Comments on: i can has online restaurant supply stores?

Question: i can has online restaurant supply stores?

Tu13es — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:32:59 -0800

Are there any decent online restaurant supply stores?

I'm looking to buy a bunch of kitchen supplies for my kitchen, including glasses, plates, silverware, etc. and have heard restaurant supply stores are great places to get good quality, yet cheap, items. However, there don't seem to be many places local to me, according to Google Maps, at least.

Are there any online restaurant supply stores worth checking out?

By: Tu13es

Tu13es — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:33:30 -0800

I'm in the southern NH / northern MA area, so if anyone knows of any good stores in the area, feel free to share!

By: JJ86

JJ86 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:38:37 -0800

Actually most of them are expensive unless you buy in quantity. Ikea, OTOH is reasonable with good quality. I prefer estate sales or consignment stores.

By: SteveInMaine

SteveInMaine — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:57:21 -0800

Echoing what JJ86 said about quantity: If you're looking for a case of 36 plates or glasses, you might be able to grab a deal at a restaurant supply store. They really don't seem to be set up for consumer quantities. I once picked up a plastic handled bread knife for a good price at a local restaurant supply, but it really isn't that much less than can be had at a discount store.

As an alternative, why don't you check out the Crate & Barrel outlet? We picked up a really nice (sturdy) set of dishes and box 'o glasses at the one in Kittery Maine for a really great price.

By: thaumatrope

thaumatrope — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:01:34 -0800

I agree that ordering plates and glasses from an online restaurant supply probably will not save you money, as most places sell cases of items. Do you need a box of 36 glasses?

But if you are looking for cooking and baking tools/pans/etc., I overhauled my kitchen last year and did pretty well shopping at Surfas and Amazon.

By: bink

bink — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:09:45 -0800

Acemart is good, as is Instawares. Surfas (above) is lovely, and has lower minimum quantities required, but a little more expensive.

By: jeb

jeb — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:12:47 -0800

How far are you from the JK Adams store?

By: GJSchaller

GJSchaller — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:29:36 -0800

My local(ish) favorite is the Corelle / Corningware outlet up in Saratoga Springs, NY - not *quite* local for you, but there may be something similar nearby. I say "ish" because it's only local when I am visiting my girlfriend's parents, but each time I do, I make it a point to stop by there.

By: GJSchaller

GJSchaller — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:33:52 -0800

Actually, it may be close to you - my geography is horrible.

By: majick

majick — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:40:53 -0800

I have done business with Restaurant Equipment World in the past and been happy with the prices, products, and service provided. I have never purchased table / service / front items from them, though, so I can't say they'll be ideal for what you're looking for.

By: Atom12

Atom12 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:43:49 -0800

A vote for JB Prince, but if you have the time and inclination you can save even more if you pick up your stuff at a restaurant auction.

By: Civil_Disobedient

Civil_Disobedient — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:10:12 -0800

Don't know if they're still around, but there used to be a place in Sanford, ME called Surplus Business Assets that was a huge warehouse with half office/half restaurant equipment (all used stuff). The current website looks like a domain squatter, but here's the kind of stuff they used to have. Sanford's only about 30-45 minutes from NH (either south or west). Here's their contact info, though it might be outdated. Couldn't hurt to call.

By: SoulOnIce

SoulOnIce — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:03:30 -0800

Do NOT buy from Instawares....they seem to have issues with stuff being in stock and then God help you if you need to return something or require a refund.

By: SoulOnIce

SoulOnIce — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:05:16 -0800

Let me qualify that statement with the disclaimer that the online restaurant supply business is a small world....one I spent 6 years in. Your best bet is to go online and check out review sites to see which supplier to go with.

By: sully75

sully75 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:13:09 -0800

You might like this Mark Bittman article on the $300 kitchen. If I only had $300.....

By: clockwork

clockwork — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:57:48 -0800

If you can make a trip into Boston to do your shopping, I've had good luck at both Eastern Bakers Supply (in the North End) and China Fair (in Cambridge). It appears that China Fair has a website and takes online orders, but I cannot vouch for anything other than the in-store shopping experience.

By: bensherman

bensherman — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:31:58 -0800

seconding china fair in Boston - it'll be worth your time. They have the stuff that restaurant supply companies carry that you actually use in your kitchen.