CHEF'STORE amps up supply chain efficiency; 89th store to open this month

CHEF’STORE is amping up its supply chain efficiency as it seeks to tackle both current and future challenges.

The fast-growing warehouse retail concept from US Foods said Wednesday it has selected RELEX Solutions to bring together the company's forecast and replenishment, space and promotion planning and optimization solutions. 

“We are pleased to be working with RELEX to advance our merchandising planning solutions needs,” said CHEF’STORE President Irfan Badibanga in a statement. “RELEX has a comprehensive platform and deep expertise in retail making them an ideal choice for helping us drive additional operational efficiencies as we focus on providing restauranters, smaller foodservice operators, and price-conscious community members the products they need, when they need it.”  

The software company’s AI-driven, machine learning technology will support CHEF'STORE’s 88 locations nationwide across 13 states.

“We believe RELEX is the ideal solution for their operations as our unified platform enables CHEF’STORE to simplify supply chain and store planning management processes to ensure enhanced efficiencies and value,” said Keith Adams, senior vice president for North America at RELEX, in a statement.

The alternative to wholesale clubs with no membership required, CHEF’STORE is looking to expand its southern reach this fall with several new store openings.

Earlier this year, the Illinois-based company announced it would open three new stores in Roanoke, Virginia; Greenville, North Carolina; and Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The first location will open in Roanoke on Oct. 28. The 20,000-square-foot store will be located at 1372 Towne Square Boulevard. The grand opening will feature samples, giveaways and more.

“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our 89th CHEF'STORE location, right here in the heart of Roanoke. As the second location in the beautiful state of Virginia, we are excited to bring high-quality bulk foods and restaurant-grade cooking supplies to chefs and home cooks alike,” the company announced on its website.

In April 2020, US Foods acquired Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores to accelerate growth in the cash-and-carry market. Then in March 2021, the stores were rebranded as US Foods' CHEF’STORE.