With commodity prices expected to present even greater challenges to restaurant operators, three more national and regional chains are turning to SpenDifference for help in navigating today’s volatile economic environment.
McAlister’s Deli, Genghis Grill, and Margaritas join a client roster that includes Smashburger, Sizzler, Taco John’s, Pizza Ranch, Big Boy, HuHot Mongolian Grill, and others.
Working hand-in-hand with its clients’ internal purchasing departments, SpenDifference provides purchasing and distribution support. It contracts with a wide variety of suppliers, giving small- and mid-sized restaurant chains a unique combination of buying power and expertise while maintaining their specifications.
It also has a strategic partnership with Entegra Procurement Services to offer clients greater cost savings on a broader array of contracted products.
Entegra is a $5.8 billion subsidiary of Sodexho that serves multiunit clients in the hospitality and non-commercial industries.
“I was impressed with SpenDifference’s level of expertise and its strategic partnerships, both which would be very difficult to replicate in-house,” says Frank Paci, McAlister’s Deli president and CEO. “And with such volatile commodities markets, I like having an independent third-party to give us advice, rather than only relying on suppliers.”
Fast-casual McAlister’s Deli, with more than 300 units in 22 states, is the largest of the new clients. Build-your-own-bowl Asian stir fry concept Genghis Grill operates restaurants in 21 states, while casual-dining Margaritas, with more than 20 locations, is New England’s largest privately owned Mexican restaurant chain.
“A sluggish economy, price-driven consumers, and unpredictable commodity prices are putting more pressure on operators than ever before,” says Maryanne Rose, SpenDifference president and CEO. “SpenDifference exists to help purchasing and supply chain managers at small- and mid-sized chains like McAlister’s, Genghis Grill, and Margaritas save money and operate more efficiently. We help them ‘level the playing field’ against larger competitors.”
