For many years, in the world of food distribution, Reinhart Food Service stood as a truly important name. It was a company known for supplying countless kitchens and operations across the country. But, as things often do, change came knocking. This story is about that change, and what it means for anyone who once relied on or simply knew about Reinhart. We're talking about a big shift, a notable moment in the industry, and it's quite a tale, you know?
You see, a leading foodservice distributor, Performance Food Group (PFG), came along and completed a rather significant acquisition of Reinhart Food Service back in December 2019. This was a really big deal, a transaction valued at a whopping $2 billion, which, as a matter of fact, expanded PFG's reach quite a bit. It’s like two large rivers merging, creating an even bigger flow for the whole industry.
So, what does this all mean for you, whether you’re running a restaurant, a school cafeteria, or any kind of culinary operation? This article will explain Reinhart's legacy, detail the acquisition by PFG, and show how the combined strengths now offer a comprehensive suite of products and tools for your business. We'll also touch on what happened to the Reinhart website, and how you can still get the support you need, which is pretty useful, actually.
Table of Contents
- The Legacy of Reinhart Food Service
- A Major Shift: The Performance Food Group Acquisition
- What This Means for Customers: The PFG Integration
- Beyond Distribution: Support for Your Business
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Legacy of Reinhart Food Service
Reinhart Food Service, before its big change, was a really significant player in the United States food distribution scene. It had a vast network, with 26 locations spread across the country, which is quite a lot, you know? They also had two main support offices, one in Chicago, Illinois, and another in La Crosse, Wisconsin. These locations helped them serve a very wide range of customers, from big restaurants to smaller, local eateries.
For many years, this company was a reliable partner for countless businesses. They provided everything a kitchen could possibly need, from fresh ingredients to essential equipment. A former director of marketing for Reinhart Food Service of La Crosse, Wisconsin, had a father who worked at their Shamokin, Pennsylvania, distribution facility, which gives you a little insight into how deep their roots were. They were, in a way, a backbone for many food operations, helping them keep their doors open and their customers fed, and that's pretty important, really.
Their focus was always on being a dependable supplier, offering quality products and solutions. Whether someone was planning a formal meal for hundreds or just a casual gathering for a few, Reinhart was there to help. They were known for their commitment to service, and that commitment, it's fair to say, built a strong reputation over time. So, it’s not just about food; it’s about supporting businesses, which is a rather big deal.
A Major Shift: The Performance Food Group Acquisition
The foodservice industry saw a truly significant event unfold in December 2019 when Performance Food Group (PFG) completed its acquisition of Reinhart Food Service. This wasn't just a small change; it was a huge move that reshaped a part of the distribution landscape. PFG, a leading distributor itself, made this move to further strengthen its position, and it’s a clear sign of how dynamic this business can be, you know?
The $2 Billion Deal
The agreement to acquire Reinhart Food Service from Reyes Holdings, L.L.C., was valued at a staggering $2 billion. This kind of investment shows just how much value PFG saw in Reinhart's operations, its customer base, and its geographic footprint. It wasn't just a simple purchase; it was a strategic move to bring together two large entities, and that takes a lot of planning, as a matter of fact.
Performance Food Group Company announced this definitive agreement to acquire Reinhart, and then later confirmed the completion of the acquisition. It was a major headline in the business world, signaling a new chapter for both companies. The sheer size of the transaction, frankly, highlights the scale of the foodservice distribution sector and the ambitions of its major players. It's a testament to the growth and consolidation we often see in big industries, isn't it?
Expanding Reach and Capabilities
With the acquisition of Reinhart, PFG significantly expanded its geographic reach across the U.S. Reinhart's 26 locations became part of the larger PFG network, which meant more distribution points and a wider service area for customers. This was a clear benefit, as it allowed PFG to serve more culinary partners in more places, which is pretty useful, really.
The combination of these two companies meant a broader array of products and services could be offered. PFG, already a major player, gained even more muscle in the market. It meant that customers, whether they were in Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, or Georgia, could potentially benefit from an even more robust supply chain. This expansion wasn't just about size; it was about enhancing service and efficiency, which is something every business needs, you know?
What This Means for Customers: The PFG Integration
For the many businesses that relied on Reinhart Food Service, the acquisition by Performance Food Group brought about some changes, but also a continuation of essential services. The goal was to welcome Reinhart into the PFG family, ensuring a smooth transition for all customers. It’s about making sure that the supply chain remains strong, and that's vital for any food operation, isn't it?
