Baker Distributing Company

For over 75 years, Baker Distributing Company has been synonymous with excellence and reliability in the HVAC/R and foodservice equipment distribution space. A publicly traded, leading wholesale distributor, Baker is known for its high-quality products and supplies and exceptional customer service across the U.S. Baker has a focused division called Ice Design Center with over 50 associates totally focused of the foodservice industry.

A subsidiary of Watsco (NYSE:WSO), the largest heating and air conditioning distributor in the U.S., Baker/Ice Design Center has been exhibiting tremendous growth despite the effects of the pandemic and supply chain disruptions in the industry.

A key factor contributing to the company’s stellar growth is its dedication to meeting clients’ diverse needs. Following a dual approach. It emphasizes delivering tailored solutions to two different segments—the food equipment dealer segment, which focuses on consistent equipment supply for their restaurant customers and the service dealer segment, which handles urgent product replacement, maintenance, and retrofitting needs.

With an extensive inventory, Baker offers a wide range of foodservice products, including refrigerators, ice machines, beverage dispensers, compressors and motors. Two of Baker’s most widely distributed products are Manitowoc Ice machines and Everpure water filtration systems. It is equipped to deliver virtually every model required in the foodservice industry to both its equipment and service dealer segments.

Baker’s top-notch customer service is complemented by its technological expertise. Dealer partners can purchase products through its e-commerce platform, Bakerdist.com. There is also Baker’s user-friendly app, which allows customers to easily find equipment in the nearest store. Both the app and e-commerce platform simplify purchasing and offer real-time information on equipment availability, pricing, and vital documents like cut sheets and service manuals.

The app is particularly beneficial for customers needing an urgent product or part for quick replacement of malfunctioning appliances. When it comes to the food service industry, the failure of critical machinery like refrigerators can bring operations to a grinding halt, calling for expeditious product replacement. Customers can use the app to find the devices they need in any of Baker’s locations along with other details so they can help restaurants get up and running quickly.

Baker is known for its prompt assistance by leveraging its fully loaded inventory. With the ability to provide services around the clock, it acts as a central hub for all equipment, parts, and tools clients require whenever they need them.

“Baker’s superpower is the immediate availability of products. There’s probably no machine out there that we can’t replace on the same day,” says Brian Silva, vice president of the foodservice line of business for Baker Distributing Co.

With over 220 locations across the U.S., Baker enables localized service for all equipment, including warranty and technical support. The combination of a strong brick-and-mortar presence and a state-of-the-art e-commerce system guarantees that the customers receive the best of both worlds.

Baker’s tenured specialists with decades of experience are dedicated to prioritizing client satisfaction and serving them in their best interest.

Along with a focus on customer centricity, Baker also places significant importance on sanitation and environmental responsibility. By constantly aligning its operations to supply refrigerants with lower environmental impact and supplying machines like Manitowoc Ice with in-built tools to maintain equipment sanitation, the company not only fosters sustainability but also emphasizes meeting safety standards.

Baker’s ability to provide its clients with a wide range of product lines, competitive pricing, and superior and timesaving services position it as an industry leader. With an inventory loaded with products from leading manufacturers and brands and a team of tenured specialists with decades of experience, the company continues to be a trusted partner for all food service dealers in the country.