Who Owns CHEF'STORE?
CHEF'STORE is owned by US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD), the foodservice distributor headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois. The chain operates approximately 90 warehouse-style retail stores selling restaurant supplies, bulk food, and kitchen equipment to businesses and consumers. It was created when US Foods acquired Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores in 2020 for approximately $970 million and rebranded the locations under the CHEF'STORE name in 2021.
Parent Company
Acquired
2020
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
CHEF'STORE Timeline
Who Owns CHEF'STORE?
- Parent Company: US Foods Holding Corp.
- Ownership Type: Acquired
- Acquisition Year: 2020
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: USFD
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| CHEF'STORE | US Foods Holding Corp. | Acquired |
History of CHEF'STORE
- Founded: 2020
- Founders: US Foods Holding Corp. (acquisition)
- Acquired by US Foods Holding Corp.: 2020
The CHEF'STORE name emerged in 2021 when US Foods rebranded the Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores it had acquired in 2020. Smart Foodservice itself had a longer history, operating warehouse-style food and supply stores that served both restaurants and consumers.
US Foods' $970 million acquisition in 2020 was a deliberate move into retail cash-and-carry. The logic was that small restaurants and food businesses sometimes prefer to shop and pay on demand rather than commit to delivery minimums, and that the same supply chain could serve both channels. The stores carry bulk quantities of fresh, frozen, and dry goods plus equipment, smallwares, and janitorial supplies.
Under the CHEF'STORE name the chain expanded to approximately 90 locations concentrated in the western and southern United States, where the former Smart Foodservice footprint was strongest. The format operates as a hybrid: restaurant supply store for commercial customers, bulk food warehouse for consumers who shop club-style without membership fees.
By 2026 CHEF'STORE remained part of US Foods' portfolio as a complementary channel that generates retail revenue while funneling small customers into the broader US Foods ecosystem.
About US Foods Holding Corp.
What does US Foods own?
US Foods owns the CHEF'STORE cash-and-carry chain and a portfolio of private-label food brands including Chef's Line, Devonshire, Cross Valley Farms, Glenview Farms, and Cattleman's Selection. Its core business is the US Foods distribution operation.
Is US Foods publicly traded?
Yes. US Foods Holding Corp. trades on the NYSE under ticker USFD. It went public in 2016 after periods of private equity and corporate ownership.
Who founded US Foods?
The company traces heritage to 19th century food distribution businesses, including John Sexton & Company founded in 1883. The modern entity formed in 1994 through the merger of Rykoff-Sexton and JP Foodservice.
Where is US Foods headquartered?
US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, USA, in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Who owns US Foods?
US Foods is owned by public shareholders with no controlling investor. The company was privately held by KKR and Clayton Dubilier & Rice from 2007 until its 2016 IPO.
What is US Foods' revenue?
US Foods reported FY2025 net sales of $39.4 billion, up 4.1% year over year. Net income was $676 million and adjusted EBITDA was a record $1.93 billion.
How many brands does US Foods own?
US Foods operates two main banners, US Foods distribution and CHEF'STORE retail, plus approximately ten private-label food brands used across its product lines.
- Founded: 1853
- Headquarters: Rosemont, Illinois, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: USFD
- Revenue: $39.4 billion (FY2025)
- Employees: Approximately 30,000
Where Is CHEF'STORE Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Rosemont, Illinois, USA (parent)
CHEF'STORE Categories & Tags
CHEF'STORE Recalls & Controversies
As a retail banner, CHEF'STORE's controversies are operational rather than product-level.
Retail compliance: Like all food retailers, the stores are subject to health inspections, food safety regulations, and pricing accuracy requirements under state and local law. Periodic violations are corrected through standard enforcement rather than major incidents.
Smart Foodservice transition: The 2021 rebrand from Smart Foodservice to CHEF'STORE involved store renovations and identity changes that created temporary disruption, but no significant controversy.
Labor practices: Retail operations face standard issues around staffing, wages, and working conditions common to the warehouse retail sector.
Brands Owned by US Foods Holding Corp.
CHEF'STORE Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Backed by the second-largest US foodservice distributor's supply chain
- +No-membership warehouse format fills a gap between club stores and distribution
- +Restaurant-specific assortment differentiates it from Costco and Sam's Club
- +Complements the parent's delivery business as a customer acquisition channel
- +Approximately 90 locations provide a national retail footprint
Considerations
- -Small revenue contributor relative to the parent's core distribution business
- -Competes with Restaurant Depot, Costco Business Centers, and club retailers
- -Concentrated geographic footprint limits national reach
- -Depends on restaurant industry health for its core customer base
- -Retail format faces margin pressure from grocery and club competition
Frequently Asked Questions About CHEF'STORE
Sources & Further Reading
Competitors to CHEF'STORE
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Us Foods | USA | 1994 | Mass market | United states | All-ages |
Learn More About Competitors
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: CHEF'STORE competes with 1 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Independent Alternatives to CHEF'STORE
Looking for brands with different ownership structures? These similar brands are not owned by US Foods Holding Corp., giving you alternative choices that support different corporate structures.
Food Service RestaurantsFreddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Owned by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Inc.
American casual dining restaurant chain specializing in frozen custard, steakburgers, and hot dogs.
frozen-custardsteakburgerscasual-dining
Privately Owned
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is privately owned, unlike CHEF'STORE which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Food Service RestaurantsHooters
Owned by Hooters of America, LLC
American casual dining restaurant chain known for chicken wings, seafood, and casual atmosphere. Reacquired by original founding group in October 2025 following Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
casual-diningchicken-wingsseafood
Privately Owned
Hooters is privately owned, unlike CHEF'STORE which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Food Service RestaurantsNando's
Owned by Nando's Group Holdings Limited
International peri-peri chicken restaurant chain founded in Johannesburg in 1987, privately owned by the Enthoven family.
peri-perigrilled-chickenrestaurant-chain
Privately Owned
Nando's is privately owned, unlike CHEF'STORE which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Food Service RestaurantsRed Lobster
Owned by RL Investor Holdings LLC
American casual seafood dining chain founded in 1968, now owned by RL Investor Holdings after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2024.
seafoodcasual-diningcheddar-bay-biscuits
Privately Owned
Red Lobster is privately owned, unlike CHEF'STORE which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Food Service RestaurantsTGI Friday's
Owned by TGI Friday's, Inc.
American casual dining restaurant chain known for its lively atmosphere, American cuisine, and bar offerings.
casual-diningamerican-cuisinebar-restaurant
Privately Owned
TGI Friday's is privately owned, unlike CHEF'STORE which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Food Service RestaurantsCalifornia Pizza Kitchen
Owned by California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.
American casual dining restaurant chain known for innovative gourmet pizzas and California-inspired cuisine.
casual-diningpizzagourmet
Privately Owned
California Pizza Kitchen is privately owned, unlike CHEF'STORE which is under a publicly traded parent company.
US Foods Holding Corp. Stock Information
Jobs at US Foods Holding Corp.
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