For over 125 years, we’ve delivered the excellence, expertise, and quality products our customers need to design successful food operations and experiences. We’ve grown to become the largest family-operated broad-line food distribution company in North America by upholding the same business approach since 1897—being passionately committed to the people we serve.
Our History
Isaac Van Westenbrugge, age 23, borrows $300 from his brother to start a butter and egg delivery business in Grand Rapids, MI.
Van Westenbrugge’s food service company is the first in Grand Rapids to have a motorized delivery truck.
16-year-old Ben Gordon begins working for Isaac unloading margarine, candling eggs, bookkeeping, washing windows, and sweeping floors. He later marries Isaac’s daughter, Ruth.
Ben and Isaac join in a partnership and form The Gordon-Van Cheese Company. Ben’s brother, Frank Gordon, joins the company in 1937
Isaac retires, and Ben and Frank reorganize and rename the corporation Gordon Food Service.
Company sales reach an all-time high of $5,000,000. The Profit Sharing Plan is initiated, a cornerstone employee benefit.
Paul Gordon becomes president and John Gordon is named secretary/treasurer. Their sons and grandchildren follow them into the business as the 4th and 5th generations of family leadership.
We initiated the two-trailer hookup system, an industry innovation that enables the food distribution company to cover a wider territory by truck rather than build more distribution centers.
The first “Cash & Carry” (now Gordon Food Service Store) opens in Grand Rapids as a convenience to regular delivery customers needing extra supplies.
The industry’s first automated sorting and shipping system is implemented at the 50th Street warehouse.
The company begins servicing customers in Canada. Organic growth, and additional Canadian acquisitions in 1996 and 2003, would propel Gordon Food Service to become a nation-wide distributor.
With new distribution centers, and strategic acquisitions, the company expands and grows, becoming the largest privately-owned, family managed foodservice distributor in North America.
Looking Ahead
Our history and our future.
Celebrating Our History
Join us at our Food Shows to commemorate our heritage and connect with our team.
The Evolution of Foodservice
Gain perspective on how the foodservice industry has changed over time.
Classic Recipes, Modern Menus
Explore how traditional dishes and ingredients have evolved to meet contemporary tastes.
Our Digital Solutions
Discover tools and software curated to help you manage your business with ease.
