Salem Cash and Carry: Your Guide to the New CHEF'STORE

Accessing professional-grade ingredients can completely change your cooking, whether you’re running a commercial kitchen or just preparing a special family meal. The original Salem Cash and Carry understood this, offering a bridge between the foodservice industry and the public. Today, as US Foods CHEF'STORE, that bridge is wider than ever. This article is for anyone who wants to shop smarter and eat better. We’ll explore the vast selection you can find inside, from fresh produce and high-quality meats to specialty items you won’t see at your local supermarket. We’ll also explain how their open-to-everyone policy lets you take advantage of wholesale prices without any fees.

Key Takeaways

• Salem's Cash and Carry is now CHEF'STORE: The local wholesale spot you knew has been rebranded, not closed. It maintains its focus on bulk, quality ingredients while adding exclusive US Foods brands designed for professional kitchens.
• Shop Like a Pro Without a Membership: Unlike many wholesale clubs, CHEF'STORE is open to the public. This means everyone, from restaurant owners to home cooks, can access professional-grade products and bulk pricing without an annual fee.
• Source Your Supplies Strategically: Use CHEF'STORE for your everyday needs like fresh produce, pantry staples, and disposables. For foundational, long-term investments like commercial refrigerators and deep fryers, turn to a specialized restaurant equipment supplier.

What Was Salem Cash and Carry?

If you've been part of the Salem food scene for a while, the name Cash and Carry probably rings a bell. It was a local staple for restaurant owners and home cooks alike, known for its huge selection and great prices. Before it became CHEF'STORE, it operated on a simple yet effective model that made it a go-to for anyone needing quality food and supplies without the hassle of a traditional wholesale club. It was the kind of place where you could stock your restaurant pantry or just grab ingredients for a big family dinner, all under one roof.

The Wholesale Warehouse Concept

At its core, Salem Cash and Carry was a wholesale food warehouse. The idea was to provide professional-grade produce, pantry staples, and other restaurant equipment directly to customers. This model allowed both seasoned chefs and everyday shoppers to get their hands on high-quality items at competitive, wholesale prices. Unlike a typical grocery store, it was designed to meet the demands of the food service industry, offering everything from bulk spices to commercial-sized containers of olive oil. This focus on bulk and quality made it an essential resource for local businesses looking to manage their inventory and costs effectively.

Who Shopped There?

One of the best things about Salem Cash and Carry was its open-door policy. The store served a mix of professional chefs, caterers, and passionate home cooks. A huge part of its appeal was that you didn't need a special membership or a business license to walk in and shop. This made it incredibly accessible, setting it apart from other wholesale clubs. Whether you were sourcing ingredients for a restaurant's weekly menu—and needed reliable refrigerators to store them—or just planning a big barbecue, you could find what you needed. This welcoming approach helped build a loyal community of shoppers who relied on the store for quality and value.

What Happened to Salem's Cash and Carry?

If you’re a long-time Salem local, you’ve likely noticed that the familiar Cash and Carry sign is gone. The store hasn't closed—it's just evolved. This change is more than just a new name; it represents a shift in how the store serves its customers, from professional chefs to everyday home cooks. Let's break down what happened and what it means for you.

The Rebrand: Introducing US Foods CHEF'STORE

The store you knew as Cash and Carry has officially been rebranded as US Foods CHEF'STORE. This transformation has been in the works for a while. The store has gone through several name changes over the years, from United Grocers Cash&Carry to Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores. In March 2020, US Foods acquired the company, and by early 2021, all locations, including the one in Salem, were updated to the new CHEF'STORE name. This rebrand signals a renewed focus on providing a one-stop shop for both restaurant professionals and the general public, blending wholesale value with retail convenience.

What's New vs. What Stayed the Same

So, what’s different now that it's CHEF'STORE? The most significant change is that no membership is required to shop, making it accessible to everyone. While it's open to the public, business owners can still get a CHEF'STORE card to easily manage tax-exempt purchases. You'll also find a great selection of exclusive US Foods brands designed with professional kitchens in mind. Despite these updates, the core of what made the store great remains. It continues to be a reliable source for high-quality produce, bulk pantry staples, and essential supplies for both commercial and home kitchens.

What Can You Find Inside CHEF'STORE?

Walking into CHEF'STORE for the first time feels like stepping into a chef’s paradise. It’s designed to be a one-stop shop, saving you the time and hassle of visiting multiple suppliers. The aisles are wide, the carts are big, and everything is organized with the professional kitchen in mind. You’ll find a massive selection of products that cover nearly every aspect of running a food service operation, from the raw ingredients that make up your menu to the essential supplies that keep your kitchen running smoothly day after day.

