Why Choose Gordon Food Service for Delivery Services?

    1. 115 years of food delivery experience
    2. Team of specialist to grow your business
    3. Access to exclusive branded products
    4. On-trend recipes developed by our corporate chefs
    5. Services to help control costs, comply with regulations, and best utilize staff
    6. Over 150 GFS Marketplace stores, open 7 days a week

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Helping Customers Succeed

    Because we take our customers' success personally, we offer many business-building tools and services. These valuable resources, along with our quality products, are available to help fuel the success of your business.

    To learn more about our offerings, explore the questions and answers below.

    Helping You Succeed

    Why Gordon Food Service?

    Who is Gordon Food Service?

    Gordon Food Service, founded in 1897, is North America's largest family-owned and managed broadline foodservice distributor. We take pride in ensuring consistent delivery schedules, unmatched customer service, and developing innovative business tools for our tens of thousands of foodservice distribution customers. We also operate in over 150 GFS Marketplace retail stores.

    How does the Gordon Food Service team serve my needs?

    From your first contact with a Gordon Food Service representative, to convenient, reliable deliveries inside your back door, you’ll find professionals dedicated to helping you achieve your business goals. We’re here to serve you, and to provide everything you need to ensure your customers' delight.

    • Learn more on the People page.

    What is the Gordon Food Service service area?

    Gordon Food Service has distribution centers and GFS Marketplace stores from Michigan to Florida with convenient locations and delivery. We also deliver coast-to-coast in Canada.

    What types of products does Gordon Food Service offer?

    Gordon Food Service offers customers an extensive line of GFS and nationally branded and exclusive products. In addition, we offer an array of specialty products ranging from specialty coffees to specialty meats and cheeses.

    • For listings of specific products types, see the Products page.

    What types of customers choose Gordon Food Service?

    Gordon Food Service meets the needs of a variety of customers. Our foodservice distribution customers include restaurants, healthcare, and educational facilities, recreational and lodging establishments, and other operators who prepare meals. GFS Marketplace store customers include party planners, restaurants, non-profit organizations, and family shoppers.

    How do I inquire about getting foodservice delivery from Gordon Food Service?

    Sign up on the Become a Customer page and a Customer Development Specialist will contact you.

    • Send additional questions to info@gfs.com or call customer service at (800) 968-4164.

    How do I become a Gordon Food Service customer?

    Sign up on our Become a Customer page to become a foodservice distribution customer or go to our store locator to find your local GFS Marketplace store. If you are a business or non-profit organization, sign up for our GFS Marketplace Loyalty Program.

    Would I have my own Gordon Food Service account representative?

    Once you become a customer, you will have the opportunity to work with Customer Development Specialists that will be able to advise you on the products and services you need to keep your operation running smoothly.

    • Learn more on our People page.

    How can I apply for a job with Gordon Food Service?

    Check out our open positions and submit your application online on the Careers page.

    How do I request a donation from Gordon Food Service?

    In recognizing the importance of community involvement, and to insure that the contributions available are used for the intended purposes, certain standards have been established for the granting of donations. Please be advised that contributions of funds or products are made to bona fide charitable 501(c)3 and educational groups only.

    We are unable to handle these requests on a call-in or walk-in basis. You must submit your request in writing, on the letterhead of the organization, to the following address. Fax or e-mail requests will not be accepted.

    Donation Committee
    Gordon Food Service, Inc.
    P.O. Box 1787
    Grand Rapids MI 49501

    Please give some information about the group and the upcoming event (e.g., purpose, history, who will benefit from the event, etc.)

    Be as specific as you can about what you are asking for (type of product, quantity, etc.)

    Allow three weeks (from the time we receive it in Grand Rapids) for processing your request. We will respond in writing, whatever the decision may be, to the address on your letterhead.

    Who can I talk to if I have a question not answered here?

    Email general questions to info@gfs.com or for GFS Marketplace questions e-mail marketplace@gfs.com.

    For the main operator call: (888) 437-3663.

    GFS Marketplace Stores

    What is a GFS Marketplace store?

    GFS Marketplace stores carry thousands of the most popular Gordon Food Service products at wholesale prices. GFS Marketplace stores are open to the public seven days a week and do not require a membership fee.

