Reinhart vs. Gordon Food Service: The Best Midwest Distributor Comparison
Both Reinhart and Gordon Food Service (GFS) are excellent choices for Midwest restaurant operators. GFS is family-owned with retail store access. Reinhart (part of PFG) has deep independent restaurant relationships across the Great Lakes. Most Midwest operators should quote both.
Two Midwest Distribution Specialists
Reinhart Foodservice (headquartered in Illinois, now part of PFG) and Gordon Food Service (headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI) are two of the strongest regional distribution options in the Midwest. Both have deep independent restaurant roots, strong local rep cultures, and extensive Midwest infrastructure that national distributors struggle to match on local service quality.
| Category | Reinhart (PFG) | Gordon Food Service |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Subsidiary of Performance Food Group (public). HQ: Rosemont, IL. | Privately held. Family-owned since 1897. HQ: Grand Rapids, MI. |
| Core Coverage | IL, WI, MI, OH, IN, MN and surrounding Great Lakes states. | Strong Midwest and Southeast coverage. US + Canada. |
| Retail Stores | No retail locations. | GFS Marketplace stores across multiple Midwest states. |
| Independent Focus | Strong reputation for independent restaurant service and rep quality. | Very strong. GFS is built around independent restaurant success. |
| Private Label | Reinhart private label across broadline categories. | Gordon Choice (mid-tier) and Gordon Signature (premium). |
| Technology | Online ordering. Functional but less feature-rich than some competitors. | GFS Online with recipe costing tools. Well-regarded by independents. |
| Purchasing Scale | Access to PFG national purchasing power. | Independent purchasing — strong for a private company of its size. |
| Best For | Great Lakes operators who value local rep relationships and PFG scale. | Midwest operators who want retail store access and family-owned service culture. |
Choose Reinhart if…
- You're in Illinois, Wisconsin, or the Great Lakes core market
- Independent restaurant rep relationship quality is your top priority
- You want access to PFG national purchasing scale
- You've gotten competitive quotes and Reinhart wins on your items
Choose GFS if…
- GFS Marketplace retail store access matters for your operation
- You prefer a family-owned distributor over a public company subsidiary
- Recipe costing tools in the ordering portal are useful to you
- You're in a market where GFS has strong coverage (Michigan, Ohio, etc.)
In the Midwest, Sysco, US Foods, GFS, and Reinhart all compete for the same independent restaurant accounts. Getting quotes from at least two of these gives you real negotiating leverage. Three quotes is even better if you have the time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reinhart part of Gordon Food Service?
No. Reinhart Foodservice is a subsidiary of Performance Food Group (PFG). Gordon Food Service is a completely separate, privately held company. They are competitors in the Midwest market.
Does GFS have stores in Illinois?
Yes. Gordon Food Service has GFS Marketplace store locations in Illinois and throughout the Midwest. Check the GFS website for store locations near your operation.
Which has better pricing — Reinhart or GFS?
Pricing varies by product category, your location, and negotiated terms. In some categories Reinhart wins; in others GFS wins. The only reliable way to compare is to get quotes on your specific top items from both distributors.
What happened to Reinhart Foodservice?
Reinhart Foodservice was acquired by Performance Food Group (PFG) in 2019 for approximately $2 billion. They continue to operate under the Reinhart brand with their own regional distribution infrastructure, now with access to PFG national resources.
Sources: Performance Food Group Annual Report 2024; Gordon Food Service company information; FrillPick editorial research. FrillPick is not affiliated with or endorsed by any food distributor.