How to Find Quality Restaurant Supplies in Austin

Austin is a fantastic city for foodies, with new restaurants opening up all the time. As an up-and-coming restaurateur in Austin, you want to source the best equipment and restaurant supplies to create an exceptional dining experience for your customers. However, with so many options for buying restaurant supplies in Austin, how do you know which suppliers to trust for quality?

This guide will walk you through the process of finding a reliable and affordable restaurant supply in Austin. We'll cover factors to consider when evaluating restaurant supply stores, how to research potential vendors, and where to find the top restaurant equipment in Austin. With the right information, you'll be ready to stock your new commercial kitchen and bar with confidence.

Determine the Type of Restaurant Supplies You Need

Before starting your search, make a detailed list of the commercial equipment and supplies needed for your restaurant concept. This helps narrow your focus when researching vendors. Consider key categories like:

• Cooking equipment - Ranges, ovens, ventilation, refrigeration, dishwashers, etc. Stainless steel is ideal.

• Food prep tools - Knives, peelers, cutting boards, measuring tools, thermometers, mixers, etc.

• Service items - Plates, glassware, flatware, serving dishes, etc., unbreakable options are smart choices.

• Furniture - Tables, chairs, bar stools, host/cashier stands. Durable and cleanable.

• Cleaning supplies - Sanitizers, degreasers, mops, towels, cleaning tools. Health code approved.

• Disposables - Takeout containers, to-go boxes, cups, lids, napkins, straws, etc. Recycled/compostable materials are eco-friendly.

• Technology - POS systems, kitchen display systems, tablets, receipt printers. Choose user-friendly options.

Making this list by category helps quickly identify the key equipment needed to operate your restaurant efficiently. Share the list with suppliers when requesting quotes so everyone is on the same page.

Find Restaurant Supply Stores Located in Austin

Searching locally in Austin is a good starting point for sourcing restaurant equipment. Stores with local warehouses can offer full servicing and maintenance support which is invaluable long-term. Here are some notable local Austin restaurant supply companies to check out:

• Russell's: Family-owned for over 40 years, this store offers a wide selection of kitchen equipment, tabletop supplies, and janitorial items.

• San Antonio Restaurant Supply: We service the Austin area with a large catalog of commercial kitchen equipment, including many eco-friendly products.

• Matfer Bourgeat: French manufacturer with an Austin showroom focused on high-quality pots, pans, and bakeware.

• ACE Mart: Massive 400,000+ square foot warehouse in Austin offering equipment, fixtures, disposables and more.

• Hubert: Third-generation family business with a broad range of equipment, tech, furniture, and supplies.

Don't limit yourself to these big names. Search for other local restaurant supply companies in Austin that specialize in certain products you need, such as beverage dispensing equipment or industrial ware washing machines.

Evaluate Online Restaurant Supply Companies

In addition to local stores, consider reputable online suppliers for hard-to-find specialty items or deals on bulk orders. When buying online:

• Vet customer reviews - Check independent review sites to learn about others' experiences with factors like product quality, shipping, returns, etc.

• Confirm certifications - Legitimate vendors should provide documentation of NSF, ETL, UL, and CE certifications.

• Review warranties - What does the warranty cover? How long does coverage last? Read the fine print.

• Check company history - Favor established vendors with a longstanding positive track record. Be wary of new companies with no reputation.

• Price match policies - Take advantage of price matching against local competitors. Saves money on bulk purchases.

Top national online restaurant supply companies include WebstaurantStore, KaTom Restaurant Supply, and Restaurant Supply. Shop around for the best deals.

Evaluate Factors Like Price, Quality, and Customer Service

Cost is a significant factor but should be one of many considerations when buying commercial kitchen equipment. Here are key factors to weigh when choosing between restaurant supply companies:

• Price—Compare quoted pricing for the same products from different vendors. Remember that cheaper doesn't always mean better value long-term.

• Product quality - Inspect sample products. Test functionality and durability. Higher quality often merits a higher price tag.

• Materials - Stainless steel is ideal. Avoid lower-grade metals prone to rust and corrosion.

• Brand reputation—Stick to commercial brands like Vulcan, Garland, and Avantco, which are known for quality and performance.