The store is logically divided into sections, making it easy to find what you need. You can stock your walk-in with fresh produce, meat, and dairy, fill your pantry with dry goods and spices, and grab all the necessary disposables and cleaning supplies in a single trip. It’s this combination of variety, volume, and value that made Salem Cash and Carry a local favorite and continues to make CHEF'STORE an indispensable resource for restaurant owners, caterers, and even serious home cooks. Let’s break down exactly what you can expect to find on the shelves.

Fresh Produce and Pantry Staples

The foundation of any great dish is quality ingredients, and CHEF'STORE delivers with an impressive selection of fresh products. You’ll find everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to high-quality meats, poultry, and seafood. The dairy section is stocked with milk, cheese, butter, and creams in the large formats that restaurants need. Beyond the fresh items, the store is packed with pantry essentials. Think bulk bags of rice and flour, gallons of cooking oil, an extensive variety of spices, and all the canned and jarred goods you need to round out your recipes. After stocking up on fresh ingredients, you'll need a place to keep them perfect. Investing in quality commercial refrigerators ensures your produce and proteins stay at the ideal temperature, preserving their flavor and safety.

Restaurant-Grade Supplies and Equipment

Beyond the food, CHEF'STORE offers a solid range of restaurant supplies to keep your operations flowing. This includes front-of-house necessities like disposable takeout containers, napkins, and cutlery, as well as back-of-house workhorses like commercial-grade cleaning chemicals, food-safe gloves, and heavy-duty trash liners. You can also find a selection of smallwares like sheet pans, mixing bowls, and utensils. While CHEF'STORE is perfect for these everyday essentials, for larger, more specialized items, you’ll want to look at a dedicated supplier. When you’re ready to outfit your kitchen with major appliances, you can shop restaurant equipment like industrial ovens, prep tables, and high-capacity ice machines to build a truly efficient workspace.

Specialty Items and Exclusive Brands

One of the best parts of shopping at CHEF'STORE is discovering items you won’t find at a typical grocery store. The store carries a variety of specialty and gourmet ingredients that can inspire new menu ideas or perfect a signature dish. They also offer a lineup of exclusive brands developed specifically for food service professionals. These products, created by food experts, provide the quality and consistency chefs demand at a competitive wholesale price. From high-performance cooking oils to premium frozen appetizers, these brands are designed to meet the rigorous standards of a professional kitchen, giving you reliable results every time you use them. It’s a great way to access professional-grade products without stretching your budget.

Do You Need a Membership to Shop at CHEF'STORE?

If you’ve ever done the walk of shame back to your car after being turned away at a wholesale club for a forgotten membership card, you’re probably wondering if CHEF’STORE has a similar policy. It’s a totally fair question, especially when you’re planning a big haul for your restaurant or just stocking up your home pantry. The great news is that CHEF’STORE operates a little differently, and it’s a difference you’ll definitely appreciate. Let’s get into exactly what you need (and don’t need) to shop there.

Good News: It's Open to Everyone

Let's get right to it: you do not need a membership to shop at CHEF’STORE. Their doors are open to everyone, which means you can walk right in and start shopping without a special card or annual fee. This open-door policy makes it incredibly convenient for restaurant owners, caterers, and passionate home cooks to access professional-grade ingredients and supplies. You get all the benefits of wholesale shopping—like great prices and a huge variety of products—without any of the commitment. It’s a straightforward approach that makes stocking up simple and accessible for everyone.

How It Differs From Other Wholesale Clubs

This no-membership model is what really sets CHEF’STORE apart from many other wholesale clubs. While others build their business around exclusivity and annual fees, CHEF’STORE focuses on making shopping easy and efficient for every customer. Their entire business philosophy is built on inclusivity, welcoming both commercial and individual shoppers through the same doors. This inclusive shopping experience removes a common barrier, creating a more approachable and convenient environment. You don’t have to be a business owner to take advantage of their deals; you just have to be someone who loves good food and great prices.

Finding the Salem US Foods CHEF'STORE

Ready to check out the store for yourself? Whether you're planning a big stock-up for your restaurant or just want to browse the aisles for your next culinary project, getting to the Salem CHEF'STORE is simple. The store is designed for convenience, catering to the busy schedules of food professionals and home cooks alike. You can shop in person, order ahead for a quick pickup, or even have your items delivered. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit and make your shopping experience as smooth as possible.

Location and Store Hours

You can find the Salem US Foods CHEF'STORE at 1355 Salem Industrial Dr NE, Salem, OR 97301. It’s a straightforward location to get to, making it an easy stop for anyone in the area. If you need to call ahead with questions, their direct number is (503) 363-5731. The store is open to the public, so you can drop by during business hours to explore their wide selection of professional-grade ingredients and supplies. For detailed directions, you can always check their location before you head out.

