After working some ten-plus years in the family's restaurant chain here in Chicago, I felt the need to break away and do something that was truly of my own hand.

Growing up in the business allowed me to gain experience in many positions in the restaurant. From bus boy to assistant comptroller, the family business truly was a foodservice education in itself. However, nothing gave me more of a rush than the torrid pace of the buying and selling that went on at Chicago's produce terminal, South Water Market

I was barely 13, working as a driver's helper for the family chain during summer break. At the time, we had six restaurants and my dad had a full-time buyer for all food products the restaurants would use. We would spend all morning picking up the freshest offerings of the day—produce, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy and grocery. Once the truck was loaded, we would proceed to all six units daily to deliver the goods. We'd start at 3 a.m. and finish around 3 p.m. The pace was fast, yet efficient. And I loved it. Basically we had our own in-house distributorship that was personable, yet effective. We were hands-on buyers. We had the "heads-up" on quality, availability and price. This was precious information we were privy to. All because we were hands-on and had face-to-face relationships. Note the bold references and you will see what is indeed the essence of our being…

Fresh + efficient + personable + hands-on + quality + relationships =

Cristina Foods, Inc.

"Quality and Service 1st since 1989" is displayed on all our delivery vehicles and is the premise on what we offer as a company. We have grown into one of the most respected wholesale produce distributors in the Chicago metro area. Although our core business is fresh produce, we continue to explore other needs of our customers and how we can satisfy them without compromise. From school food service to health care, to correctional to fine dining, Cristina Foods, Inc. is a company I hope you will want to know better. Again, thank you for visiting and feel free to browse our site to see how Cristina Foods, Inc. can be of service to you…