WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – A longtime family-owned Watertown food distribution business has been sold.
In a release Friday, US Foods announced it’s buying Renzi Foodservice.
“We look forward to US Foods investing in our business and expanding access to new and innovative products and business solutions to help our customers continue to grow their businesses profitably,” Renzi CEO Jude Renzi said. “The entire Renzi family thanks all our valued employees and customers who have supported us throughout our 46 years.”
Founded in 1977 and family-owned for two generations, Renzi Foodservice serves more than 2,300 independent restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, government organizations, convenience stores, and other customers.
Jean’s Beans in Watertown happens to be a customer of both Renzi and US Foods.
“You know, we’re always sorry to see a local independent go, but because we’re with US foods I’m pretty happy with it,” said Jane Bowman, owner of Jean’s Beans.
The business will continue to operate in the 110,000-square-foot facility where it conducts business today. A US Foods spokesperson tells 7 News that Renzi’s more-than 300 employees will remain on the job and the company will continue to do business as Renzi Foodservice.
Whether or not the Renzi name stays for good, will be evaluated after the deal is final.
As for an expansion already happening at the Watertown facility, US Foods will continue with it and could invest more if needed.
“Any plan to expand is a good thing,” said Don Rutherford, CEO of the Watertown Local Development Corporation. “If those things happen, it certainly has a positive impact to the area. I don’t think much is going to change other than change in ownership.”
Pending regulatory approval, the acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
US Foods is a leading foodservice distributor that works with approximately 250,000 restaurants and foodservice operators. The Rosemont, Illinois-based company has 70 broadline locations and more than 85 cash-and-carry stores.
It has major distribution centers in Buffalo and Albany and until now has not had a facility north of the Thruway.
Copyright 2023 WWNY. All rights reserved.
