You have questions, and we are here to help! Explore our frequently asked questions and find the answers you need!
You can initiate a delivery account by completing our online Become a Customer request form. If you need immediate products with no account setup required, you can visit any Gordon Food Service Store.
A regional representative will typically contact you within 1 to 2 business days to discuss your delivery schedule, minimum order guidelines, product needs, and credit application. If your request is time-sensitive, please contact 1 (800) 968-4164 or email info@gfs.com after submitting your form so we can expedite your request.
As North America’s largest family-operated broadline distributor, Gordon Food Service combines national supply chain scale with personal, agile service. Unlike traditional corporate distributors, we offer over 170 brick-and-mortar Gordon Food Service Stores for immediate fill-in orders, dedicated Customer Development Specialists, transparent FSMA 204 traceability technology, and no-membership-fee retail access.
We partner with a wide spectrum of commercial and non-commercial operations, including independent restaurants, regional chains, K-12 school districts, colleges and universities, senior living and healthcare facilities, camps, lodging facilities and beyond. Additionally, our retail Gordon Food Service Stores serve party planners, non-profits, local businesses, and public households.
We supply over 100,000 national, regional, and exclusive proprietary brand products (including Gordon Choice, Markon produce, and Specialty Meats). Our catalog spans fresh center-of-plate proteins, local produce, specialty imports, bakery, dairy, commercial kitchen equipment, eco-friendly packaging, and janitorial sanitation supplies. Discover our collection of private brands here.
Gordon Food Service supports local communities by reviewing donation and sponsorship requests from certified 501(c)(3) charitable organizations and educational institutions. Requests must be submitted online through our Community Giving & Donations page at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to your event date for evaluation.
Our primary digital platform, Gordon Ordering, provides real-time inventory visibility, custom order guides, barcode scanning, mobile invoice tracking, and automated spend analytics available on desktop and mobile devices (iOS and Android), making kitchen purchasing seamless and paperless. Explore more of our technology solutions available to our customers.
When you set up a delivery account with Gordon Food Service, you are paired with a dedicated Customer Development Specialist (CDS) who serves as your personal industry consultant. Your CDS assists with customized product sourcing, menu engineering, price stability strategies, staff training, and route scheduling to keep your kitchen operating efficiently and profitably.
Gordon Food Service is the largest family-operated broadline food distributor in North America. In the United States, we provide delivery service to commercial and non-commercial operators throughout the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest regions, alongside nationwide coast-to-coast distribution in Canada and over 180 Gordon Food Service Stores across 16 states. Find our US wholesale distribution centers here.
Existing delivery customers can reach Customer Care at 1-800-968-4164 or log in to Gordon Ordering. For retail store inquiries, visit gfsstore.com or contact your local store manager. General corporate inquiries can be emailed to info@gfs.com.
We help operators boost profitability using strategic menu engineering and operational technology. By analyzing your food cost percentages, contribution margins, and kitchen throughput, our culinary experts help re-engineer menus around high-margin items and speed-scratch ingredients. We also offer digital inventory control, recipe costing software, and rebate tracking to eliminate waste and maximize gross profit. Explore all of our technology solutions here.
Operators are currently driving growth through plant-forward menu items, global flavor profiles, sustainable packaging, and high-margin off-premises/takeout programs. Gordon Food Service publishes regular food trend reports, industry-specific market updates, and seasonal recipe inspirations curated by our team of executive chefs to help you keep your menu fresh and competitive. Explore more trends and inspiration here.
We support operator expansion through custom recipe costing, distributor consolidation, labor-saving product sourcing, and site inventory planning. Through our Custom Concepts program, we provide complete brand identity packages—including branded concepts, standardized recipes, signage, and packaging solutions—allowing operators to launch new dining concepts or ghost kitchens with minimal capital overhead.
Beyond food distribution, we streamline daily operations across all industries—from independent restaurants to non-commercial facilities—through a comprehensive suite of digital tools, labor-saving products, and expert consulting services. Platforms like Gordon Experience serve as a critical 24/7 hub for Senior Living, Healthcare, and Education customers by providing seamless online ordering, real-time delivery tracking, digital inventory control, and automated recipe costing. Beyond technology, we support operators with specialized menu-planning and nutrition software, POS and back-office system integrations, and direct access to Culinary Specialists and Business Consultants. Combined with our curated portfolio of speed-scratch, pre-cut, and pre-portioned ingredients, these combined resources are designed to minimize back-of-house labor, optimize profitability, and keep your kitchen running smoothly without sacrificing quality.
We partner with leading Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) and manufacturers to offer operators access to volume-based rebates, contracted product pricing, and custom allowance programs. Independent operators, camps, and regional chains can leverage our distributor purchasing power to earn rebates on high-volume pantry items, proteins, and chemical supplies. Learn more about our GPO partners on Measur’d, and connect with your Sales Rep for more information on getting set up.
We help operators minimize food waste through pre-portioned and speed-scratch prep items, yield-tested ingredients, and digital inventory management systems. Our team conducts on-site kitchen workflow audits to optimize storage using FIFO (First-In, First-Out) methods, improve portion control, and accurately forecast ordering needs.
Our Gordon Ordering digital platform provides real-time pricing, order guides, spend analytics, and multi-location inventory management. Operators can set purchasing guardrails, track ingredient inflation, monitor food cost percentages, and access electronic invoices across all locations from a single dashboard.
Our dedicated Customer Development Specialists (CDS) and Culinary Specialists work directly with operators to conduct business reviews, analyze food cost percentages, and optimize menu margins. Whether you are expanding to a second location, re-engineering a menu to offset inflation, or upgrading kitchen technology, our team provides tailored consulting at every growth stage.
We support operators through hiring best practices, labor-saving product solutions, and downloadable staff training modules. Customers gain access to in-service training kits for front-of-house and back-of-house teams, industry labor guides, and guidance on speed-scratch ingredients to keep kitchen operations running smoothly even during labor shortages.
We help operators drive guest traffic through customized Limited Time Offer (LTO) menu ideas, trend-driven recipe inspirations, and professional marketing services. Through our Custom Concepts program, operators receive complete brand identity packages—including signage, menu design, and promotional merchandising—to help launch new concepts or expand off-premises dining.
We maintain automated digital recall notification systems powered by real-time FSMA 204 lot-tracking technology. In the event of a vendor or FDA/USDA recall, affected customers are notified within hours via automated phone alerts, direct email notifications, and instant banners inside Gordon Ordering, detailing exact lot numbers, invoice dates, and quarantine/disposal steps.
We provide operators with customizable HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plan templates, temperature logging resources, and food safety audit checklists through Gordon Experience. Additionally, our Food Safety team facilitates certified Trust20 Food Protection Manager Certification and other training to ensure your staff understands critical control points, cross-contamination prevention, and hazard monitoring.
We offer digital in-service training modules, printable kitchen wall charts, and staff education toolkits through Gordon Experience. Topics include 20-second handwashing protocols, cross-contamination prevention, surface sanitization (Quat/Chlorine PPM levels), chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and personal hygiene standards designed to keep your kitchen compliant with local health codes. In addition, we work directly with Trust20 to offer Food Protection Manager Certification as well as additional training for your staff.
We help operators achieve top health inspection scores by providing self-inspection checklists, temperature logging templates, chemical sanitizer testing guides, and employee health policy forms. Our Food Safety & Quality Assurance specialists offer pre-audit guidelines to help your team identify and correct potential critical violations before the inspector arrives. Learn more about our quality assurance program here.
We supply temperature-monitoring tools, calibrated digital probe recommendations, and cold-chain receiving guides to help operators comply with FDA rules for Cold Holding (41°F or below), Hot Holding (135°F or above), and rapid two-stage cooling protocols (cooling hot food from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and to 41°F within 4 additional hours).
Under FSMA Section 204, operators must maintain digital records of Key Data Elements (KDEs) for high-risk foods on the Food Traceability List (FTL). Gordon Food Service captures and archives lot numbers, shipping data, and supplier information for all delivered items, giving operators instant access to compliant digital traceability logs during health department or FDA audits.
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We provide operators with comprehensive allergen management resources covering the Top 9 Food Allergens (including sesame). Through Gordon Ordering, operators can access verified supplier ingredient declarations, certified gluten-free product lists, and clear allergen alerts. We also offer staff training guides on color-coded kitchen prep stations and cross-contact prevention.
Operators can subscribe to our Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) communications to receive real-time recall advisories, quarterly regulatory updates, FDA Food Code revisions, and upcoming ServSafe® class schedules. Contact our Nutrition Resource Center with further questions at nrc@gfs.com.
To maximize USDA reimbursements under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and CACFP, focus on optimizing menu compliance to capture full-rate reimbursements, increasing meal participation through grab-and-go options, and utilizing USDA Foods entitlement dollars efficiently. Gordon Food Service provides USDA-compliant 5-day and 7-day cycle menus, commodity processing management, and nutritional analysis tools to ensure every meal meets federal meal pattern requirements. You can find our most recently published blogs about K-12 business here.
Yes. We offer fully customizable electronic monthly and seasonal cycle menus for both 5-day and 7-day operational schedules. For K-12, our menus align with USDA school meal patterns and offer full nutritional analysis. For Senior Living and Healthcare, our DiningManager includes a range of seasonal menus and allows for easy-to-use client customization and integration with various EHR systems supports resident-focused dining.
School food service directors can track and manage USDA Foods entitlement balances through the School Commodity Tracking (SCT) system inside Gordon Experience. SCT provides full visibility into state commodity allocations, processing yields, real-time inventory levels, and commercial product equivalencies to ensure your district maximizes every federal dollar.
We support healthcare and senior living operators through certified dietary software, DiningManager, regulatory compliance guides, and specialized product offerings. Our resources include IDDSI-aligned (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) pureed and soft food solutions, allergen management tools, clinical nutrition documentation, and customized staff training to meet CMS and state health inspection requirements.
Yes. We provide restaurant operators with access to specialized payroll and tax compliance resources, including guidance on the IRS FICA Tip Credit (Form 8846), tip-pooling regulations, and tip allocation reporting. Operators gain access to industry tax experts and educational guides to reduce tax exposure and maintain compliant payroll practices.
