Sysco, a global food distribution giant, is launching a new retail concept aimed at serving small food-related businesses more directly and efficiently. Its first-ever "Sysco to Go" store has opened in Houston, marking a shift from traditional wholesale delivery toward a more accessible, walk-in model.
Key Points
Sysco has opened its first retail store under the name “Sysco to Go” in Houston.
The store is located in a repurposed Bed Bath & Beyond building on Katy Freeway.
It spans 48,000 square feet and operates like a warehouse-style, cash-and-carry market.
Designed to serve restaurants, food trucks, schools, churches, and nonprofits.
Offers bulk food products such as seafood, dairy, flour, pasta, and more.
Customers must have a tax ID to get a free membership; open only to business entities, not general consumers.
Prices are lower than Sysco’s delivery services since customers provide their own transportation.
No contracts or minimum order sizes are required.
A second Houston location is planned to open later this summer near NRG Stadium.
The company expects to create about 100 jobs between the two locations.
Sysco will evaluate customer response and purchase frequency before expanding to more markets.
What Does This Mean?
Sysco is adapting to the evolving needs of small and mid-sized food businesses by offering a more flexible way to access its products. By removing delivery barriers and lowering entry costs, the company is positioning itself to serve better a niche market that values convenience, affordability, and independence. If the Houston stores perform well, this model could become a broader part of Sysco’s strategy, potentially changing how smaller food service operators procure supplies.