Online Ordering and Curbside Pickup

If you're short on time, CHEF'STORE offers a fantastic CLICK&CARRY service that lets you place your order online and simply pick it up at the store. It’s a great way to get everything you need without spending time walking the aisles. For even more convenience, you can get your order delivered through third-party services like Instacart or DoorDash. They offer flexible payment options, accepting cash, checks, debit cards, and all major credit cards. For more details on how their services work, you can visit the CHEF'STORE FAQ page.

CHEF'STORE vs. Your Regular Grocery Store

Walking into your local grocery store feels familiar. You know the aisles, you grab a standard-sized cart, and you shop for the week's meals. Walking into CHEF'STORE is a different experience entirely, one built on a scale that reflects the demands of a professional kitchen. Here, it’s not just about what you’re cooking for dinner tonight; it’s about stocking a business for success. While your neighborhood market is perfect for everyday needs, CHEF'STORE is designed for efficiency, volume, and professional quality.

This fundamental difference in purpose shapes everything from the products on the shelves to the price tags. You’ll find restaurant-grade ingredients, industrial-sized packaging, and a selection of supplies you just won’t see elsewhere. For restaurant owners, chefs, and caterers, this isn't just another place to shop—it's a strategic partner that helps manage food costs and maintain consistency. But the doors are open to everyone, giving savvy home cooks access to the same advantages. Understanding how CHEF'STORE operates compared to a regular grocery store can help you shop smarter, whether you're running a bustling restaurant or just planning a big family barbecue. Let's break down the key differences.

Access Professional-Quality Products

At a regular grocery store, you'll find products packaged for a family of four. At CHEF'STORE, you find ingredients designed to perform consistently in a professional kitchen. A big part of this is their "Exclusive Brands" from US Foods, which are wholesale food and supplies made specifically for restaurants. These brands are trusted for their high quality and reliable results. This means getting the exact cut of meat you need for a signature dish or a specific type of cooking oil that holds up in a commercial deep fryer. It’s about sourcing ingredients that deliver the same great taste and texture every single time, which is crucial for any food business.

The Advantages of Buying in Bulk

The most obvious difference is scale. CHEF'STORE is designed for bulk purchasing, which is a cornerstone of running a cost-effective kitchen. Buying ingredients and supplies in larger quantities means fewer shopping trips and lower costs per unit. But it's more than just getting a good deal. As CHEF'STORE points out, maximizing bulk purchasing involves understanding your business needs and managing your inventory effectively. This approach helps you keep your walk-in refrigerators and pantries stocked with essentials, reducing the risk of running out of a key ingredient during a busy service. It’s a strategic way to streamline your operations and control food costs.

Competitive, Wholesale Pricing

Buying in bulk naturally leads to better prices, and that’s a major draw for CHEF'STORE. The entire store operates on a wholesale pricing model, which means you get significant savings compared to traditional retail. For a restaurant, lower ingredient costs directly translate to healthier profit margins. As US Foods notes, CHEF'STORE is all about "selection and savings on everything you need." This competitive pricing isn't just for business owners. Home cooks planning a large party or those who like to stock up on pantry staples can also take advantage of these prices to make their food budget stretch further, without sacrificing quality.

Who Shops at US Foods CHEF'STORE?

Walk into a US Foods CHEF'STORE, and you'll see a wide range of shoppers pushing carts down the aisles. The name might suggest it's exclusively for culinary professionals, but the customer base is much broader. Because CHEF'STORE operates as both a wholesale and retail business, it attracts everyone from seasoned restaurant owners stocking their kitchens to home cooks looking for high-quality ingredients.

This unique model means you’ll find professional chefs inspecting cases of fresh produce right next to families buying snacks in bulk for school lunches. The store is designed to be a one-stop shop for anyone who needs food and kitchen supplies, without the barrier of a mandatory membership fee. Whether you're running a business, planning a large event, or just passionate about cooking, CHEF'STORE has something to offer. This blend of customers creates a dynamic environment where everyone can access professional-grade products. The store successfully bridges the gap between the foodservice industry and the general public, making it a valuable resource for the entire community.

Restaurant Owners and Food Professionals

The primary audience for CHEF'STORE is, without a doubt, the professional foodservice community. Restaurant owners, chefs, and kitchen managers rely on the store as a wholesale warehouse for food service, where they can find high-quality produce, meats, and pantry staples in the quantities they need. It’s the perfect place to grab ingredients for daily specials or restock essential supplies between large deliveries.

While CHEF'STORE covers the consumables, professionals know that reliable equipment is the backbone of their operation. For major investments like commercial refrigerators and prep tables, they turn to specialized suppliers. The convenience of CHEF'STORE for daily ingredients complements the need for durable, long-lasting kitchen hardware from trusted sources.

