The new group, Supreme Vending, LLC, began servicing customers of Dennis Foods, a division of Tidewater Coffee Distributors, Ltd., on Wednesday, March 1.
Dennis Foods, established in 1979, is a privately owned snack and beverage vending company, serving public schools throughout Virginia and the Carolinas. It specializes in providing nutritious products to public schools and currently has more than 2,000 vending machines placed in public schools.
Michael Dilday, president and ceo, of Supreme Foods, a member of the All-Kitchens unit of Progressive Group Alliance, Richmond, VA, said school directors that he has spoken with are "very excited" about the new arrangement.
"Many directors spoke about how customer driven the Dennis' are and that's also one of the strengths of Supreme Foods. The personalized service that both companies have delivered so successfully over many years is partly due to being independent and family owned. Customers love it. We're very similar and the opportunities are great. I believe we will be very successful in this venture and Supreme Foods will be able to compete for more than just the vending business in the schools," Dilday said.
When asked by ID Access if the distributorship will have problems satisfying many schools' desires for healthy vending-machine options, Dilday said there would be no difficulties because all foodservice vendors stock an ample supply of such products.
The Dennis family will be joining the Supreme team, according to the announcement. Dave Dennis will head Supreme Vending, reporting to Dilday.
"I am excited. I am thrilled that we have this opportunity and glad that our customers are happy," Dennis said, adding that he is positive about the future sales potential.
Supreme Foods has been a regional, independent, family-owned foodservice distributor since 1973 and services more 1,000 restaurants and institutions throughout Virginia and North Carolina.
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