Tracs Direct: A Powerful Tool
One of the key aspects of managing operations in the foodservice world is efficient ordering and inventory control. This is where a tool like Tracs Direct comes in. It's described as more than just an online ordering system; it's a powerful suite of tools that helps operators take full control of their operations. This includes managing ordering, keeping track of inventory, and even monitoring menu costs, which is pretty helpful, actually.
This kind of technology is crucial for businesses looking to streamline their processes and manage expenses effectively, even across multiple locations. So, if you're wondering how to get the best value from a foodservice partner with superior products and services, tools like Tracs Direct are certainly a part of that equation. It’s about giving operators the insights they need to make smart decisions, and that’s a big advantage, really.
Quality Products and Services Continue
With Reinhart now part of Performance Food Group, the commitment to providing quality products and services remains strong. PFG, as a leading food distributor and supplier, continues to offer quality products, innovative technology, and custom solutions to its culinary partners. This means that the high standards Reinhart customers were used to are still very much in place, which is reassuring, you know?
Whether you need refrigeration units, ovens, furniture, dinnerware, or a wide selection of quality, traceable ingredients with custom options, PFG aims to have you covered. They also provide refreshing beverage solutions through Rejuv®, catering to all types of foodservice and hospitality operations, from schools and healthcare facilities to restaurants and bars. It's a comprehensive approach to meeting all the needs of a busy kitchen, and that's pretty impressive, actually.
Website Transition: RFSdelivers.com to PFG
As a natural step in welcoming Reinhart Food Service into the Performance Food Group family, the Reinhart website, rfsdelivers.com, was sunsetted. This transition happened on January 22, and later on April 15, 2021, all content was forwarded to the PFG website. So, if you were looking for the old Reinhart site, you'll now find yourself on the Performance Food Group platform.
This change was about consolidating online resources and making it easier for customers to access information and place orders through a single, unified platform. It means that to sign in, select your online ordering site, and place your order now, you'll be doing so through Performance Food Group's digital presence. It’s a streamlining effort, making things a bit more straightforward for everyone involved, which is quite practical, really.
Beyond Distribution: Support for Your Business
Performance Food Group provides wholesale food supply and resources for restaurants and various other operations. Their aim is to be more than just a supplier; they want to be a true partner. This means offering not just products, but also the tools and insights that help businesses succeed. They are proudly serving areas like Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia, among many others, which shows their wide reach, you know?
The integration of Reinhart Food Service into PFG has created an even more robust network, capable of supporting a diverse range of culinary needs. It's about ensuring that partners have access to the highest quality restaurant equipment by major manufacturers, alongside a steady supply of ingredients. This comprehensive support helps operators manage their costs and maintain efficient operations, and that's something every business can appreciate, actually.
So, whether you're a long-time customer of what was once Reinhart or new to the Performance Food Group family, the focus remains on providing exceptional service and reliable solutions. The industry is always changing, and having a partner that can adapt and offer extensive support is truly valuable. It's about building lasting relationships, and that's pretty important in any business, isn't it?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who acquired Reinhart Food Service?
Performance Food Group (PFG) completed the acquisition of Reinhart Food Service. This significant transaction was finalized in December 2019, bringing Reinhart into the PFG family. It was a rather large deal, valued at $2 billion, which is quite a sum, you know?
What is Tracs Direct?
Tracs Direct is a powerful suite of tools offered by Performance Food Group. It's more than just an online ordering system; it allows operators to take full control of their operations. This includes managing ordering, keeping track of inventory, and even overseeing menu costs, even across multiple locations, which is pretty useful, actually.
Does Reinhart Food Service still exist?
While the Reinhart Food Service name and its independent operations were acquired by Performance Food Group in December 2019, the legacy and many of its services now continue under the PFG umbrella. The Reinhart website, rfsdelivers.com, was sunsetted and its content forwarded to the PFG website. So, in a way, it exists as part of a larger entity now, which is quite common in business, isn't it?
The story of Reinhart Food Service is a clear example of how dynamic the foodservice distribution industry can be. Its acquisition by Performance Food Group was a major event, creating a larger, more capable entity designed to better serve culinary partners across the United States. This means continued access to quality products, advanced operational tools like Tracs Direct, and comprehensive support for your business needs. You can learn more about Performance Food Group and its offerings, as a matter of fact. It's all about providing solutions that help your operations thrive, which is pretty much the goal, isn't it? Learn more about foodservice distribution on our site, and explore our full range of solutions.
