Margins in foodservice are tighter than ever. Between labor shortages and spiking ingredient costs, operators are being forced to rethink how every dollar is spent—and how every ounce of efficiency is gained.
One of the biggest areas of opportunity? Packaging.
When chosen wisely, the right packaging protects product integrity, cuts waste, saves labor, and strengthens the customer experience. And for thousands of operators across the country, the consistent source of that value is BradyPLUS.
BradyPLUS is more than just a national distributor. It’s a network of deeply rooted legacy companies unified under one mission: to support the productivity, safety, and sustainability of foodservice operations. The name itself speaks volumes.
“The PLUS in BradyPLUS represents everything beyond the product,” noted Steven Lettero, Business Development Manager of BradyPLUS. “That means the expertise, the partnership, the local service with national reach.”
Built from a merger of BradyIFS and Envoy Solutions, BradyPLUS is a strategic unification of decades of distribution experience. While the combined companies now reach national scale, their identity is still shaped by the family-owned businesses that built them.
“Our customers did not need just another vendor—they needed a dependable partner,” Lettero said. “BradyPLUS was created to be that partner, one that delivers Supplies PLUS Support. We bring premium brands, backed by consultative service that’s tailored to the real challenges operators face today.”
And today, those challenges are steep. Many kitchens are operating with fewer employees than ever before. Food costs have risen sharply. New regulations around sustainability and safety are evolving quickly.
In response, packaging has gone from a commodity to a strategic tool. “A lot of operators used to just think of packaging as an afterthought. Not anymore,” Lettero said.
“Now, it’s critical to keeping hot food hot, cold food crisp, and meals arriving safely for off-premise dining. It’s also where you can really reduce labor—less repacking, fewer errors, faster service.”
BradyPLUS provides operators with options that balance functionality, sustainability, and brand image. From tamper-evident containers to compostable trays and high-visibility catering boxes, the company’s packaging solutions are engineered for the evolving expectations of both customers and regulators.
But BradyPLUS is far more than packaging. The company’s scope has grown to include warewashing, janitorial, smallwares, commercial kitchen equipment, and even full design-build services.
“We evolved from being a packaging provider to being a complete foodservice solution partner,” Lettero explained. “That means when operators want to launch a new concept, streamline their kitchen, or ensure compliance across dozens of locations, we’re right there with them.”
At the center of this service evolution is the BradyPLUS sales force—highly trained professionals with specialized knowledge across all segments of the foodservice industry.
“Our reps don’t just sell product. They uncover inefficiencies, identify cost savings, and help customers adapt to change,” Lettero detailed. “They know how to tailor programs to fast casual, catering, healthcare, education—you name it.”
That depth of knowledge is crucial when operators are navigating variables like sustainability mandates, allergen protocols, or how to design packaging that enhances shelf life.
One standout service is the BradyPLUS Essential 8 program—a comprehensive operational audit offered at no cost. It looks at every part of the operation: from receiving and storage to prep, cooking, packaging, and sanitation. The program is tailored, thorough, and highly effective.
“We’ve had fast casual chains, healthcare systems, and even sports venues use Essential 8 to standardize their practices and improve compliance,” Lettero said. “They want to know: are we using the right tools, the right processes, and are we meeting board of health standards? That’s what we help answer.”
Consistency is also critical, especially for operators running multiple locations. BradyPLUS delivers national capabilities with local accountability.
A single account manager coordinates across regions, making it easier to roll out new packaging programs or equipment upgrades system wide. That support has been a game-changer for multi-unit groups seeking to control costs and present a unified brand.
“We’re one of the few national organizations that can give you scale, but still act local,” Lettero outlined. “Whether you have five locations or fifty, we can help you make smarter decisions, backed by data, and supported by on-the-ground service.”
That combination of product breadth, consultative expertise, and national consistency is what sets BradyPLUS apart. And as foodservice continues to change, the company is investing in its future—from IT systems that unify operations to ongoing associate training and category leadership.
“We’re not just growing for the sake of growth,” Lettero concluded. “We’re growing so we can better serve the people who trust us every day.”
Restaurant and foodservice operators looking to take the next step can explore BradyPLUS’s full capabilities—including beverage and equipment solutions—at BradyPLUS or by calling 877-788-PLUS.