• Warranties/Returns - Longer warranties signal faith in product quality. Check return policies on big investments.

• Customer service - Gauge responsiveness and knowledge level of company staff. Support after the sale is critical.

• Company reviews - Check third-party review sites and the Better Business Bureau for any red flags about a vendor.

Taking time to evaluate these aspects thoroughly can help avoid buying lower-quality supplies that will not last in a busy restaurant setting.

Check for Discounts and Financing Offers

Opening a new restaurant requires a significant upfront investment. Finding ways to save money and spread out payments over time makes the process more affordable. Ask potential vendors about the following:

• Quantity discounts—Buying certain products in bulk can lead to discounted pricing. Comparing the needs for an entire kitchen allows bundling.

• New business offers—Some companies offer discounts or freebies for supplying a new restaurant opening. It doesn't hurt to ask!

• Used equipment sales - Gently used commercial equipment can be an economical option for stocking a kitchen on a tight budget.

• Leasing/Financing - Many vendors partner with financing companies to offer monthly lease-to-own payment options at 0% interest over 6-12 months.

• Credit incentives - Making payments on time and maintaining your account in good standing can unlock credit incentives like cash back and discounted future purchases.

Pro tip: Get quotes from multiple suppliers and compare pricing on your full list of needs. Leverage quotes against each other to negotiate the best overall deal.

Focus on Suppliers That Offer Ongoing Support

The job continues once you purchase and install new restaurant equipment. Training staff, troubleshooting issues, arranging repairs, and keeping everything running smoothly are critical but time-consuming tasks. Seek out suppliers that provide ongoing support, such as:

• Equipment orientations - On-site walkthroughs to teach staff how to operate equipment properly and safely.

• Access to technicians - Ability to request repairs by knowledgeable technicians instead of third parties.

• Maintenance packages - Optional full-service maintenance plans with regular upkeep visits.

• Parts availability - Quick access to replacement parts to minimize downtime for broken equipment.

• Warranty - Multi-year warranties on equipment with straightforward claim processes.

• Business reviews - Check reviews and see what existing customers say about a supplier's post-purchase service track record.

While only sometimes included, these add-on services bring additional value over the long run.

Comparison Shop at Restaurant Supply Trade Shows

Attending restaurant supply trade shows allows hands-on product demos and side-by-side comparisons between vendors all in one place. Local shows to check out include:

• Austin Restaurant Week—The ARW Trade Show is Part of Austin Restaurant Week and connects restaurants with new purveyors and products.

• HOT Works - Hospitality trade show by the Austin Hotel & Lodging Association featuring food service vendors.

• Nightclub & Bar Show—This is a national bar and nightlife convention with a restaurant area. Upcoming Texas events are held in Dallas and Houston.

• HITEC - Massive hospitality technology show-stopping in Austin this year, with equipment vendors alongside software companies.

These events bring together suppliers and showcase the newest equipment. Chat with company reps, watch product demos, and sample foods made using the equipment. After exploring your options, leave your business card to request quotes.

Plan a Visit to Local Restaurant Supply Warehouses

Don't decide solely based on websites and catalogs. Visit local showrooms and massive warehouse locations in person. This allows you to:

• Talk to knowledgeable staff - Explain your concept and needs. Get input about options that suit your menu and budget.

• See commercial-grade equipment in action - Watch equipment being demonstrated first-hand. Assess noise levels, ease of use, durability, and output quality.

• Compare product lines side-by-side - How does Brand A's range compare to Brand B's? Which has better quality and features?

• Validate certifications - Reputable suppliers will clearly provide documentation on-site for things like NSF certification.

• Assess inventory depth - Walk their warehouse to get a feel for real availability. Also, check if they stock replacement parts.

conclusion

Sourcing quality restaurant supplies in Austin requires a strategic approach that balances quality, cost, and supplier reliability. By exploring local options, leveraging online resources, and networking within the industry, restaurateurs can identify suppliers that meet their unique needs. Additionally, partnering with established companies like Main Auction Services, Inc. can provide access to high-quality equipment and supplies at competitive prices. By utilizing these strategies, you can ensure your restaurant is well-equipped to deliver exceptional dining experiences while maintaining operational efficiency.