Restaurant Supply Stores in Atlanta: Where Chefs, Caterers, and Home Cooks Shop

If you’re searching for a restaurant store in Atlanta, you’re most likely looking for places that sell commercial kitchen equipment, smallwares, disposables, and supplies used by restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and serious home cooks.

Atlanta has a strong food scene, and with it comes a solid network of restaurant supply stores that welcome both business owners and everyday shoppers. This guide walks you through how these stores work in Atlanta, what you can buy, where to look, and how to shop smart whether you’re outfitting a new restaurant or just upgrading your home kitchen.

What “Restaurant Store Atlanta” Usually Means

In Atlanta, when people say “restaurant store” or “restaurant supply store”, they usually mean:

• Large warehouse-style stores open to the public
• Businesses that specialize in commercial kitchen equipment and supplies
• Places where you can buy in bulk or find heavy-duty gear you don’t see in regular retail stores

These stores typically serve:

• Restaurants, cafés, and bars
• Food trucks and caterers
• Schools, churches, and community centers
• Serious home cooks, BBQ enthusiasts, and bakers

Some stores require a business account; many others in Atlanta are open to anyone with cash or card, no special license needed.

What You Can Buy at an Atlanta Restaurant Store

Most restaurant supply stores around Atlanta carry a wide range of items. Expect to see:

1. Commercial Equipment

• Cooking equipment: ranges, griddles, fryers, charbroilers
• Refrigeration: reach-in coolers, undercounter fridges, prep tables, display cases
• Prep equipment: mixers, slicers, food processors, blenders
• Dishwashing: commercial dishwashers, sinks, spray hoses
• Storage: stainless steel tables, shelves, racks, food storage containers

These are geared toward heavy use common in restaurant kitchens.

2. Smallwares and Tools

• Chef’s knives, cutting boards, peelers, tongs, whisks
• Pots, pans, sheet pans, stock pots, hotel pans
• Thermometers, timers, scales
• Pizza peels, baking trays, pastry tools

Home cooks often come here for durable pans and professional knives at competitive prices.

3. Front-of-House and Dining Items

• Plates, bowls, glassware, silverware
• Serving trays, chafers, beverage dispensers
• Tabletop items: salt/pepper shakers, ramekins, carafes
• Bar supplies: shakers, strainers, pourers, bar mats

These are useful for events, parties, and church functions as well as restaurants.

4. Disposables and Packaging

• To-go containers, lids, and clamshells
• Paper cups, plastic cups, straws, stirrers
• Napkins, paper towels, toilet tissue
• Takeout bags, pizza boxes, catering trays

If you run a cottage food business or small catering operation in Atlanta, these stores are common go-tos.

5. Cleaning and Janitorial Supplies

• Commercial detergents and sanitizers
• Mops, buckets, brooms, squeegees
• Gloves, aprons, hairnets
• Trash can liners and cleaning cloths

These are often sold in restaurant-sized quantities.

Types of Restaurant Stores You’ll Find Around Atlanta

Atlanta’s metro area has several kinds of places that function as “restaurant stores,” each with different strengths.

1. Full-Line Restaurant Supply Warehouses

These are the big all-in-one stores with rows of shelving and sometimes a showroom for large equipment.

Common features:

• Wide selection of equipment and smallwares
• In-store assistance for layout and equipment selection
• Delivery and installation options for heavy equipment within metro Atlanta
• Open to restaurants and individuals, sometimes with discounts for businesses

You’ll typically find them in industrial corridors and commercial districts, not in dense residential areas.

2. Used and Refurbished Equipment Stores

Atlanta also has businesses that focus on:

• Pre-owned ranges, coolers, prep tables, and furniture
• Refurbished gear from restaurants that have closed or upgraded
• Budget-friendly options for new restaurant owners and food trucks

These are especially helpful if you’re trying to launch a concept on a tight budget.

3. Cash-and-Carry Foodservice Stores

These are warehouse-style stores focused on:

• Bulk groceries and frozen items
• Some smallwares and disposables
• Typically no membership required

They’re useful for caterers, event planners, and large families, and several operate throughout the Atlanta area.

4. Specialty Restaurant Stores

Near and within Atlanta you’ll also find more specialized suppliers:

• Bakery and pastry supply
• Pizzeria equipment and dough tools
• Bar and beverage-focused supply
• Cultural and international-focused restaurant suppliers

These are ideal when you need more targeted gear than a general warehouse might offer.

How to Choose a Restaurant Store in Atlanta

When you’re deciding where to shop, consider:

Location and Convenience

Atlanta traffic can add a lot to your day. Look for:

• A store near your neighborhood or along your commute, especially if you’ll visit often
• Parking space that allows for loading heavy or bulky items
• Proximity to neighborhoods like West Midtown, Doraville, Norcross, or the Airport area, where many warehouse-style businesses cluster

Product Range

Think about what you need most:

• Full equipment purchase? Focus on stores with showrooms and installation services.
• Smallwares and disposables? A cash-and-carry style store might be enough.
• Unique items or specialty tools? Try more specialized suppliers.

Price and Budget

Restaurant supply pricing in Atlanta varies:

• Some stores are oriented toward low margins and high volume, especially on disposables and smallwares.
• Others focus on higher-end commercial brands with longer warranties.

Comparing a few stores or calling ahead can help, especially for big-ticket items like refrigerators or ovens.

Delivery and Installation

If you’re running a restaurant in the metro area (Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, South Atlanta, etc.) it’s helpful to ask:

• Do they deliver within the Atlanta area?
• Do they offer installation, hookup, or removal of old equipment?
• Are there extra fees for stairs, tight spaces, or after-hours deliveries?

