Case Study: Hamby Catering & Events

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Hamby Catering & Events is an esteemed family-owned catering company that serves weddings and special events. A leading caterer in the Lowcountry, the Hamby team has also branched out to retail by opening their brick-and-mortar storefront, The Market at Hamby.

Source: Hamby Catering & Events

When Hamby Catering & Events joined SB Value, they were eager to save money on every order — and they started seeing results in their bottom line right away. But cost savings aren’t the only benefit they get from their membership. In our talks with the Hamby team, it was clear how much they have appreciated the guidance from US Foods in improving their kitchen operations.

Here’s the thing: Caterers are experts in their company. They know their way around their kitchen and they are well-equipped to impress their clients with top-notch service. The team at Hamby Catering & Events was no exception.

Yet, while caterers see one kitchen—their own—US Foods sees hundreds of kitchens per day. Their representatives take note of what works and what doesn’t work in catering companies throughout the country, allowing them to share best practices with customers.

Hamby Catering is already an impressive catering company in its own right. But as an SB Value member, they were able to learn new strategies and concepts from US Foods, like how to optimize batch cooking and when to consider ordering alternative supplies. 

These lessons helped them streamline operations while making a lot more money — on top of their savings as a GPO member. So while we can help you save an average of 15% on your regular orders, our program can also increase savings on the backend through education and advice for being more efficient in the kitchen.

If you are already an SB Value, you have already made a smart decision. But don’t forget to take advantage of the many membership benefits beyond wholesale pricing! Let us help you save time and earn even more money by sharing insights, answering questions, and supporting your kitchen and your bottom line. Our member representatives are here to help, so reach out and ask away.

Not an SB Value member yet? You’ve found us at the right time. As US Foods’ largest account, we leverage the power of collective purchasing by passing on bulk rates to our 23k+ members with a combined food spend of over $7B — so nobody has to miss out!

It’s free to join and you can start saving on your next order. All you have to do is get in touch — request a quote today!

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Clint Elkins is the V.P. of Sales for SB Value, a Group Purchasing Organization that helps culinary professionals save an average of 16% on every food order. Membership is 100% free. No hidden fees. No extra work. Just extra profits. See how much you can save on your next food order when you become an SB Value member. Request a quote today.

GPO Myths: Debunked

We hear a lot of wonderful feedback from our members about how a GPO membership transformed their businesses and gave back valuable time in their schedule. From increased flexibility to impressive profit margins, the benefits are undeniable.

But when talking to caterers, restaurant owners, and other food service providers, it is clear that there are some misunderstandings that hold industry professionals back from attaining the big results their competitors achieve.

In an effort to clear the air, let’s debunk a few GPO myths and set the record straight.

“I do not want to feel locked in by a GPO.”

If a GPO agreement includes obligations for what, when, and how much you purchase, stay clear and look for another one. Credible GPOs will never lock you into an agreement, ensuring business owners retain complete control over their companies’ purchasing decisions. With that said, members can participate in as many—or as few—supplier agreements as they want while continuing to work with existing partners.

“I am already getting great deals, so I do not need a GPO.”

While you may receive advantageous deals on your own, GPOs employ well-established networks to leverage greater discounts than any individual possibly could. When you consider the time saved from sourcing and negotiation, it’s a hard deal to beat. But don’t worry, GPO members are free to pick agreements and are never locked in — so you can retain existing discounts while taking advantage of others from the GPO.

“Switching suppliers is not worth my time.”

Saving money on regular food purchases is certainly worthwhile, but we have found many members are most pleased with the unexpected time returning to their schedules. A GPO’s streamlined procedures and member resources allow it to handle much of the heavy lifting, allowing companies to focus on their customers instead of their suppliers. So while the upfront transition may call for some creative solutions, most business owners agree that the time it takes to join a GPO is a long-term investment in efficiency.

“GPOs are just scams that want me to purchase more.”

This myth is so far from the truth, it’s almost laughable. GPOs do not exist to fill food distributors’ bank accounts with your hard-earned cash. Quite the opposite! While we partner with suppliers across the country, our job is to facilitate negotiations that prioritize your business’s needs and reduce overages. We know you do not always need to purchase in bulk, so the GPO model is designed to secure wholesale pricing for the end user without resulting in excess. Our philosophy: Less is, indeed, more!

While not often discussed, GPOs exist in many industries, from food service and manufacturing to healthcare and nonprofits. In fact, it’s likely that leading brands in your market leverage the purchasing power of a GPO to save time and money.

The model works for countless businesses with regular purchasing needs, and since it is free to join, there is no harm in trying it out to see if it is a fit for your company. Ready to start? Request a quote or get in touch with our team to begin enrollment.

Clint Elkins is the V.P. of Sales for SB Value, a Group Purchasing Organization that helps culinary professionals save an average of 16% on every food order. Membership is 100% free. No hidden fees. No extra work. Just extra profits. See how much you can save on your next food order when you become an SB Value member. Request a quote today.

Top Ways a GPO Will Make 2023 Your Best Year Yet

As we ease into the new year, you’re likely wondering, “How can we make 2023 even better than 2022?”

You’ve learned countless lessons each year in business, but if you’re truly looking to maximize growth in the coming year, it’s time to start thinking differently. One of the best ways to grow? By saving money and putting more time into your schedule — which is exactly what joining a group purchasing organization (GPO) will allow you to do. 

GPOs leverage collective purchasing power, so group members receive better pricing through bulk savings (without compromising on quality). This means you’ll save big on food orders and eliminate the stress of price shopping. Companies that join a GPO can take advantage of bulk rates and discounts to position themselves for success in the new year.

If you’re new to GPOs and hoping to skyrocket your growth in 2023, here are four ways a GPO can help you achieve that.

Cut costs

Though there are a handful of ways to save money in the food industry, it’s hard to find strategies that don’t compromise the quality of your menus. Fortunately, a GPO allows you to get the high-quality items you need without breaking your budget. In addition, with an efficient shipping and delivery process that’s more sustainable for the supplier, you’ll get a lower cost per item without purchasing more than you need.

Put more time into your schedule

How many hours have you spent scouring the marketplace for unique brands and the latest deals? What if you could spend that time on revenue-generating activities instead? With a GPO, you can let someone else handle the heavy lifting. Experienced GPO managers have extensive knowledge in the catering and culinary industry, are familiar with negotiation best practices, and have a network of ingredient suppliers at their fingertips. As a result, you’ll get everything you need while having more time to focus on doing what you love. 

Access more options

If you’ve purchased from the same handful of distributors, you’ve likely had to deal with limited options. Most food providers partner with specific brands, so you can only access their available inventory. The result? Limited menus and fewer opportunities to turn a profit. Fortunately, GPOs have access to some of the top food suppliers, so you can get better options at better prices when sourcing ingredients. 

Rely on professional support

The best GPOs provide members with worthwhile resources, education, and support that allows them to grow their businesses. You’ll become part of a group that understands the ins and outs of your industry, so you can get the advice you need to move the needle in your business. Whether it’s menu development or maintenance solutions, your GPO can help guide you as you grow.

If you’re looking to scale your business in 2023, now’s the time to consider joining a GPO. Memberships have no fees, so you can rest easy knowing you won’t be locked into any purchasing requirements. Grow your business, cut costs, and start 2023 on a high note!

Clint Elkins is the V.P. of Sales for SB Value, a Group Purchasing Organization that helps culinary professionals save an average of 16% on every food order. Membership is 100% free. No hidden fees. No extra work. Just extra profits. See how much you can save on your next food order when you become an SB Value member. Request a quote today.