COLUMBIA, SC (June 19, 2013)—US Foods has opened the country’s third Chef’Store in Columbia, South Carolina. Chef’Store is a wholesale food and restaurant supply store featuring an assortment of more than 4,000 pantry staples, specialty products and other must-have items for chefs, restaurant owners and other food industry professionals.
“Restaurants operate seven days a week and with Chef’Store chefs and restaurateurs can now have access to all the US Foods products and other items they need to keep their kitchens running smoothly every day of the week,” said David Schreibman, executive vice president of strategy and business development, US Foods. “Designed with our customers in mind, Chef’Store features everything from fresh produce and meats to cookware and makes getting the right products at the right prices easier than ever for chefs and restaurateurs.”
The 37,000 square-foot store employs about 30 local residents and membership is free. Chef’Store is conveniently located at 655 St. Andrews Road in Columbia and easily accessible from anywhere in the area.
“Chefs and restaurant owners in Columbia are always on the go and they are looking for a more convenient, quicker way to get everything they need,” said Bob Stout, president, US Foods southeast region. “Chef’Store features an intuitive layout and wide aisles for fast, easy maneuvering and check out.”
Food safety is a top priority for US Foods and the temperature controlled areas in the store ensure that food is always kept at its proper temperature. In addition, through its Stay Cool™ program, Chef’Store provides complimentary frozen gel packs and offers cooler bags and other products to ensure proper food temperature when customers transport perishables.
“Chef’Store is going to make a positive impact on the way local food industry professionals shop,” Stout said. “We’ve designed every aspect of the store to cater to our customers’ needs and make the shopping experience as easy as possible. With products in our store available in case and individual quantities, Chef’Store ensures that the quality products our customers need and expect from US Foods will always be available.”
The first Chef’Store opened in Charlotte, North Carolina in November 2012, followed by the second in Oklahoma City in February 2013. Both have received positive responses from the local restaurant industry and broader communities.
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