Halperns'

What Halperns' does

Halperns' Steak and Seafood is a U.S. specialty protein distributor serving restaurants, country clubs, hotels, steakhouses, fine-dining operators, and institutional food service accounts across the East Coast and Midwest, with an export division reaching over 40 countries. The company was founded by Howard Halpern in Atlanta in 1966 as a perishable food distribution business and pivoted in 1983 to meat and seafood distribution starting with five butchers; it remains family-controlled and now operates as a division of Gordon Food Service. The product portfolio spans USDA Prime and Choice beef (including the proprietary Black Diamond and 1855 Black Angus programs, a Wagyu lineup, and a Portion Control Program producing hundreds of thousands of pounds weekly), fresh and frozen seafood, lamb, veal, pork, poultry, game, provisions and deli items, and more than 2,000 specialty SKUs including 200+ cheese varieties.

Distribution is asset-heavy and cold-chain-centric: nine temperature-controlled distribution hubs spanning Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Texas, Kentucky, and Michigan, totaling over 250,000 sq ft, support direct-truck next-day delivery for most customers. Differentiated technical capabilities include proprietary 10K OTR oxygen-permeable vacuum packaging for fresh seafood, ozonated water sanitation, in-house aging coolers supporting 45+ day wet and dry aging, and a barcoding traceability system covering the full process from dock receipt to end user. The go-to-market is a consultative field-sales motion staffed primarily by former chefs, restaurant owners, and operators, complemented by an e-commerce channel (Haute Grub storefront) for home consumers and an export division handling USDA/USDC/FDA compliance and international logistics for cruise lines, resorts, distributors, and retailers.

Name

Halperns'

Legal name

Halperns'

Website

https://halperns.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Halperns' is a U.S. specialty protein distributor serving restaurants, hotels, and food service operators across the East Coast, Midwest, and 40+ export countries via nine temperature-controlled distribution hubs and a chef-led consultative sales force.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Foodservice Protein Distribution

NAICS

Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesalers (42447), Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers (42446), Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging (3117)

SIC

Prepared Fresh Or Frozen Fish & Seafoods (2092), Sausages & Other Prepared Meat Products (2013), Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Seafood Specialty & Premium Cuts (Loins, Steaks, Portions for Foodservice) (AFANALAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Ethnic Meat, Poultry & Seafood Wholesale (AFAIAIAC)

Keywords

• Wholesale meat distribution
• Food service supply
• Protein distribution
• Seafood wholesale
• Specialty foods supplier

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Protein and Specialty Product Sales to Food Service Operators: Halperns' generates revenue through the sale of premium meat, seafood, and specialty products to restaurant and commercial kitchen food service operations across the U.S. Products include hand-cut steaks, beef, pork, lamb, veal, poultry, game, seafood, and over 2,000 specialty items. Sales are direct via account sales and through their Haute Grub e-commerce platform for home consumers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Halperns' is a wholesale distributor of premium hand-cut meat, seafood, and specialty protein products for restaurants, hotels, country clubs, and commercial kitchens. Products include aged beef, Wagyu, Black Angus, fresh and frozen seafood, poultry, game, lamb, veal, pork, and over 2,000 specialty provisions, processed in-house at nine U.S. distribution hubs and delivered via a company-owned truck fleet with next-day service across the East Coast and Midwest.