    Is GFS Marketplace open to the public?

    GFS Marketplace stores are open to the public seven days a week and do not require a membership fee.

    Where is the GFS Marketplace store nearest me?

    Find GFS Marketplace stores in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee on our Store Locator page.

    How do I get information about specific GFS Marketplace programs or services?

    GFS Marketplace offers a variety of programs and services to help run your business, serve your non-profit organization or your family.

    Where can I find a list of Gordon Food Service products?

    See our general Product Guide on the GFS Marketplace store Products In-Store page for a complete product listing. Or, once you Become a Foodservice Distribution Customer, you'll be given access our interactive online catalog. You can also visit your local GFS Marketplace store.

    How do I apply for the Loyalty Program?

    Visit our Loyalty Program page to download and print the application. Turn in your completed application at your local GFS Marketplace store. Applicants must have a proof of business: vendor’s license, food establishment license, business license, business card, or tax exemption documentation.

    What forms of payment does GFS Marketplace accept?

    GFS Marketplace stores accept cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and EBT.

    How do I place an Express Order for a product?

    You can place an Express Order directly at your local GFS Marketplace store. It will be ready for pickup within two business days.

    What is GFS Marketplace's return policy?

    GFS Marketplace guarantees 100 percent satisfaction on all of our products. If you are not fully satisfied, please return the product, along with a receipt, to any GFS Marketplace for an exchange or refund. We do not accept returns on over-purchased cooler or freezer products. Returns without a receipt may be exchanged or issued in-store credit.

    Growing Your Business

    How can Gordon Food Service help me become more profitable?

    Gordon Food Service offers a variety of tools to increase sales, control costs, comply with regulations, and utilize efficient staff.

    How can I get more people into my restaurant?

    To increase restaurant traffic, Gordon Food Service can analyze your operation and suggest improvements through one-on-one consultation and advice. We also offer a variety of benchmarking tools you can use to measure your performance against the competition.

    How do I open a restaurant?

    Gordon Food Service has the experience, people, and many of the tools and resources to help you get a restaurant started.

    How do I open a second location, or start a new concept?

    Gordon Food Service has the experience, people, and many of the tools and resources to help you get your second restaurant up and running. We also offer a variety of customizable value-added solutions to help generate new concepts for your restaurant.

    Where can I get new recipe or menu ideas?

    Our corporate chefs develop on-trend recipes throughout the year that are available to our customers once they have signed up to Become a Customer. Recipes have been standardized in a restaurant kitchen, so they’re proven to work in your kitchen.

    What are the latest trends; what are people coming into my operation looking for the most?

    Gordon Food Service monitors the foodservice industry for the latest news and trends to keep your business current. 

    How can Gordon Food Service help me get the word out about my operation?

    Gordon Food Service understands how important it is to market your operation. That’s why we have chosen a third party who provides a wide range of marketing services to give you the competitive marketing edge.

    How can I better service the dietary needs of my residents/patients?

    Gordon Food Service offers several solutions to help service the needs of residents/patients through training, compliance information, Cycle Menu Management, and a variety of online solutions.

    • Learn more about our dietary solutions on the Healthcare page.

    I run a K-12 school program. How can I maximize my USDA reimbursement?

    You can maximize your USDA reimbursement by serving the highest number of meals possible that meet federal requirements. The main focus needs to be increasing student participation.

    What promotional ideas (e.g. theme days, making nutrition fun for kids, promotional calendar) does Gordon Food Service have for K-12 schools?

    Gordon Food Service provides promotional ideas in both our exclusive Making the Grade book and our Cool School Café program. The Making the Grade book provides marketing and planning solutions while the Cool School Café program gives customers the opportunity to earn free marketing and merchandising materials.

    Does Gordon Food Service have school menu templates?

    Yes, customers can take advantage of our electronic monthly and seasonal menus, with both 7-day and 5-day cycles. These templates are easy to use: simply enter your operation specifics to create full menus with a professional look.

    Does Gordon Food Service have products or services to support my summer camp program?

    Gordon Food Service has an extensive offering of nationally branded, specialty, and exclusive products, including products designed specifically for your camp program.

