4 ways a GPO can help restaurants create memorable customer experiences

How do you dazzle guests in today's competitive restaurant industry?

Value-conscious guests need a memorable dining experience, especially if they are to become repeat customers.

Partnering with group purchasing organizations (GPOs) allows restaurant owners to access a network of suppliers and protect their margins, all while ensuring top-tier ambiance, food quality, service and building maintenance.

Explore restaurant and food procurement solutions.

Entegra’s network includes over 2,500 national and regional suppliers. Here’s how leveraging key Entegra suppliers can elevate your restaurant’s guest experience.

1. Ambiance: Creating a vibe in your restaurant .

Creating an inviting atmosphere is crucial to enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement. From lighting to cleanliness, these GPO suppliers can help set the perfect scene:

• 1Concier – High-quality linen solutions
• CreativeXchange - Transform your venue with Made for Hospitality live music experiences.
• Tennant Company – Advanced cleaning solutions that maintain a spotless and hygienic environment
• Pacific Concepts Group – Authorized dealer of DIRECTV for business services
• MityLite – Durable and versatile furniture that ensures guest comfort without sacrificing aesthetics

By working with these suppliers, restaurants can create a welcoming, visually appealing, and comfortable setting that keeps guests coming back.

2. Food: Elevating presentation and quality

Exceptional food presentation and high-quality ingredients are key drivers of customer satisfaction and social media buzz. Consider these F&B and FF&E suppliers:

• Network – Distributor for janitorial, housekeeping, safety supplies and more
• Gourmet Foods & Chef’s Warehouse – Specialty gourmet ingredients that allow chefs to craft exquisite dishes
• Fortessa – Elegant plating and dishware that add a touch of sophistication to every meal

With the rise of social media, “Instagram-worthy” plating can significantly influence a restaurant’s reputation. These suppliers help ensure your dishes are not only delicious but also visually appealing and cost-effective.

Download Entegra’s annual Trends 2025 report for more ideas.

3. Service: Training and operational efficiency matter

Customer service plays a critical role in shaping a restaurant's reputation. These suppliers can help ensure that your staff is well-trained, professional and efficient:

• FoodPrep Solutions – Knife sharpening and cutlery exchange program
• Data Facts – Offers pre-employment background checks and fingerprinting
• SmartCare – Implements innovative technologies to improve service efficiency and guest interactions
• Cintas – Supplies uniforms, facility services, and first aid solutions to ensure staff appearance and safety
• ServSafe – Provides educational resources, materials and programs to help attract, train and develop a strong restaurant industry workforce

By investing in training and operational efficiency, restaurants can enhance customer interactions and improve overall service quality.

Download the operational efficiency guide for restaurants.

4. Exterior Appeal: Making a great first impression

The guest experience begins before they even walk through the door. Maintaining an attractive and well-kept exterior is vital to drawing in customers:

• Ambius – Air purification, plants, green walls, scenting and holiday décor
• OnPoint – Nationwide facility services, scheduled and on-demand

A well-maintained entrance, clean parking areas, and vibrant landscaping can make a lasting first impression and reinforce your brand’s image.

By leveraging the resources and cost savings offered by Entegra's suppliers, restaurant owners can provide top-tier experiences that keep guests returning time and time again.

Looking to upgrade your restaurant’s guest experience? Partner with Entegra to learn about these and our entire network of trusted suppliers and start making an unforgettable impact! Contact us today!