Product overview

Halperns' is a premium meat and seafood supplier for food service operations, offering a comprehensive portfolio of center-of-the-plate proteins. The product lineup centers on core beef offerings (1855 Black Angus Beef, Halperns' Wagyu, Halperns' Black Diamond premium steaks), complemented by fresh/frozen seafood, specialty poultry, game meats, pork, veal, and lamb. Additional offerings include Provisions & Deli items, Specialty Items (200+ cheeses, caviar, oils, vinegars), Natural & Sustainable Offerings, and an international Export service. The company operates Box Beef and Portion Control Programs for wholesale customers requiring custom-cut or bulk protein solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 1855 Black Angus Beef Premium Black Angus Beef program sourced from Grand Island, Nebraska at the heart of the corn belt. Only 10% of superior cattle meet the standards to become USDA Certified. Beef is meticulously aged for a minimum of 21 days.
• Halperns' Black Diamond Steak and Chops Program Premium USDA Prime steak and chops program featuring perfectly aged, precision cut meats for discerning food service customers.
• Halperns' Wagyu Beef Program Wagyu beef offerings including W. Black Australian Wagyu, Imperial Wagyu (American Wagyu), Wagyu-X (Tajima crossed with Angus), and True Grit 100% Full-blood Wagyu.
• Halperns' Box Beef Program Wholesale bulk beef program featuring plant-specific procurement, aging capabilities up to 45+ days, and hand selection for demanding primal specifications.
• Halperns' Portion Control Program Custom-cut steaks and portioned proteins program producing hundreds of thousands of pounds weekly. Includes mid-western corn-fed beef aged up to 40+ days with master butcher portion control.
• Fresh and Frozen Seafood Fresh seafood sourced daily from local fishermen with custom cutting in-house. Includes oysters, mussels, clams, live lobsters, and Florida stone crab claws. Offers MSC and ASC certified species.
• Specialty Poultry Premium poultry including traditional, all-natural, and organic selections from chicken, turkey, duck, and specialty gamebirds.
• Game Meats Wild game including bison, venison, elk, quail, rabbit, squab, ostrich, and wild boar from boutique farmers.
• Provisions and Deli Provisions including Old World sausages, cured meats, and deli items from brands like Vienna Beef, Nueske, Patak, Hobbs, and Niman Ranch.
• Specialty Items Artisan specialty items including cheeses (200+ varieties), caviar, oils, vinegars, salts, spices, truffles, pâtés, and specialty produce for charcuterie boards.
• Natural and Sustainable Offerings All-natural and sustainable protein offerings from vetted suppliers including Niman Ranch, Harris Ranch, Durham Ranch, and imported Australian lamb.
• Halperns' Exports Service International export services shipping to over 40 countries including Mexico, Caribbean, Central/South America, EU, and Hong Kong. Handles documentation, USDA/USDC/FDA compliance, and logistics.

Quantifiable outcome

• Next-day delivery for most customers via nine distribution hubs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship / parent company and minor.