Yes. We offer comprehensive, industry-specific in-service training kits for healthcare, senior living, and K-12 operators. These kits include ready-to-use staff training materials, attendance tracking forms, and educational modules covering critical regulatory topics such as IDDSI texture modifications, HIPAA in dining services, allergen control, and infection prevention.
Yes. We offer a full catalog of eco-friendly, compostable, and recyclable food packaging solutions designed to help operators comply with municipal, state, and federal single-use plastic and PFAS bans. Our specialists help you identify compliant alternatives that match your local legislation without sacrificing performance. Learn more about our sustainable solution and eco-friendly packaging brand, Re.Source here.
You can explore open positions across warehouse operations, CDL delivery driving, sales, culinary consulting, and corporate roles here. Applications, internship opportunities, and candidate requirements can be submitted directly through our digital careers portal. If you have further questions regarding an application, please contact talent@gfs.com.
To apply for a job at Gordon Food Service, browse open positions at gfs.com/careers and submit an application online through the candidate portal. While professional and corporate roles require a resume, many frontline entry-level positions—such as Warehouse Selectors, Store Associates, and CDL A Delivery Drivers—allow candidates to complete a basic online application detailing their work history without uploading a formal document.
You can check your Gordon Food Service application status at any time by logging into your candidate dashboard through the Workday portal link provided in your application confirmation email. Updates are reflected in real time as your profile passes through HR screening, manager review, and interview scheduling.
The hiring process at Gordon Food Service consists of an online application, an initial phone screen, an in-person interview with the hiring manager, and conditional pre-employment checks. Candidates are evaluated using the S-A-R method (Situation – What was the issue? Action – What did you do? Result – What was the outcome?) to assess problem-solving skills and alignment with company culture.
Gordon Food Service delivery drivers must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL Class A or B depending on the vehicle), a med card, be registered through the Clearinghouse, have a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), and be capable of lifting up to 100 lbs using hand trucks and ramps.
GFS offers Non-CDL Van Delivery Driver roles as well as CDL Apprentice/Trainee Programs. Through our paid training pathway, eligible team members earn their Class A CDL while working alongside experienced drivers and receiving hands-on instruction.
Yes. Gordon Food Service conducts comprehensive pre-employment background checks for all positions. We maintain a drug-free workplace, testing requirements depend on the position. Your recruiter will clarify the requirements for your specific role.
Gordon Food Service provides a comprehensive total rewards package available to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Both full-time and eligible part-time employees receive a 401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid time off, and an exclusive 10% employee discount at all Gordon Food Service Store locations.
We operate over 180 store locations across thirteen states: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. You can find store hours, street addresses, phone numbers, and daily weekly specials for your local store using our Gordon Food Service Store Locator.
We accept Cash, Personal/Business Checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, SNAP/EBT, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Tax-exempt organizations, non-profits, and business account holders can also apply tax-exemption status to their purchases at checkout.
Our stores are 100% open to the public 7 days a week, and no membership or annual fee is ever required to shop. Our stores are brick-and-mortar retail locations selling restaurant-quality foods, bulk ingredients, food prep supplies, and paper goods at wholesale prices. You can start shopping at our stores today!
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all non-perishable merchandise. Items returned with an original sales receipt within 30 days will receive a full refund or exchange. Returns without a receipt are eligible for in-store merchandise credit or exchange.
Please Note: To maintain strict food safety standards, we cannot accept returns on perishable items, refrigerated goods, or frozen products once they have left the store.
Our stores offer specialized services tailored for commercial kitchens, non-profit organizations, churches, camps, and event hosts. Services include tax-exempt business shopping, bulk quantity ordering, custom meat cutting/slicing, event planning calculators, and Gordon GO Rewards savings.
Gordon GO is our free customer loyalty program available in select stores for businesses or organizations NOT receiving Gordon Food Service truck delivery. The program offers exclusive store discounts, reward perks, access to our online ordering catalog, and electronic receipt tracking. You can sign up for free in less than two minutes at gfsstore.com/rewards or at the customer service desk.
Yes. Our retail stores act as convenient local fulfillment hubs for restaurant operators, caterers, and food service managers who need immediate fill-in inventory between scheduled distributor truck deliveries. Operators can purchase case quantities of core proteins, dairy, produce, paper goods, cleaning chemicals and much more in-store or via same-day pick up or express delivery.
Yes. In addition to food ingredients, our Stores stock an extensive selection of commercial-grade kitchen equipment, chef knives, steam table pans, takeout containers, eco-friendly food packaging, and professional cleaning chemicals (including OSHA-required SDS products).
Looking for more innovative cleaning and beverage services? Work with InnoServ, your trusted expert in environmental cleanliness and beverage equipment, products, services, and solutions to support your operation and keep your employees and patrons healthy, safe, and refreshed.
Yes. Customers planning large events, graduation parties, fundraisers, or catering jobs can place advance bulk orders online or directly with a store team member to ensure full case quantities are reserved and ready for pick up or delivery on your event date.
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