Passionate Home Cooks

You don't need to own a restaurant to shop like a chef. CHEF'STORE is open to the public, and one of its key policies is that no membership is required to walk in and shop. This makes it a fantastic resource for home cooks who are serious about their craft. Here, you can find restaurant-quality ingredients that you won't see in a typical grocery store, like specialty oils, unique spices, and professional-grade baking supplies.

Shopping at CHEF'STORE allows you to experiment with new recipes and get the same results as your favorite restaurants. It's also a great place to buy pantry staples in bulk, which can be a smart way to save money on items your family uses frequently.

Event Planners and Caterers

For anyone planning a large gathering, from a wedding reception to a corporate luncheon, CHEF'STORE is an indispensable resource. Caterers and event planners need access to a wide variety of food items to build diverse menus, and the store delivers with its extensive selection of deli items, fresh and frozen meats, and produce. Buying in bulk is essential for managing costs, and CHEF'STORE’s wholesale pricing makes it possible to feed a crowd without breaking the budget.

Additionally, the store offers US Foods' "Exclusive Brands," which are product lines developed specifically for foodservice professionals. These items provide consistent quality and value, helping caterers deliver a top-notch dining experience for their clients every time.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit

A trip to a wholesale store can feel like a mission, but with a little prep, you can make it incredibly efficient and rewarding. Whether you're stocking up on pantry staples for your restaurant or grabbing ingredients for a big family dinner, a smart approach will save you time and money. It’s all about knowing where to find the best prices and planning your trip to get exactly what you need without any hassle.

Think of it like setting up your kitchen—you wouldn't buy major restaurant equipment without a plan, and the same goes for stocking it. We’ll walk through how to find the best deals, what to do before you even leave the house, and a few simple tricks for shopping smarter once you're in the aisles. These tips will help you get in, get out, and get back to what you do best: creating amazing food.

Find Current Promotions and Deals

Everyone loves a good deal, and CHEF'STORE makes it easy to find them. A great place to start is with their Exclusive Brands, which offer high-quality products at really competitive prices. You can find these both in the store and online. For the most current savings, I highly recommend joining their mailing list. You’ll get bi-weekly ads sent straight to your inbox, so you’ll always be in the loop on special promotions and new items. It’s a simple step that ensures you never miss a chance to save on the ingredients and supplies you use most.

Plan Your First Shopping Trip

A little planning can make your first visit a total breeze. If you have your heart set on a specific product, it’s a good idea to check the CHEF'STORE website or call the Salem store directly to make sure it’s in stock. This quick check can save you a trip and ensure you get exactly what you need for your menu. If you prefer to shop online for in-store pickup, just keep in mind that there’s a $100 minimum purchase. You can find more details about their store policies on their FAQ page, which is a helpful resource for new shoppers.

Tips for Shopping Smart

Once you’re inside, a few simple tips can make your experience even better. CHEF'STORE offers the flexibility to buy many items individually or by the case, which is perfect for managing inventory. However, some products are only sold in full cases, so it’s good to be aware of that as you shop. Most people find they can get everything they need in under 20 minutes, making it a quick and efficient stop. And if you ever need to return something, you can do so within 30 days of purchase as long as you have the receipt and the item is in its original condition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same store I remember as Cash and Carry? Yes, it is! The store has gone through a few name changes over the years, but the location you knew as Salem Cash and Carry is now officially US Foods CHEF'STORE. While the sign is different, the core idea of providing high-quality ingredients and supplies at wholesale prices remains the same.

Do I need to own a restaurant or have a business license to shop at CHEF'STORE? Not at all. One of the best things about CHEF'STORE is that it’s completely open to the public. You don’t need a special membership card or a business license to walk in and shop. Everyone is welcome to take advantage of their selection and pricing, whether you're a professional chef or a passionate home cook.

Is everything sold in giant, restaurant-sized packages? While you'll definitely find bulk items perfect for a commercial kitchen, not everything is sold in huge quantities. CHEF'STORE offers the flexibility to buy many products individually, just like at a regular grocery store. This makes it a great resource even if you're just cooking for your family and want access to professional-grade ingredients without committing to a full case.

What's the difference between shopping at CHEF'STORE and buying from a dedicated equipment supplier? Think of CHEF'STORE as your go-to for all the things you use up and restock daily or weekly—fresh produce, pantry staples, and disposable supplies. For the foundational, long-term pieces of your kitchen, like a commercial refrigerator, deep fryer, or stainless steel prep table, you’ll want to work with a specialized restaurant equipment supplier that focuses on durable, heavy-duty appliances.

Can I order online if I can't make it to the store? Absolutely. If you're short on time, you can use their CLICK&CARRY service to place an order online for in-store pickup. They also partner with third-party services like Instacart and DoorDash, so you can have your ingredients and supplies delivered right to your door.