• La Bodega (Dominican Republic)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 31 July 2020La Bodega is a purveyor of fine wines, spirits, meats, and cheeses in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Founded by M.G. Cuesta and part of the CCN group. They carry Halperns' premium beef including Black Diamond cuts and have expanded to include a wine bar, delicatessen, private kitchen, and tasting rooms.
• Gordon Food Serviceflagship / parent companyOthersGordon Food Service is the parent company of Halperns'. Halperns' operates as a division of Gordon Food Service and leverages its national distribution infrastructure. Customers can connect with Gordon Food Service reps for Halperns' products.
• Atlantic Aqua FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAtlantic Aqua Farms is one of North America's largest sources of high-quality mussels, branded oysters, and fresh clams. They operate 4 vertically integrated oyster farms and carry 50+ additional oyster brands. Halperns' is a key distribution partner providing premium shellfish to food service operators.
• W. Black Australian Wagyu BeefcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorW. Black Australian Wagyu Beef is produced by Australia's leading Wagyu breeders and genetics. Halperns' distributes this premium Wagyu beef as part of their Wagyu program.
• Imperial Wagyu (American Wagyu)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorImperial Wagyu is American Wagyu done the right way with a promise for 'Excellence, Elevated' featuring unmatched marbling, flavor, and tenderness sought after by connoisseurs. Halperns' distributes this product as part of their premium Wagyu lineup.
• Wagyu-XcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWagyu-X features full blood Japanese Tajima black bulls crossed with high-grade Angus to produce premium Wagyu beef with mouth-watering flavor, fine marbling, and tender texture. Distributed by Halperns' as part of their Wagyu portfolio.
• True Grit 100% Full-Blood Wagyu (True Grit Cattle Company)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrue Grit Cattle Company is a fifth-generation family farm operating for 100 years with the goal of raising the very best full-blood Wagyu cattle. Halperns' distributes their True Grit 100% Wagyu product.
• Mountain River Natural Tender VenisoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMountain River Venison is a New Zealand-based deer farming and venison processing company founded by the Hood family in 1994. They operate two farms, a processing facility, and partner with 120 multi-generational family farms. Their operation includes Cervena-certified venison meeting strict Pasture to Plate quality standards. Halperns' is their U.S. distribution partner for gourmet venison cuts.
• Niman RanchcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNiman Ranch is a chef-trusted brand known for raising animals humanely and sustainably on U.S. family farms. Livestock are raised outdoors, fed 100% vegetarian diet, never given added hormones or antibiotics. Halperns' distributes their beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and specialty provisions.
• Thomas Foods InternationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThomas Foods International (TFI) is Australia's largest 100% family-owned meat processor, generating annual turnover in excess of $2 billion with over 3,000 employees globally. Halperns' distributes their Australian chilled beef and lamb as the continent's largest importer of these products.
• JBS (1855 Black Angus Beef Program)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJBS USA is a leading processor of beef and pork in the U.S. and a leading beef processor in Canada. Halperns' sources 1855 Black Angus Beef exclusively from JBS, with only one in eight cattle meeting the 1855 USDA Certified brand standards.
• The Grove Meat CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrove Meat Company supplies most of Halperns' domestic lamb. Established in 1980, Grove processes and distributes the finest USDA Choice and Prime American Lamb, with quality control and hand-selection to meet Halperns' specifications.
• Harris Ranch Beef CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHarris Ranch Beef Company is one of the last truly vertically integrated beef companies in the U.S., producing USDA Certified Natural Black Angus Beef. They control animals' diets of Midwestern corn and locally grown feeds. Halperns' distributes their natural beef program.
• Joyce FarmscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJoyce Farms is a third-generation, family-owned poultry, beef, and game producer based in North Carolina. They raise animals naturally on small family farms using traditional Old World methods free of antibiotics, steroids, hormones, and animal by-products. Halperns' distributes their POULET ROUGE heritage poultry, Naked Bird, and grass-fed beef.
• Durham RanchcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDurham Ranch is one of the nation's premier brands of fresh, all-natural, grain-fed, USDA bison. Bison are wild animals raised naturally without hormones and non-allergenic. Halperns' distributes their bison as part of the game and sustainable offerings category.
• Manchester FarmscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorManchester Farms is a second-generation, family quail farm located in Columbia, South Carolina, raising heritage breed quail naturally without antibiotics. They are known for their hand deboned semi-boneless European Style quail with signature V-pin. Halperns' distributes their quail products.
• Gourmet KitchenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGourmet Kitchen was founded in 1985 and evolved from a small catering company to the leading purveyor of specialty hors d'oeuvres in the country. Halperns' features their wide selection including vegetarian and gluten-friendly items, breakfast and center of plate options.
• TMI Trading Corp.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTMI Trading Corp. is one of the largest U.S. suppliers of high-end Asian style appetizers, producing over 100 varieties of dumplings, spring and egg rolls, dim sum, and noodles/wrappers. Brands include Chef One and Twin Marquis. Halperns' distributes their products through the appetizers category.
• Stuffed FoodsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStuffed Foods develops unique stuffed ravioli and food products including protein-based and vegetarian options. Halperns' distributes their products as part of the appetizers, dim sum, and pasta category.
• True North SalmoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrue North Salmon is a true partner in environmental advocacy with strong grassroots connection to the marine environment and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Halperns' distributes their MSC-certified salmon products as part of the sustainable seafood offerings.
• Sixty South SalmoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSixty South Salmon is an Antarctic salmon brand with 100% ASC-certified farm sites, producing 12 million smolts annually in a state-of-the-art eco-friendly hatchery. Halperns' distributes their premium sustainable salmon.
• Benton's BaconminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBenton's Bacon is a renowned brand featured in Halperns' specialty provisions and cured meats selection for charcuterie boards and gourmet menus.
• CreminelliminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCreminelli is a premium charcuterie brand included in Halperns' specialty provisions selection for charcuterie boards and gourmet offerings.
• Fermin IbericominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFermin Iberico is a premium Spanish charcuterie brand featured in Halperns' specialty provisions for charcuterie and gourmet menus.
• Chatel FarmscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChatel Farms oversees every step of production from calving to finishing, ensuring exceptional animal welfare and uncompromising quality. Their genetically pure Angus and Wagyu cattle are humanely raised without growth-promoting drugs or added hormones. Halperns' distributes their sustainable premium beef.
• Vienna MeatsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVienna Meats produces premium beef hot dogs and franks. Halperns' features their Legendary Premium Beef Skinless Franks (8/1, 6/1, and 4/1 sizes) and the Monster Sized Premium Spicy Beef 'Coach Ditka' 3/1 Sausage.
• BLiS Gourmet (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBLiS Gourmet produces small-batch maple syrup aged in 18-year-old Kentucky bourbon barrels, featured in Halperns' specialty products for fall and winter menu inspiration.
• Joe Jurgielewicz & SonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJoe Jurgielewicz & Son is a fourth-generation premium Pekin duck producer, raising ducks in free-roaming, low-stress environments with natural grain diets. Halperns' distributes their duck products as part of specialty poultry offerings.
• Maple Leaf FarmsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMaple Leaf Farms has provided premium quality duck products to foodservice professionals for over half a century. Halperns' distributes their whole ducks, duck breast, and value-added duck products.
• Caviar StarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCaviar Star is a premium caviar importer and supplier. Halperns' distributes their caviar products including sturgeon, beluga, Ossetra, and farmed caviar alternatives.
• Great Atlantic TradingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGreat Atlantic Trading is a specialty foods importer and distributor featured in Halperns' specialty items partner program.
• Preferred Fine FoodsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPreferred