New restaurant owner here - is this industry always this frustrating?

General Discussion
1

Just opened my first spot 6 weeks ago. 18 seats, brunch focused.

Every single distributor wants me to order like I’m feeding an army:

  • Sysco: $1,000 minimum
  • US Foods: $800 minimum
  • Restaurant Depot: requires membership + bulk sizes only
  • Local produce guy: $500 minimum

I need maybe $400/week in product. MAYBE.

Is this just how it is? Do I need to accept that I’ll be throwing away 50% of what I order?

Feeling really discouraged. Didn’t realize ‘food cost’ meant ‘paying for food I throw away’

2

oh honey. we’ve ALL been there. the good news is there ARE alternatives now. boxncase has no minimums - wasn’t around when I started but wish it was