

Reducing food waste isn’t just great for your bottom line, it can also help with your reputation. In fact, a recent study showed that over 72% of U.S. diners care about how food waste is handled at the restaurants they frequent. Here’s how to reduce food waste in your restaurant.

Everything You Need to Know About Non-Dairy Milk Substitutes

Containers of Non Dairy Milk Substitutes

Whether it’s veganism, lactose intolerance, or other health concerns, there are many reasons your customers might not want to consume cow’s milk. In fact, consumption of cow’s milk has dropped dramatically since 1970, and dairy alternatives are quickly becoming one of the hottest food trends to watch out for in 2019. Many non-dairy milk substitutes …

5 Best Vegan Burgers to Make Your Menu More Vegan-Friendly

best vegan burgers

The West Coast is no stranger to vegan restaurants, and while some spots thrive selling exclusively vegan fare, simply adding some well-crafted vegan-friendly menu items can help your restaurant satisfy a more diverse clientele. While you can certainly experiment with fun recipes utilizing trendy meat substitutes like jackfruit, one easy way to accommodate vegan diners …

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Foodservice Distributor

Fresh Produce Foodservice Distributor

Running a successful restaurant is hard, and choosing a foodservice distributor isn’t a decision you should take lightly. Here’s what you need to consider before signing any supplier contracts. Price Restaurants need to make money and finding the right price point is incredibly important when choosing a wholesale foodservice distributor. But saving money upfront isn’t …

5 Food Trends to Watch in 2019

Mushrooms

Being successful in the restaurant business means keeping up with the latest food trends. It’s just not enough to serve quality food at competitive pricing. Staying relevant requires updating your menu to include ingredients that are trendy and popular with diners. By making this effort, you’ll draw new customers and keep your regulars coming back …

5 Shortcuts to Help You Put the “Fast” in Fast-Casual

fast casual chef

Fast-casual diners demand high-quality food fast and with so much competition in the market segment, it’s critical to keep wait time to a minimum so that your customers keep coming back. Use these shortcuts to cut down on kitchen time and get food out faster. Buy peeled garlic. Garlic is a fantastic way to add …

10 Foods That are Better to Buy Frozen

Like fresh ingredients, frozen foods are picked at their peak. Flash freezing preserves the quality of these foods and maximizes nutrient content for several months. With an extended shelf life, your chefs can thaw them as needed in the kitchen, giving you more control to meet demand without creating excess waste. Let’s take a look …

How to Manage Rising Food Costs

Have you noticed your monthly food costs rising even though your menu and supply list hasn’t changed? The problem of rising food costs can be particularly challenging and difficult to identify. Whether it’s due to inconsistent portions, employee theft, or food waste, there are ways to detect where the problem is occurring so you can …

Get to Know the Jackfruit – The Latest Vegan Meat Substitute

Portland has a reputation for being one of the top vegan-friendly cities in the country. With dozens of vegan restaurants and nearly every other restaurant in the area offering at least a few vegan options on the menu, it’s no surprise Portland makes PETA’s list of Top Ten Vegan-Friendly Cities each year. Food trend experts …

How To Turn A Baking Hobby Into A Business

Bakery Supplies!

Do often find yourself spending all of your spare time searching for the perfect bread recipe or tweaking your grandmother’s already legendary chocolate cake? If so, you may have at one point or another considered turning your baking hobby into a business. So what’s stopping you? If you think you’ve got all the right ingredients …

5 Reasons Why a Wholesale Supplier Is Better Than Restaurant Depot

Wholesale Ingrediants

As part of one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing industries, businesses in the foodservice industry have a ton on their plate (pun intended). Menu development, supply orders, employee training, food-cost plans, marketing and promotional materials — the list goes on. Whether you’re a local school with strict nutrition and cost requirements, or a multi-unit …

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Your Restaurant

Wreath Decorations on the Door During the Holidays

Restaurants usually see an increase in profits during the holiday season as people celebrate during time off and enjoy the seasonal festivities and food. While the increase in business is definitely a positive, the holidays are also the most hectic time of the year. Seasonal inventory and holiday menu changes can throw off the daily or weekly rhythm …

How Analyzing 2016 Dessert Trends Can Make You Money

As National Dessert Month comes around this October, you might consider what sweets are on your menu and how you can follow the latest dessert trends of 2016. Customers will be looking for popular desserts after a good meal at your establishment, and staying on top of the latest trends will assure that you’re offering …

Switching It Up For Fall: How Pumpkin Spice Lattes Can Boost Sales

Either you’ve been waiting all year for pumpkin spice everything, or you’re deeply offended by the very notion. Whether you like it or not, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is back again this fall and it’s sure to be as profitable as ever. As you come up with menu ideas throughout the year, consider how you …

Why Your Customers Aren’t Coming Back and How to Fix It

Getting customers in the door is one challenge. Getting them to come back is another. The truth is that repeat customers are vital to the success of your business. According to Restaurant Engine, a minimum of 1/3 of a restaurants revenue comes from repeat customers, and they cite a Harvard study that suggests an increase …

8 Easy Ways to Maintain Food Safety in Your Restaurant

Vine Tomatoes

Food safety should be the number one priority for all restaurants. Food poisoning can severely hurt, and in some cases, kill individuals who’ve been affected by it. Beside the personal cost to individual customers, even one case of food poisoning reported in your restaurant can destroy your business over night. People are very weary of …

Which Cuts of Beef Have the Most Profit Potential?

Flat Iron Steak

When it comes to protein options in Portland, Oregon, beef has been a longtime favorite. Yes, we have a weird bacon obsession, and sure, restaurants are often expected to have veggie burgers on the menu, but beef in all its varieties will always have its place as an essential menu item. That being said, prime …

Developing an Italian Menu

A menu might seem like a pretty straightforward concept, but it can make or break a restaurant. There is a lot more to it than selecting menu items that are tasty. Below we’ll break down the five most important things to consider when strategizing a new menu. Who is your Target Customer? When thinking about …