Roanoke, Virginia – The world of retail food service is buzzing with excitement as CHEF’STORE, a warehouse retail concept from US Foods, celebrates the opening of its 89th location in Roanoke, Virginia. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy, signaling a promising future with more store openings planned for 2023.
The new CHEF’STORE, sprawling over 23,500 square feet, is conveniently situated at 1372 Towne Square Boulevard. This marks the brand’s second venture in Virginia, following the successful establishment of their Lynchburg store. The Roanoke store’s grand opening was a vibrant affair, attended by local customers, vendors, and community members, reflecting the brand’s commitment to community engagement.
One of the most appealing aspects of this new store is its warehouse-style shopping experience. Open seven days a week, it invites shoppers with the promise of hassle-free access as it requires no membership. This approach caters to a broader customer base, including restaurant owners, small foodservice operators, and budget-conscious individuals.
Looking to cement its presence in the cash-and-carry market, CHEF’STORE is not just stopping at Roanoke. The company has ambitious plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 15 for its upcoming store in Greenville, North Carolina, located at 915 Greenville Boulevard SW. Furthermore, preparations are in full swing for the launch of another store in Fayetteville, North Carolina, at 511 Cross Creek Mall next month. This rapid expansion is a clear indication of CHEF’STORE’s commitment to growth and accessibility.
Irfan Badibanga, the president of CHEF’STORE, expressed excitement about the expansion. “Our CHEF’STORE locations provide an unmatched solution for restaurateurs, smaller foodservice operators, and price-conscious community members to get the products they need when they need it,” he stated. This sentiment echoes the brand’s dedication to meeting the diverse needs of its customers.
The company’s growth is guided by a principle of being where their customers are, ensuring access to low-priced, high-quality products. This philosophy has propelled them towards a real estate pipeline nearing 90 stores nationwide.
CHEF’STORE’s journey into the cash-and-carry market gained momentum in April 2020 with the acquisition of Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores. This strategic move was followed by a rebranding of these stores as US Foods’ CHEF’STORE in March 2021, signifying a new chapter in the company’s growth narrative.
As CHEF’STORE continues to expand its brick-and-mortar presence, it stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to accessibility, quality, and community-centric values, promising a bright future in the retail food service industry.
