Running a restaurant is a lot like dating. You have your "honeymoon phase" (opening night), your dramatic arguments (the POS system goes down on Cinco de Mayo), and the moments of pure bliss (a perfect 5-star Yelp review).

But there’s one relationship in your restaurant life that might matter more than any other. No, it’s not with your Head Chef (though please, keep them happy). It’s the relationship you have with your food distributor.

Just like in romance, it’s easy to settle. You tell yourself, "Sure, they’re late sometimes, and maybe they sent me canned cheddar instead of Queso Fresco, but they mean well."

You owe it to yourself to stop making excuses. If your food distributor’s causing you more stress than your Saturday night rush, it might be time to have "the talk." Here are 5 signs you’re in a toxic relationship with your distributor—and why you deserve better.

1. They "Ghost" You on Delivery Day

You placed the order on Tuesday. You got the confirmation email. You have a prep team waiting. And then… silence. No truck. No call. No text.

In the dating world, getting ghosted is rude. In the restaurant world, it’s a disaster. You can’t make Arroz con Pollo with apologies and excuses. You need a partner who respects your time and your schedule. At Carolina Food Service, we know that "on time" isn't a suggestion—it’s the only way you survive.

2. They Don’t Speak Your Language (Literally or Figuratively)

Communication is the key to any healthy relationship. But does your distributor actually understand you?

We aren’t just talking about order forms. We’re talking about culture. When you ask for a specific brand of chorizo or a particular cut of meat for your parrillada, do they get it? Or do they send you a generic substitute that ruins the dish?

At Carolina Food Service, we pride ourselves on being fully bilingual and culturally fluent. We don’t just deliver ingredients; we understand the recipes, the traditions, and the difference between "spicy" and "flavorful." We speak English, Spanish, and—most importantly—Restaurant fluently.

3. The "Bait and Switch" Pricing

Ah, the classic first-date trick. They wooed you with rock-bottom prices for the first month. "Look how cheap our avocados are!" they said. "We’re practically giving away the rice!"

But six months later, you look at your invoices and realize those prices have slowly crept up, and suddenly you’re paying a premium for standard goods. A true partner believes in transparency and fair, competitive pricing for the long haul—not just to get you in the door.

4. They Treat You Like Just Another Number

Does your rep know your name? Do they know your menu? Or are you just Account #4092 on a spreadsheet in a corporate office three states away?

There’s no substitute for the family feel. When you work with an independently owned distributor like us, you aren’t just a stop on a GPS route; you’re a neighbor. We succeed when you succeed. We want to see your dining room packed, your kitchen humming, and your stress levels way down. If you’re just a number to your current distributor, it’s time to find someone who treats you like family.

5. They Don’t Support Your Growth

A good partner wants you to be the best version of yourself. They should be bringing you new ideas, spotting trends (like the rise of plant-based Latin flavors!), and helping you find unique solutions to your kitchen’s problems.

If your distributor is just an order-taker who never asks, "How can we help you grow?", then you’ve outgrown them. And your business deserves a partner who grows with you, not one who holds you back.

Ready to Find True Love?

Okay, maybe we’re being a little dramatic. But your business is your livelihood, and you shouldn’t have to battle your distributor just to get dinner on the table.

If you found yourself nodding along to these red flags, it might be time to swipe left on your current distributor and swipe right on Carolina Food Service. We’re local, we’re reliable, and we’re ready to be the partner you’ve been waiting for.

Call us today to start a relationship that actually works.