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A 125 year commitment to excellence, quality, and you.
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.
With new distribution centers, and strategic acquisitions, the company expands and grows, becoming the largest privately-owned, family managed foodservice distributor in North America.
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.
The industry’s first automated sorting and shipping system is implemented at the 50th Street warehouse.
The first “Cash & Carry” (now Gordon Food Service Store) opens in Grand Rapids as a convenience to regular delivery customers needing extra supplies.
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.
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.
Company sales reach an all-time high of $5,000,000. The Profit Sharing Plan is initiated, a cornerstone employee benefit.
Isaac retires, and Ben and Frank reorganize and rename the corporation Gordon Food Service.
Ben and Isaac join in a partnership and form The Gordon-Van Cheese Company. Ben’s brother, Frank Gordon, joins the company in 1937.
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.
Van Westenbrugge’s food service company is the first in Grand Rapids to have a motorized delivery truck.
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 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 customers come first. We’re driven to exceed their expectations by listening, leading, solving problems, and delivering what we promise.
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.
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.
Personal and professional growth depends on teamwork. By sharing knowledge, skills, ideas, and effort, we benefit our customers, ourselves, and our communities.
Strong relationships break down barriers and promote innovation and cooperation. By working as an open-minded, responsive team, we achieve excellence.
The best relationships are founded on honesty, trust, and respect. We say what we will do, and then we do it.
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.
Listening. Leading. Lending solutions that help you grow.
Our success is measured by keeping you – our customer — first. Through innovative systems, elite products, and exceptional customer service, we pride ourselves on being a full-service food distributor that our customers, employees, and community can count on to deliver on all promises.
Serving Customers
By exceeding expectations that go beyond great products and service.
Serving Employees
By creating an environment that champions integrity and growth.
Serving Communities
By supporting initiatives that drive innovation and sustainability.
Stewardship
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.
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.
Gordon Food Service Will Get it on The Table
Our partnerships range from your favourite neighborhood spot, healthcare facilities, university, to Michelin Star seeking restaurants. Wherever food is served, Gordon Food Service can have a hand in getting it on the table.
Careers
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.
Specialty Companies
Fresh ingredients allow for wild creativity and offerings that stand out. We’ve built a family of companies that allow us to bring you the freshness you deserve.
Donations
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
Discover the latest news and updates from Gordon Food Service.
With Gordon Food Service, you’ll have a partner at the table and beyond.
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