This expanding grocery chain has a different focus. What to expect at stores in Florida

Jeff Kleinman
·2 min read
13

Grocery shoppers have a growing number of choices to get food. Some of us stick to one place. And some of us hit several markets depending on what we’re looking for and the price.

The supermarket universe in Florida has expanded beyond Publix and Winn-Dixie. There are big box stores in Walmart and Target. And boutique markets including Whole Foods, Greenwise, Plum, Sprouts and Trader Joe’s. Delivery options from Instacart and Kroger.

So what is Gordon Food Service?

The supermarket chain, which caters to the restaurant industry but is open to the public, is expanding and has locations in South Florida.

Here’s what to know about GFS:

Gordon Food Service is expanding into Texas and has several South Florida locations.
Gordon Food Service is expanding into Texas and has several South Florida locations.

What is Gordon Food Service?

The stores: Gordon Food Service is a family-run chain of markets that cater to restaurants, chefs and the general food industry. The no-frills Michigan-based market has 175 stores in 13 states, including Florida. The company just expanded into Texas, where it is opening six locations in the Houston area.

The stock: GFS specializes in the basics — think of what a restaurant might need: produce, pasta, grains, frozen foods, beans, eggs, meat, supplies. Some stores have grab-and-go items.

Background: The 125-year-old company started as a butter and egg delivery service. The first market opened in 1979 in Wyoming, Mich., for restaurants that ran out of products between deliveries.

Quote: “Gordon Food Service Store believes in the power of good food and its ability to bring people together and make moments special,” said Tim Grabar, president, Gordon Food Service Stores.

Where are the locations in South Florida?

Miami-Dade:

▪ Little Havana, 2299 SW Eighth St.

▪ Flagami: 5600 W. Flagler St.

Broward:

▪ Hollywood, 101 State Road 7

▪ Fort Lauderdale: 2535 N. Federal Hwy.

Monroe County:

▪ Key West, 2508 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

Palm Beach County:

▪ Boynton beach, 250 Congress Ave.

▪ West Palm Beach, 4895 Okeechobee Blvd.

A bulk-food display.
A bulk-food display.

What can customers expect at GFS?

The stores: GFS caters to restaurants and chefs, but you don’t have to be in the food business to shop there.

The products: Many products are in large and super-large sizes (think 180 eggs, a 7-pound can of beans or 50 pounds of flour). But there are family and smaller sizes as well. You can also find a variety of kitchen tools.

Access: No member fees and the stores are open to the public.