When restaurant owners or management refer to purchase of supplies, it is difficult for most people to imagine the vast number of items that may be required. For customers, concerns regarding a restaurant are limited to hygiene, affordability, choice and taste. Restaurants undertake detailed planning of their supplies to meet customer needs and ensure their own profitability. Wholesale restaurant supplies refer to large quantities of supplies sold to retailers for resale to actual consumers. Generally, wholesalers buy from manufacturers and then sell to retailers. There are many companies that specialize in buying wholesale restaurant supplies from manufacturers and resell these supplies to restaurants at retail prices. Retailers and consumers with a need for a large quotient of supplies may also purchase directly from manufacturers at wholesale prices.

The supply needs of a restaurant are enormous and the costs involved in purchasing restaurant supplies are huge. Profitability is unthinkable unless these costs are optimized. Every dollar paid in excess strains resources that become problematic when managing operating costs. Most restaurants purchase restaurant supplies in the wholesale market, as they are at discounted prices when compared to market prices. Restaurants require a large amount of supplies on a daily basis. As a result, the industry thrives on wholesale purchases, which ensures favorable returns on investments.

Equipment such as refrigerators, food processors and dishwashers are long-term investments and are not purchased in bulk by restaurants. Most restaurants create an estimate of daily need after assessing daily consumption and dining trends. There are numerous restaurant supplies that are purchased regularly by restaurants from both the retail and wholesale markets, as wholesale purchases don't entirely meet their demands. This includes foodstuff such as dairy, meat, fruit and vegetable. Foodstuffs that are required daily and do not spoil easily such as tea, coffee, beer, wine, pulses, whole-wheat and oil, are also purchased in bulk. Other wholesale purchases are paper napkins, aluminum foil and containers. Disposable plates, glasses, spoons, forks, knives and chopsticks that are used commonly used at fast food restaurants are usually purchased wholesale. Wholesale purchases are not only a way to save money but also ensure ready availability of supplies that help restaurants function in a systematic manner.