Am I the only one who loves to go for groceries? I just love searching for a parking space and navigating through 45 kinds of peanut butter…. It’s extra fun when the only time I’m able to go is when everyone else is also there…. And I have a squeaky wheeled cart…. and they were out of Coors Light….. 🤦🏼‍♀️

How does this even happen….

No. No I don’t love it.

Here’s the thing…. Shopping has become a whole different ballgame since we started Eating in Common. We purchase nearly everything by the case…. and we do it primarily at wholesale grocery stores. It’s a game changer. Sure, I may go out for extra things (🍺), but no cart required. It’s transformational.

Wholesale Restaurant supply Stores

Food is fresher, and stays that way longer! The time food spends in the back of a grocery store is not insignificant. You’re skipping an entire logistical step

Minimal, often recyclable packaging. I haven’t seen meat on styrofoam in months

More highly trained (often specializing in meat/produce/pantry goods). I have learned a LOT about food from the people who work at restaurant supply stores.

Fewer options to pick from, nearly all high quality.

Always have the same things… Reliably.

Fewer shoppers, even during “busy” hours so parking is always easy

Purchase pantry goods in large amounts, have a team pantry.

THE BAD STUFF The carts are often huge and unwieldy They don’t often have fresh bakery type breads (like baguettes or french bread) Sometimes you don’t need large quantities. Often in industrial areas.

WHERE I SHOP in the Pac NW… What stores are near you? Cash & Carry – Open to the public (no fee) Restaurant Depot – you need a business license, any business license (no fee)



Retail Warehouse Stores

These stores have more individually wrapped items and prepared foods

Often has seasonally available items and specialty foods on a rotation

Located near other shopping areas

Onsite Bakery

THE BAD STUFF Pricier than wholesalers Unreliable Inventory Paid Membership Super Long Lines

WHERE I SHOP – in the Pac NW… What stores are near you? Costco – If you have a Costco Business Center, seek it out… Much more like wholesale stores Sam’s – Just kidding, I don’t shop here, they closed.



Retail Grocers

Have a wide variety of reliable and seasonal inventory.

Pick one: 😬 Price – If you don’t mind paying a premium, you’ll be rewarded with a large selection of premium ingredients. Quality – If you don’t mind shaving off a bruise or two you’ll be rewarded with a large selection of inexpensive ingredients

May be the best produce in your area.

THE BAD STUFF Most items are not sold in bulk packaging Inventory is not as fresh as it could be

WHERE I SHOP – in the Pac NW… What stores are near you? Safeway – Typical Retail Grocery Chain Grocery Outlet – Discounted Grocery Chain



Direct from Grower

If you are able to connect with local growers, by ALL MEANS ask them about buying cases or whole cuts.

No packaging at all is possible here

Can’t get any fresher than grower direct

Invest into your local economy

THE BAD STUFF ?????



I took a quick road trip down to CA this week. It was super neat to have so much great food ready for our trip… I even brought dinner to my Aunt! Hasselback Chicken, Halloumi Corn Salad and Cheesecake! No big deal, just what I had laying around. ❤️