The US Foods Chef’Store opened for a preview to business owners on Friday.
Restaurant and catering operators were present at the opening to get to know what the new store has to offer. The store will open to the public on Saturday.
Betty Williams of Conover came to purchase ingredients and materials for her jam and baking business, Homespun by Betty.
Betty Williams, owner of Homespun by Betty, came to the store preview to find supplies for her baked goods and jam business.
Billy Chapman, record
“I love it. It’s so much more convenient than driving to Charlotte and fighting traffic,” Williams said. “This one is only 11 minutes from my store, so it’s much better. I love the products here because I only use fresh produce in my jams.”
Other customers, like Wendi Nantz of The Ice Cream Shoppe in Statesville, shared Williams’ appreciation that the store is closer and more accessible than the Chef’Store in Charlotte.
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The Chef’Store in Hickory is the fifth store in North Carolina.
Ishita Jamar, a marketing representative for US Foods, said the Hickory Market was chosen as the location for the store because of the region’s growth.
Justice Geran and Ashley Pope purchase supplies for their restaurant Plant Based Boss.
Billy Chapman, record
“Hickory’s thriving culinary scene and its convenient location off I-40 make it an ideal location for a Chef’Store,” said Jamar. “We know Hickory’s thriving community will benefit from having a nearby Chef’Store that delivers high-quality restaurant products for every need.”
Hickory Mayor Hank Guess said the store not only wants to serve customers, but also invest in the community.
“The beauty of it is that it’s not exclusive (membership is required), it’s inclusive,” Guess said. “I just spoke to some of the management team. They really want to get involved in the community and maybe partner … with different nonprofits.”
Ariel dela Cruz, vice president of operations at US Foods Chef’Stores, echoed this sentiment at the store’s opening.
“We are excited to support not only our independent owners, operators and restaurants, but also our local community,” said dela Cruz.
Victor Estevez stands with his cart full of products and supplies for the Mexican restaurant Dos Amigos.
Billy Chapman, record
The store is primarily aimed at restaurateurs and catering companies, but is open to anyone who wants to buy large quantities of items such as sugar, flour, meat, sweets, fruit and vegetables, frozen and chilled goods or catering and kitchen supplies. No membership is required to shop at the Chef’Store.
Dela Cruz said the store employs 14 to 24 people and focuses on efficiency and exceptional customer service.
The 22,000 square foot store is located in the Hickory Village Shopping Center near the intersection of US Highway 321 and US Highway 70.
Billy Chapman is a reporter for the Hickory Daily Record.
