Sysco vs. Reinhart Foodservice: Which Distributor Is Right for You?
Sysco is the national giant with the largest catalog and broadest coverage. Reinhart (now part of PFG) is a strong Midwest and regional specialist with a reputation for strong independent restaurant relationships. For operators in Reinhart's coverage area, they're worth a serious quote.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Sysco | Reinhart |
|---|---|---|
| Company Type | Publicly traded. Largest US foodservice distributor. $76B+ revenue. | Subsidiary of Performance Food Group (PFG). Regional broadline distributor. Headquartered in Rosemont, IL. |
| Coverage Area | National US + international. Serves all 50 states. | Strong Midwest and Great Lakes region coverage. Expanding nationally via PFG infrastructure. |
| Independent Focus | Serves both chains and independents. Largest customer base in the industry. | Known for strong independent restaurant relationships and local rep quality. |
| Product Catalog | Largest SKU catalog in the industry. Comprehensive across all categories. | Broad broadline catalog. Specialty selection varies by distribution center. |
| Private Label | Sysco Classic, Sysco Imperial, Sysco Natural — well-established tiers. | Reinhart private label programs. Varies by category. |
| Technology | Sysco Shop / Sysco Online. Continuously improving. | Online ordering available. Technology capabilities vary. |
| Pricing | Negotiated list pricing. Volume-based contracts available. | Competitive pricing in strong markets. Cost-plus arrangements available. |
| Best For | Operators who need national reach or the widest product selection. | Midwest operators who want strong local relationships and competitive broadline pricing. |
Where Each Option Wins
Choose Sysco if…
- You need national supply chain coverage
- You require the widest possible SKU catalog
- You operate multiple locations across different states
- You need specialty or ethnic product access
- You have an existing Sysco contract that is working well
Choose Reinhart if…
- You're in the Midwest or Great Lakes region
- Local rep relationship quality matters to you
- You want a distributor with strong independent restaurant focus
- You've received competitive quotes and Reinhart wins on your key items
- You want access to PFG infrastructure and resources
Reinhart's Regional Strength
Reinhart Foodservice has long been one of the most respected regional distributors in the Midwest. After being acquired by Performance Food Group, they retained their regional distribution infrastructure and local market expertise while gaining access to PFG's national scale and purchasing power.
For independent restaurants in Reinhart's core markets — Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and surrounding states — Reinhart often provides a more personalized service experience than Sysco's larger, more standardized operation.
Reinhart's delivery cadence in your area can vary more than Sysco's, which has dense delivery routes in most markets. Confirm delivery days and minimum order amounts before making a commitment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reinhart owned by Sysco?
No. Reinhart Foodservice is a subsidiary of Performance Food Group (PFG), not Sysco. Reinhart was acquired by PFG in 2019 for approximately $2 billion. Sysco and PFG are separate, competing companies.
Does Reinhart serve restaurants outside the Midwest?
Reinhart's core strength is in the Midwest and Great Lakes region, but through PFG's infrastructure they have distribution capabilities in additional markets. Contact Reinhart or PFG directly to confirm coverage in your specific area.
Can I get better pricing from Reinhart than Sysco?
In Reinhart's core markets, they can be highly competitive on pricing — particularly on broadline staples. Pricing depends on your volume, product mix, and negotiated terms. The only way to know is to get a quote on your specific items.
How do I contact Reinhart Foodservice?
Visit reinhartfoodservice.com or contact PFG directly. A sales rep will typically request your order guide or top items list and respond with pricing within a few business days.
Sources: Sysco Corporation Annual Report 2024; Performance Food Group Annual Report 2024; FrillPick editorial research. FrillPick is not affiliated with or endorsed by any food distributor.