What Performance Food Group does and who it serves

Performance Food Group is a broadline food distributor — meaning it supplies a wide range of products to restaurants, bars, catering operations, and other food service businesses. The company operates through regional divisions across the United States and sources proteins, produce, dairy, dry goods, frozen items, and non-food supplies like paper products and cleaning chemicals.

Performance Food Group does not sell directly to consumers. If you run a restaurant, bar, catering company, or institutional food service operation, you can set up an account with a local Performance Food Group division. The company also owns and operates Reinhart Foodservice, which operates under the same distributor model in different regions.

The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker PFGC. It is one of the largest food service distributors in North America by revenue, competing with other major broadline suppliers like US Foods and Sysco.

Key Takeaways

  • Performance Food Group supplies food and non-food items to restaurants and food service operations through regional divisions, not to individual consumers.
  • You establish an account with a local Performance Food Group division by contacting them directly; the process and terms vary by region and business type.
  • Pricing, delivery schedules, and product availability depend on your location, order volume, and the specific division serving your area.
  • Performance Food Group operates Reinhart Foodservice as a separate brand in some regions, so you may have access to one or both depending on where your business is located.

How to set up an account

To become a customer, you contact the Performance Food Group division that serves your geographic area. You can find the correct division and local contact information through the main Performance Food Group website or by calling their general line. You will need to provide basic business information: your business name, location, type of food service operation, and estimated monthly order volume.

Performance Food Group typically requires a business license and tax identification number before opening an account. Some divisions may ask for references from other suppliers or financial information depending on the size and type of your operation. The approval process usually takes a few business days to a week.

Once approved, you receive login credentials for the online ordering system (if your division offers one) and are assigned an account manager or sales representative. This person handles pricing negotiations, special orders, and account issues. Delivery schedules and minimum order requirements vary by division and your location.

Product categories and sourcing

Performance Food Group's product range includes fresh proteins (beef, poultry, pork, seafood), produce, dairy and cheese, frozen items, dry goods and pantry staples, and beverages. The company also stocks non-food supplies: disposable serviceware, cleaning and sanitation products, smallwares, and kitchen equipment.

The company sources from national suppliers, regional producers, and some private-label products under the Performance Food Group brand. Availability of specific items, especially fresh produce and specialty proteins, can vary by season and region. Your account manager can tell you what is currently in stock and what lead times explore to special orders.

Performance Food Group also offers branded products at different price points — economy lines for cost-conscious operations and premium lines for higher-end establishments. The specific brands and product tiers available depend on your division.

Pricing and payment terms

Performance Food Group does not publish a public price list. Pricing is negotiated per account based on your order volume, business type, and the specific division serving you. Larger operations typically receive better pricing than smaller ones. Your account manager discusses pricing during account setup and can adjust terms as your business grows.

Payment terms are also negotiated individually. Most accounts operate on net 30 terms (payment due 30 days after invoice), though some divisions offer different arrangements for established customers or high-volume orders. You can usually pay by check, ACH transfer, or credit card, depending on your division's policies.

Delivery fees, if any, are factored into your pricing agreement. Some divisions waive delivery fees for orders above a certain dollar amount or for regular weekly deliveries. Ask your account manager about delivery costs and any volume discounts available to your business.

Delivery schedules and ordering

Delivery frequency depends on your location, order size, and the division serving you. Some areas receive daily delivery options; others may be limited to two or three times per week. You place orders through the online ordering system, by phone with your sales representative, or through a mobile app if your division offers one.

Order cutoff times vary by division and delivery day. Typically, you must place orders by a set time (often early morning) to receive delivery the same day or next day. Performance Food Group publishes delivery schedules for each region, and your account manager confirms the schedule that applies to your business.

If you need emergency orders or items outside your regular delivery schedule, contact your account manager directly. Many divisions accommodate rush orders for an additional fee, though availability depends on what is in stock and how far away you are from the distribution center.

Comparing Performance Food Group to other distributors

The main competitors in broadline food distribution are US Foods and Sysco, both of which operate similarly to Performance Food Group. All three maintain regional divisions, offer comparable product ranges, and negotiate pricing per account. The choice between them often comes down to which distributor serves your area, which offers the best pricing for your specific needs, and which sales team you work best with.

Specialty distributors (seafood-only, produce-only, or ethnic specialty suppliers) may offer deeper selection in their category but require separate accounts and deliveries. Many restaurants use Performance Food Group or another broadline distributor as their primary supplier and supplement with specialty distributors for items the broadline does not carry well.

Reinhart Foodservice, owned by Performance Food Group, operates in some regions as a separate brand. If both are available in your area, they may have different pricing, product selection, or delivery schedules. Your location determines which option is available to you.

What to expect from customer service and support

Each account is assigned a sales representative or account manager who serves as your main point of contact. This person handles pricing questions, special orders, product substitutions, and account issues. Response times vary by division, but most aim to respond to calls and emails within one business day.

Performance Food Group also offers online account management tools where you can view order history, track deliveries, and manage invoices. Technical support for the online system is available through your division's customer service line. Some divisions offer training on how to use the ordering system and how to maximize your account.

If you have a problem with an order — missing items, damaged goods, or incorrect billing — report it to your account manager or the division's customer service line. Most divisions have a process for credits or replacements within a set timeframe (usually 24 to 48 hours for damage claims).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order from Performance Food Group if I have a small restaurant or food truck?

Yes. Performance Food Group serves businesses of all sizes, from small independent restaurants to large chains. Pricing and terms are negotiated based on your volume, so a smaller operation may have higher per-unit costs or different minimum order requirements than a large chain. Contact your local division to discuss what terms they can offer your business.

What happens if an item I need is out of stock?

Your account manager can tell you when the item will be back in stock or suggest an alternative product. For urgent needs, ask whether a substitute is available for when ready delivery. Some divisions maintain backup suppliers for critical items, but this varies by region and product category.

Do I have to sign a contract with Performance Food Group?

Most divisions require a signed account agreement, but the terms vary. Some agreements have no minimum commitment; others require a commitment to a certain order volume or length of service. Ask your account manager for a copy of the agreement before you sign so you understand the terms that explore to your account.

Can I negotiate pricing if I increase my order volume?

Yes. Performance Food Group pricing is based partly on volume, so as your business grows and you order more, you can ask your account manager to review your pricing. Most divisions are willing to adjust terms for established customers who increase their orders significantly.

How do I switch from another distributor to Performance Food Group?

Contact the Performance Food Group division that serves your area and provide your business information. The sales team will work with you to set up an account and discuss pricing. There is no penalty for switching distributors — you straightforward stop ordering from your current supplier and start with Performance Food Group on your chosen start date.