    Learn more on the Products and Education pages.

    Does Gordon Food Service have any camp-specific rebates available?

    Yes, the Opening Order Bonus Board is designed to provide a rebate based on the total number of cases and dollar purchases on a camp’s opening order. There are also rebates available for some of the products featured in the "Camp Connection" publication.

    Learn more on the Education page.

    Self-branding is important to me. Can Gordon Food Service help?

    Yes, Gordon Food Service provides customizable branding solutions to fit your identity. Our exclusive program, Custom Concepts, provides brand names, logos, menu ideas, recipes, signage, and merchandising materials to enhance your brand.

    Learn more on the Education and Healthcare page.

    How do I make my operation look more like an upscale food court?

    Our exclusive Custom Concepts program provides image-building services to help you create restaurant-style dining experiences. The program includes brand names, logos, menu ideas, recipes, signage, and merchandising materials.

    Running Your Business Better

    How can Gordon Food Service save me time?

    Because we know your time is valuable, we offer a variety of value-added products and services. Foodservice distribution customers can place orders online, create limited time offers, and find new on-trend recipes, all on GFS Experience, a Web site exclusively available to our customers!

    How can Gordon Food Service help me attract new or retain current customers?

    Gordon Food Service offers exclusive consultation to individual businesses through our Customer Development Specialists. These professionals will help you secure repeat customers and attract new customers with tried and true methods.

    How does Gordon Food Service help me better market my business?

    Gordon Food Service understands how important it is to market your operation. That’s why we have chosen a third party who provides a wide range of marketing services to give you the competitive marketing edge.

    How can I control costs?

    Tightening consumer spending translates into cost cutting in your business. We have resources available to help you be as cost-effective as possible.

    What other ways does Gordon Food Service help customers besides price and product?

    Gordon Food Service focuses on the "service" in our name. We offer a multitude of resources to help your business be successful, such as consultation, LTO (Limited Time Offer) options, cycle menus, and much more.

    How do I serve customers with nutritional concerns and questions?

    We offer many resources to our customers to help address nutritional concerns, including our Nutrition Guide, our "Making the Grade" publication, our Recipe Manager, and Cycle Menu Management tool.

    How does Gordon Food Service help me better understand the industry?

    Gordon Food Service has been in the industry for over a century. We offer consultative service through our Customer Development Specialists, who help keep customers on-trend and up-to-date.

    • Learn more on the People page.

    How does Gordon Food Service help me plan for the future?

    Gordon Food Service offers exclusive consultation to individual businesses through our Customer Development Specialists. These professionals will help you secure repeat customers with tried and true methods.

    How can Gordon Food Service help me with hiring?

    Gordon Food Service has a wide range of publications with best hiring practices. Our customers have access to experts who have been in the industry for years, and have compiled the resources already.

    How can Gordon Food Service help me with staffing issues?

    Gordon Food Service offer a series of training DVDs and in-services to help you address the most common staff issues. Customers have an opportunity to choose which solution fits their needs.

    How do I find a great manager?

    Gordon Food Service has a wide range of publications to help you with best hiring practices. Our foodservice distribution customers have access to experts who have been in the industry for years, and have compiled the resources to help you find the best staff possible.

    How can I better understand how the USDA commodity program works?

    We have resources to help you better understand the USDA commodity program.

    How can I determine which USDA commodities provide the best value for my school?

    The School Commodity Tracking program (SCT), found within GFS Experience®, provides visibility to all commodity activity.

    Does Gordon Food Service support the USDA NOI (Net Off Invoice) program?

    Yes, it is managed within our SCT (School Commodity Tracking) program, which is available to our foodservice distribution customers via our GFS Experience Web site.

    • For more information, visit our Education page.

    Compliance and Guidelines

    Can Gordon Food Service help me meet USDA meal guidelines?

    Our annual "Making the Grade" book and CD are valuable resources for USDA meal criteria.

    How do I find state-specific information for my school lunch program?

    The School Commodity Tracking System (SCT), found within GFS Experience, provides visibility to commodity in all states. Each school district can review their entitlement balances, order commodity products, and capture all the information required for sales verification.

