In this modern age of social media, one of the best ways to make sure your business has a lot of customers is by having a lovely ambiance. If people love the décor, they will undoubtedly share videos and pictures online with their friends, family, and followers.
But, having a good ambiance can only get you so far. To really have a great impression on everyone who walks in the door, you need to have quality food. That starts with the ingredients. But, how do you find a reliable supplier who can get you fresh, high-quality ingredients consistently?
To give you an idea, here are some tips to help you make a decision that will benefit your restaurant in the long run.
1. Assess Your Needs
For starters, you need to figure out what you need only a daily, bi-weekly, weekly, or monthly basis. Discuss with your head chef and decide on a menu if you haven’t already, then list down all the ingredients you will need and think about how often you will need them based on consumption.
Knowing your needs can help you narrow down potential suppliers who can meet them.
2. Research Potential Suppliers
Next, you need to figure out the suppliers in the market. Figure out who your competitors purchase their ingredients from, look for new suppliers entering the market, and look into small scale suppliers as well.
Don’t forget to check online reviews and ask for recommendations from any friends who also own restaurants.
You should also consider suppliers who specialize in the products you need. For example, if your restaurant features a lot of pork dishes, find a pork chorizo supplier who has a strong reputation for quality and consistency.
3. Evaluate Quality and Safety Standards
In the restaurant business, any one of your customers having health problems from your food is really bad for your business.
That is why you should make sure any potential supplier adheres to strict quality and safety standards. Ask about their sourcing practices and how they make sure their products are safe. Do they have certifications from recognized food safety organizations?
If you can, check out their facilities. A clean, well-maintained facility is a good sign that the supplier takes quality and safety seriously. Also, ask about their recall procedures in case there’s ever an issue with a product.
4. Consider Delivery and Logistics
One of the most important things is timely deliver. After all, you wouldn’t want your fresh ingredients to arrive a day late, would you?
Ask potential suppliers about their delivery schedules and logistics. How often do they deliver, and can they accommodate your restaurant’s schedule?
Also, consider the supplier’s location. Local suppliers might be able to offer faster delivery times and fresher products, which can be a big advantage. However, don’t completely rule out non-local suppliers if they can meet your needs effectively.
5. Compare Pricing and Value
While the price is quite an important factor, you should not choose your supplier solely on the costs.
Compare the prices from different suppliers and consider what you are getting for that price. A slightly more expensive supplier who offers higher quality products and better service might be a better deal in the long run. Also, look at the overall value. Does the supplier offer any additional services that could benefit your restaurant? For instance, some suppliers might offer flexible payment terms, bulk order discounts, or dedicated account managers who can help you with orders and issues.