About Us

A 125 year commitment to excellence, quality, and you.

125 Years of Excellence, Expertise & Quality

For 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 purpose is to serve our customers with the highest quality foodservice products and services. We achieve this purpose through innovative systems and the spirit and integrity of our people.

Our Cornerstone Values are the principles that guide every interaction, and how we evaluate our performance and measure our success. 

  • Customer is King
    • Our customers come first. We’re driven to exceed their expectations by listening, leading, solving problems, and delivering what we promise.
  • Integrity
    • The best relationships are founded on honesty, trust, and respect. We say what we will do, and then we do it.
  • Philosophy of Sharing
    • Personal and professional growth depends on teamwork. By sharing knowledge, skills, ideas, and effort, we benefit our customers, ourselves, and our communities.
  • War Room Mentality
    • We play fair, but never lose sight of the goal to win. With that in mind, we execute our plans and strategies with focus, commitment, and passion.
  • Rewards for Performance
    • We encourage productivity and efficiency, and there are rewards for jobs well done. Sometimes it’s a financial incentive, other times an award, always a genuine thank-you.
  • Everyone is Important
    • Our future depends on the success of each employee. In an atmosphere of dignity and diversity, our appreciation for each other’s talents and contributions keeps us at our best.
  • Networking Organization
    • Strong relationships break down barriers and promote innovation and cooperation. By working as an open-minded, responsive team, we achieve excellence.

1994 – Present Continued Growth

With new distribution centers, and strategic acquisitions, the company expands and grows, becoming the largest privately-owned, family managed foodservice distributor in North America.

1993 Canadian Expansion Begins

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.

1980 Automated Sorting & Selection System

The industry’s first automated sorting and shipping system is implemented at the 50th Street warehouse.

1979 First “Cash & Carry” Store Opens

The first “Cash & Carry” (now Gordon Food Service Store) opens in Grand Rapids as a convenience to regular delivery customers needing extra supplies.

1968 Two-Trailer Hookup System

Gordon Food Service initiates 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.

1965 New Generations of Leadership

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.

1960 Continued Sales Growth

Company sales reach an all-time high of $5,000,000. The Profit Sharing Plan is initiated, a cornerstone employee benefit.

1942 Company Renamed Gordon Food Service

Isaac retires, and Ben and Frank reorganize and rename the corporation Gordon Food Service.

1933 Ben Gordon Gains Partnership

Ben and Isaac join in a partnership and form The Gordon-Van Cheese Company. Ben’s brother, Frank Gordon, joins the company in 1937.

1916 Ben Gordon Joins the Company

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.

1914 First Motorized Delivery Truck

Van Westenbrugge’s food service company is the first in Grand Rapids to have a motorized delivery truck.

1897 The Beginning of Gordon Food Service

Isaac Van Westenbrugge, age 23, borrows $300 from his brother to start a butter and egg delivery business in Grand Rapids, MI.

Delivering the Superior Food and Support You Need to Excel

Delivering the superior food and support your operation needs.

Based on food, family, and community, one brother loaned another 300 dollars for a dream that’s now Gordon Food Service. Over a century later, we’ve expanded into the largest family-operated food distribution company in North America with a product range and logistical wingspan that both celebrates and trumps our founding days.

 

When you partner with Gordon Food Service, the same values of food, family, and community that built our business will go into building yours.

Our Cornerstone Values

Customer is King

Our customers come first. We’re driven to exceed their expectations by listening, leading, solving problems, and delivering what we promise.

Rewards for Performance

We encourage productivity and efficiency, and there are rewards for jobs well done. Sometimes it’s a financial incentive, other times an award, always a genuine thank-you.

War Room Mentality

We play fair, but never lose sight of the goal to win. With that in mind, we execute our plans and strategies with focus, commitment, and passion.

Philosophy of Sharing

Personal and professional growth depends on teamwork. By sharing knowledge, skills, ideas, and effort, we benefit our customers, ourselves, and our communities.

Networking Organization

Strong relationships break down barriers and promote innovation and cooperation. By working as an open-minded, responsive team, we achieve excellence.

Integrity

The best relationships are founded on honesty, trust, and respect. We say what we will do, and then we do it.

Everyone is Important

Our future depends on the success of each employee. In an atmosphere of dignity and diversity, our appreciation for each other’s talents and contributions keeps us at our best.

Stewardship

The Responsibility of Demonstrating Care

Sustainability. Empowerment. Community.

Innovation is at the heart of all that we do. That’s why we’ve committed to a journey of stewardship that drives our community forward through sustainable operations, responsible sourcing, and supporting our communities and employees.

Food Shows

Get the full Gordon Food Serviced experience through our Food Shows with live culinary demos, seminars with industry experts, the first look at new products, and the opportunity to earn CEU credit.

Careers

The People Behind the Service

The level of service we provide to our customers wouldn’t be possible without providing it to our team. Be a part of the passionate and knowledgeable group of all-around good humans that define Gordon Food Service.

Slices of beef cut thinly, served on greens and cooked cauliflower

U.S. Specialty Companies

What does specialty mean to Gordon Food Service customers?

You have access to knowledgeable experts and skilled craftsmanship for freshly prepared meat and seafood to exacting specifications. They make sourcing, preparing and purchasing value-added and specialty products simple, in partnership with Gordon Food Service for easy ordering and expedient delivery.

Donations

Serving the Community

At Gordon Food Service, we care about giving back to the community we live, and work in. Want to learn more about what we are doing in the community, or submit a donation request? Click below.

Newsroom

Gordon Food Service Updates

Discover the latest news and updates from Gordon Food Service.

Get Service As Superior As The Food Delivered

With Gordon Food Service, you’ll have a partner at the table and beyond.

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