Gordon Food Service acquires Massachusetts-based foodservice distributor Perkins

Nevin Barich

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan , February 2, 2012 (press release) – Gordon Food Service today announced that it has acquired Perkins, a leading broadline foodservice distributor located in Taunton, Massachusetts.

“Perkins is a great company with a strong family heritage. Their dedication to high-quality service is an ideal fit with Gordon Food Service’s culture and commitment to exceptional customer service,” said Jim Gordon, CEO of Gordon Food Service.

“Perkins has a strong reputation in our industry and a solid track record of growth and innovation. We welcome the Perkins family of employees to Gordon Food Service and look forward to working together to continue to grow the business in the Northeast,” said Tony Groll, President of Gordon Food Service US.

Louis Perkins and his cousin Sam Franklin founded Perkins in 1915. At that time, the Franklin & Perkins Co. sold twine and plain kraft paper to retail merchants and remained primarily
a paper products distribution company until 1973. Through a number of acquisitions, as well as internal product category expansion, Perkins has become a leading broadline foodservice distributor in the Northeast.

Gary and Larry Perkins are the third generation of the Perkins family to run the day-to-day business operation. They will continue to lead their team of more than 635 employees.

“As a family owned business, it was important to us to find the right partner to help this company move into the future,” said Gary Perkins, CEO of Perkins. “We are thrilled that the values of Gordon Food Service are so closely aligned with ours; those of integrity, value, service, quality, and hard work.”

Larry Perkins, President of Perkins, mentions, “Our family believes that by being a part of Gordon Food Service, our employees will continue to enjoy the culture which Perkins has spent decades building. We are excited about what the future holds and know that as our customers understand our increased capabilities, they will be delighted.”

About Perkins

Family-owned since it’s founding in 1915, Perkins is New England's leading independent wholesale distributor of foodservice and sanitary maintenance supplies with distribution centers in Taunton, MA and New Windsor, NY; cross-docking facilities in Springfield, MA and Westbrook ME; and three Restaurant Superstores. Servicing customers ranging from casual and fine dining to healthcare, bakeries, schools, lodging, and building maintenance companies, Perkins’ 635 employees are committed to excellence and going the extra mile, every day, in every way. For more information, visit www.perkins1.com.

About Gordon Food Service

Since 1897, the people of Gordon Food Service have been committed to delivering uncompromising quality, outstanding value and exceptional customer service. What began as a simple butter-and-egg delivery service is today North America’s largest family-owned and managed broadline foodservice distributor. Gordon Food Service distributes to foodservice operators within the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the United States and coast-to-coast in Canada. The company also operates 148 GFS Marketplace retail stores which are open to the public and provide the benefits of restaurant-quality products and friendly, knowledgeable service without a membership fee. For more information, visit www.gfs.com.

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