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There is a new grocery item store that opened near my office in Schaumburg and was wondering if anyone had luck or reviews on the food they sell there...

http://www.gfs.com/en/gfs-marketplace-stores.page?

GFS is a foodservice type store. Lots of stuff branded with their name. Quantities range from warehouse club size to commercial. Many of their products are similar to what you would find at Sam's Club but at higher prices. They also sell paper products and restaurant type cooking pans & utensils.

Thanks Artie,

I might check it out this week and post back my findings...

I have been shopping at GFS Marketplace Stores since the early 80s in the Detroit Metro area.

GFS stands for Gordon Food Service, a large Grand Rapids based food distributor and the largest one in Michigan.

GFS was originally set up to serve small Gordon's customers who might need to stop by and pick up several items for their small businesses. They decided to open it up to the public.

Are they the cheapest? NO. However, they have a lot more SKUs than the average warehouse store. Also, since they are geared toward institutional and restaurant customers, their meat is much better portioned than you get at your club stores. For example, I was preparing a church dinner last month. I had planned on stopping at GFS and getting 20# of 4oz pork chops. Instead, I stopped at Sams and Costco and the pork chops were all variable cuts.

More important to me is that a stop at GFS is a good shop.

According to the Mount Prospect Journal, another GFS just broke ground on a Golf Mill outlot.

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What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
-- Lin Yutang

It's pretty impressive, I went "window shopping" there yesterday and found what looks like a cross between Costco and Market Day. They have name brands and private labels of frozen food, snacks, serving utensils and party items. I will buy something next week and report back...

They just broke ground on 11/21 for a new GFS at 2424 W. Oakton in Evanston. Expected to open next summer.

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"A fruit is a vegetable with looks and money. Plus, if you let fruit rot, it turns into wine, something Brussels sprouts never do."
-- P. J. O’Rourke"

There are two places I regularly encounter food from GFS.

One is at an annual event that I help put on where we feed 500 convention-goers for four days. GFS is a lifesaver -- but not just because of the quantity. They have a good range of things on offer, and while it's not high-end gourmet fare, it's good enough to have the 500 people think we're mighty good hosts. For big events, they deliver. Plus, if you're in a venue that is concerned about food safety, GFS is recognized as a safe supplier.

The second is at the home of a friend who uses GFS for every party she gives. Hot things on a warming table, cold things on a chilling table, and she gets to enjoy the party, and the guests all eat well -- whether it's breakfast or dinner -- or both (as during our 12-hour Lord of the Rings marathon).

It's easy and most of it is tasty. So for the right application, it's a good place. And some stuff is surprisingly good -- for example, the crust on their breakfast quiche is admirably tender and flaky.

Don't expect Fox and Obel, but if you are facing a hungry hoard, GFS is very useful.

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"Nothing important is easy." Patrick White (Australian Nobel laureate)

http://waltzingaustralia.wordpress.com

I actually like to get equipment there.
I've gotten inexpensive but good quality pots and pans for everyday use, and some really nice sturdy steam table pans a few months ago for a steal.
If you need to outfit a home kitchen on the cheap it's a great place to visit.

Check out the size of this catalog. (PDF)
Not being in the business I wouldn't even know where else to get 1/2 this stuff.

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The cake is a lie

On a totally random note, GFS sold me the best ever coffee... uhhh... words are failing me... vacuum pumpy dispenser thing? Sorry, I'm sick. But their stuff is usually good quality, and the coffee dispenser pump thing was a bargain at the time, and usually manages to keep the coffee warm for up to 10 hours. Unless I forget to fasten the lid.

Airpot?
Pics

Holy cats! That's just across the street from my Home Depot!

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Food & Flowers: Andre Jordan's sweet doodle for a cold winter's day; diary of an unhappy restaurateur, circa 1881; winter project - try a terrarium

There is a new store going in on Oakton just east of McCormick (across from Home Depot). Its called GFS Marketplace. GFS stands for Gordon Food Service. I gather they are billed as a restaurant supply store which is open to civilians. Does anyone have experience with this store? Should the opening of this location be anticipated. . .or not so much? Just curious.

There is one by me in Milwaukee. Saves me the trip to the next closest store in Kenosha.
Very nice people, very good food. I see their supply truck at Bayshore Mall in Glendale, WI all of the time stocking up the eateries.
They have good quality, sign up for their newsletter for $5 off of $50. If you have a bunch of people or a work lunch coming up, you can get one of their pre-made items and just heat it up.
One of the better selections of aluminum trays. I often get more of the produce there than I should.
I go through quite a bit of their boneless pork chops in the Sous Vide. Very good prices on deli meats like sandwich pepperoni.
They also have a great price on Planter's honey roasted peanuts (I have a friend who is addicted).
Make sure that your freezer is not stocked when you go in there.

I'm fond of their tavern cheese spread with horseradish. Better and cheaper than Merkt's (whose horseradish variety is hard to find, anyway). They've had very good prices on short ribs, lately, and I have some in the fridge waiting for me to decide what to do with them. The other meat looked to be a good value as well, if you go in for big cuts.

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LAZ
Dining Chicago
Index to LTHForum Recipes, 2004-2008

The GFS on Oakton was open when I stopped at Home Depot this weekend. Didn't have a chance to check it out.

LAZ - the Merkts horseradish is always available at Woodmans. Also I think at the Tom & Toms outlet on your way up north. (you can get the Cheddar by the gallon there BTW - had to do that once for a friend's pregnant wife who lived out of state and NEEDED IT).
I miss the Merkts outlet attached to their factory - great deals and interesting items.

Experiences with GFS.

We think all the things we've tried & regularly use below are great.

Edibles:
Whole Milk Mozzarella 5lb. blocks; more consistent & tasty than most we've tried.
Sharp cheddar 2lb. blocks
Butter 1lb. blocks
Fresh mushrooms ( when not near a Woodman's for pick-your-own)
Cocoa Mix is tasty

Kitchen Stuff:
Non stick pans
Pizza pans
Trash bags
Food surface wipes


So, for us, GFS is a good place to shop.

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jerryd

We're not chefs (create recipes) but merely cooks (execute recipes): But we love to eat good stuff.