    Does Gordon Food Service have CN-labeled products for my school lunch program?

    Gordon Food Service carries a wide variety of items for the school lunch program that fit both food-based and nutrient-based menus. Many of these items are CN-labeled. They are listed in our “Making the Grade” publication and are available on GFS Experience. Foodservice distribution customers have access to both resources.

    Does Gordon Food Service have Cycle Menus that meet USDA meal guidelines?

    Gordon Food Service offers a unique service for foodservice distribution customers who need cycle menus that are USDA-approved called Cycle Menu Management.

    Does Gordon Food Service have in-service kits?

    We have in-service kits available for foodservice distribution customers in both the healthcare and education industries to help with training and education.

    Can Gordon Food Service help me better understand tip compliance?

    Yes, we have resources available to help foodservice distribution customers comply with the IRS' tip-reporting rules. Our customers have access to industry experts who will help with any questions.

    What do I need to know regarding regulatory compliance?

    Regulatory compliance can sometimes be a tricky subject. Educate yourself with our resources on compliance, or check out GFS Experience for more information.

    Food Safety and Sanitation

    Can Gordon Food Service help me provide food for customers with specific dietary needs?

    Gordon Food Service has presentations and resources on GFS Experience to help create meals for foodservice distribution customers with dietary needs. We also have our own Nutrition Resource Center to help with special recipes and dietary information.

    How can Gordon Food Service help me turn a health inspector visit into a positive experience?

    Know your local health code, and ask your health inspector for the checklist ahead of time so that you won’t be surprised on the day of the visit. Practice looking for the items on the list, and on the day of the visit, stay calm and relax.

    • Visit our Food Safety page for more tools and forms for health code inspections. 

    How can I keep my facility sanitary? What guidelines are available?

    Training your staff is essential for your facility’s sanitation. Organize and document your efforts with forms and logs from GFS Experience, and hold an in-service to educate your employees.

    What services can help me meet restaurant sanitary guidelines?

    GFS Experience offers foodservice distribution customers a wide variety of training modules for sanitary guidelines and food safety requirements.

    How can I find out about the latest recalls?

    Gordon Food Service’s Quality Assurance team has a recall system in place with product traceability to inform customers by phone, recall letters, and in-store postings.

    How can I stay up-to-date on food safety issues?

    Food safety e-mails from Gordon Food Service are a great way to stay in contact with food safety experts. You’ll also receive information about scheduled ServSafe classes.

    What food safety training materials does Gordon Food Service offer? Do the materials help me with my in-house sanitation?

    We offer Sunrise Basic Training Food Service Series (a DVD series covering many foodservice topics), multiple resources on GFS Experience, as well as ServSafe certification classes for training materials.

    How does Gordon Food Service keep my food fresh during delivery?

    The freezer storage area in each Gordon Food Service trailer is separated from refrigerated and dry products by an insulated bulkhead. There are separate refrigeration units for the freezer and the refrigerated products area to maintain proper temperatures. Insulated curtains provide a barrier between interior and exterior temperatures when trailer doors are open.

    • For more information, visit our Quality page. 

    Does Gordon Food Service have information on how hand washing impacts sanitation?

    Gordon Food Service offers multiple resources on GFS Experience, including Sunrise Basic Training Food Service Series (a DVD series covering many foodservice topics) and ServSafe certification classes to help you with proper hand washing and how it affects sanitation.

    Does Gordon Food Service have training on how to properly handle food?

    We offer multiple resources on properly handling food in GFS Experience. Sunrise Basic Training Food Service Series (a DVD series covering many foodservice topics), and ServSafe certification classes help you with proper food-handling practices.

    •  For more information, visit our Food Safety page. 

    How can Gordon Food Service help me serve customers with food allergies?

    Awareness and diligence are the most important factors in serving customers with food allergies. Consider labeling your menus with clear identifiers of the most common food allergens.

    How can Gordon Food Service help me be HACCP (Hazard Analysis at Critical Control Points) compliant?

    Gordon Food Service offers a variety of in-service training to help implement internal training programs in compliance with federal regulations. We also offer ServSafe certification classes to our foodservice distribution customers for information on HACCP compliance.

    Learn more on our Food Safety page. 

     

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