Return Policies and Warranty

Before buying:

• Ask about return policies for unopened items and large equipment.
• Clarify warranty coverage and whether the service is handled by the store or the manufacturer.
• Keep in mind Atlanta’s humidity and heat, which can be tough on certain equipment if the kitchen isn’t well-ventilated.

Example: What an Atlanta Restaurant Store Visit Looks Like

A typical trip to a restaurant supply store in or around Atlanta might look like this:

1. Walk-in access
   Most stores welcome walk-ins. Some may ask if you’re a business or an individual for pricing purposes, but many sell to both.

2. Browse aisles or showroom
   You’ll see:

   • Rows of pots, pans, and utensils
   • Shelves of plates, glasses, and silverware
   • Displays of fryers, ovens, refrigerators, and prep tables

3. Ask staff for guidance
   Store staff in Atlanta restaurant supply businesses are often used to:

   • Helping new operators figure out what’s required for health inspections
   • Recommending starter setups for small cafés or food trucks
   • Suggesting items suitable for small home kitchens vs. large restaurants

4. Arrange transport or delivery
   For large orders, you may:

   • Load items directly into your car, van, or truck
   • Schedule delivery to your location in the metro area
   • Arrange installation for things like ventilation hoods, dishwashers, or refrigeration

Using Restaurant Stores as a Home Cook in Atlanta

You don’t have to own a restaurant to shop at many Atlanta-area restaurant stores. As a home cook, you can benefit from:

• Sturdy, commercial-grade pans and baking sheets that last longer than typical consumer versions
• Affordable glassware and plates if you entertain often
• Bulk spices, disposables, and storage containers if you meal prep or host gatherings

A few tips if you’re shopping for home use:

• ✅ Measure your kitchen first. Commercial pans and pots can be much larger than standard home gear.
• ✅ Focus on items that fit residential stoves and ovens. Some commercial equipment requires special gas lines or electrical connections.
• ✅ Start with smallwares (knives, pans, sheet pans, spatulas) before investing in large gear.

Restaurant Store Shopping Tips for Atlanta Owners and Operators

If you operate or plan to open a food business in Atlanta, restaurant stores can be more than just a place to buy gear.

1. Plan Around Local Codes and Inspections

The Fulton County Board of Health and appropriate county health departments (for DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and others in the metro) have specific requirements for:

• Hand sinks and dishwashing setups
• Refrigeration capacity and temperature control
• Food storage and shelving clearance from the floor

Before purchasing equipment:

• Review local health code guidelines for your county.
• Bring a rough layout of your kitchen to discuss with store staff.
• Ask which equipment is typically approved for Atlanta-area inspections.

For permits and inspections in the City of Atlanta and Fulton County, the main offices are generally located in downtown and nearby government complexes; checking their official websites or calling ahead is the best way to confirm current requirements before you invest in gear.

2. Consider Atlanta’s Climate and Infrastructure

Atlanta’s heat and humidity impact:

• Refrigeration load: Kitchens in older buildings or tight spaces may need equipment with stronger compressors and good ventilation.
• Air conditioning and hood systems: Make sure high-heat equipment fits the existing HVAC and hood capacity.

When shopping, ask:

• Whether the equipment is known to perform well in hot, humid climates.
• If additional ventilation or clearance is recommended.

3. Think About Delivery Access

Many Atlanta restaurant spaces are in:

• Older buildings with narrow doors or tight stairwells
• Urban storefronts on busy streets
• Shared-use kitchens or food halls

Before equipment arrives:

• Measure doorways, hallways, and elevators.
• Confirm if your building or complex has delivery time restrictions or loading dock rules.
• Let the restaurant store know about potential obstacles in advance.

Quick Comparison: Buying New vs. Used in Atlanta

For many Atlanta operators, a hybrid approach works well: buy critical refrigeration and cooking gear new, and consider used for items like prep tables, shelving, or furniture.

How to Get the Most Value from Restaurant Stores in Atlanta

Whether you’re in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or the suburbs, these strategies can help:

• Call ahead with a list of what you need to check stock and approximate pricing.
• Ask about scratch-and-dent items, especially for shelving and stainless tables.
• Join any customer or business program that provides better pricing for frequent purchases.
• Keep receipts and model numbers handy for maintenance, parts, or warranty needs.

If you’re just visiting Atlanta but planning to ship equipment elsewhere, ask stores:

• If they crate and ship out of state
• Whether they can coordinate with freight carriers you choose

When a Restaurant Store Is (and Isn’t) the Right Choice

A restaurant supply store in Atlanta is usually ideal when you:

• Are opening, remodeling, or expanding a restaurant, bar, or café
• Run a catering business, food truck, or bakery and need durable gear
• Want bulk, sturdy, or commercial-grade items for events or serious home cooking

It may not be the best fit if you only need:

• A simple, decorative home cookware set
• Consumer-level appliances like small air fryers, coffee makers, or decorative dishware
• Highly branded, trendy items aimed solely at home users

In those cases, general retail or home-focused stores around Atlanta might suit you better, while restaurant stores remain your best option for professional-grade, long-lasting equipment and bulk supplies.

If your goal is to find a restaurant store in Atlanta, think first about what you need—equipment, smallwares, or bulk supplies—then look for warehouse-style restaurant supply businesses in the industrial and commercial corridors around the city. Most will allow you to walk in, browse, ask questions, and either take items home the same day or arrange delivery anywhere in the metro area.