Marjorie MillerI’ve been daydreaming about setting up a cafe or restaurant with an art gallery on the side, so I did my homework and started researching kitchen equipment suppliers.
Obviously, I looked for reliable brands with good quality products. No one would want their project to flop due to a broken stand mixer.
While I’m still in the fantasizing phase, I’ve gathered the best suppliers of restaurant equipment in Jacksonville who can help you prepare for this business idea.
And, hey, who knows, the list may help you get a good grasp of available options in the area for your own business needs, too!
1. E. H. Thompson Company
Address: 8081 Philips Hwy UNIT 20
Phone: +19043581555
Business hours:
- Mon–Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Sat–Sun: closed
E. H. Thompson Company has been around for a while, adding to their credibility. Having been in the business since 1912, I was drawn to their heritage in the industry.
Their wide product selection was particularly impressive, covering a wide range of categories like food storage, bar supplies, and cleaning equipment.
They have design services for kitchen setup, which includes coordination with construction to streamline the production transaction.
Their online presence lacks product pricing, though, so you need to directly inquire with the team. More details about their services would’ve been great for improving the purchase experience.
Overall, they’re still a good company for their expertise and variety of products available.
Friendly, knowledgeable, and patient staff
“It’s a commercial kitchen supply store. It used to be closer to downtown Jax so some of the same faces are there but that’s not a negative. Very friendly staff, knowledgeable and patient. You may get a discount if you are in the industry as you need an account as a restaurant or industry equivalent. I come here all the time and stare at the merchandise. Love this place.”
- Calalang, Google Review
Offers a great selection of products
“Great Selection of equipment and smallwares , Cindy and Sean Rock along with their equipment installer AllStar Commercial Services , Got to check them out !”
- Corley, Google Review
2. G & S Restaurant Equipment
Address: 520 Myrtle Ave N
Phone: +19043562521
Business hours:
- Mon–Fri: 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Sat–Sun: closed
It’s awesome when a company serves diverse industries because it shows their versatility in product offerings and in customer service.
G & S Restaurant Equipment is exactly that; they serve industries like healthcare, hospitality, and airlines, apart from restaurants.
They’re known for being a one-stop shop because apart from the basics, they also have offerings like furniture. From high chairs to tables, they sell unique products alongside your usual kitchen needs.
This simplifies the purchase journey for businesses.
They do, however, have limited product information on their website, which can be a hurdle in the decision process. Their website also doesn’t provide complimentary resources like guides for restaurant owners.
The diversity of G & H still makes them a strong choice as a supplier.
Goes above and beyond
“Outstanding service! Becki went above and beyond to help. She not only gave me the best price I could find, she even had the equipment drop shipped next day with no freight charge. Then she followed up pro-actively and made sure everything was as promised. Will do business again.”
- Sethi, Google Review
Knowledgeable and friendly with seamless transaction
I have worked in conjunction with this company for 2+ years now and all I can say is they are the BEST! Becki and Garry and second to none. Very knowledgeable & Friendly, they make our transactions seamless. Thank you G & S for all that you do!”
- Graff, Google Review
3. Chef’s Warehouse
Address: 8081 Philips Hwy UNIT 20
Phone: +19043581555
Business hours:
- Mon–Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Sat–Sun: closed
I considered Chef’s Warehouse as a supplier because I heard they offer premium ingredients and equipment. When I checked, I discovered that they’re even Great Place to Work-Certified which shows that they have good company culture.
This explains why they have effective customer service.
Apart from their basic kitchen supplies like grilling tools, they have diverse product offerings from pastry ingredients and cheeses to specialty oils and produce.
In every transaction, they also assign a dedicated sales representative to accommodate you, so you get service that is tailored to your needs.
Their website, however, shows no prices on their pages, so you have to contact them to inquire about your specific pricing queries.
But if that’s not a dealbreaker, they’re still recommended for those looking to buy premium products through good customer service.
Friendly atmosphere with excellent customer service
“Excellent customer service! I went in there with an idea, and Sean helped me to come up with a super (and affordable!) solution. Nice selection, including knives, measuring cups, pans/trays, tray cages (name?), pizza area, and so much more! Stop in and say hello! Very friendly atmosphere to explore and ask questions.”
- Jedlicka, Google Review
Great selection of items
“Nice location, have a great selection of items with great quality. Inexpensive, the manager is very helpful and friendly.”
- Rodriguez, Google Review
4. Sur La Table
Address: 4713 River City Dr Suite 109
Phone: +19047197597
Business hours:
- Mon–Thurs: 11:00am – 8:00pm
- Fri–Sat: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Sun: 11:00 – 6:00pm
Sur La Table is quite interesting because of their specialty kitchen and lifestyle products. They provide supplementary educational courses like cooking classes for kids and teens, which adds value to their service.
It’s a valuable resource for casual cooks and those who simply need to spruce up their kitchen with new equipment.
Their products include various unique items like coffee equipment, home decor, outdoor linen, and waffle makers. It’s an interesting mix for a single shop, which makes it a fun option.
What’s good is how they have a 30-day return policy, so you’re sure to get the quality you need.
Despite the positives though, I find it inconvenient how their website occasionally has accessibility issues, where you still have to contact their customer service for assistance.
It can be a bit tricky to decide on purchases as well because of their upscale pricing. However, if you’re looking for unique and premium quality kitchen equipment, this is your go-to place.
Knowledgeable staff
“We came in to look at coffee machines, we know they are a big investment and Avery and Kiswahi helped us with so much knowledge and such great information on such an important decision that we want to make. We also are interested in taking coffee classes and learning more about crafting the art and the science behind coffee!! Thank for such amazing employees.
Nikki and David”
- Sanchez, Google Review
Understanding and dedicated
“Tina was our sales associate today, and she was absolutely amazing! Her attention to detail and dedication to truly understanding and addressing our needs is a rare and much-needed quality. Thanks to her, you’ve officially earned me as a loyal SLT client.”
- Torres-Lugo, Google Review
5. Elliott’s Walk-in Coolers and Freezers
Address: 2109 Edison Ave
Phone: +19043555620
Business hours:
- Mon–Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Sat–Sun: closed
Elliott’s been in the industry for years as a dedicated family-run business, so they’ve been specializing in coolers and freezers for a while now.
While they offer standard cooler boxes, the business provides custom solutions for specific business needs, too. Their customized cooler and freezer designs are ideal for restaurants, groceries, and other commercial establishments.
As a family-owned business, they prioritize a customer-centered approach in each transaction.
Their services are intriguing but it can get frustrating how their website has limited details about their products and services. You have to directly inquire to know their price list.
If you need tailored services, however, Elliott’s is the option for you.
Provides top-notch quality custom cooler
“Elliott’s coolers provide a quality custom built cooler option that is top notch. They can build custome sized coolers to fit any space. The end result is better then most bought coolers. If you are in need of a cooler or freezer I highly recommend them!”
- Williams, Google Review
Professional, quick, and accurate
“Very professional company, I’ve referred many clients to them and everyone talks about their great service and the speed and accuracy of their work. These are the people to call if you have refrigeration problems”
- Jackson, Google Review
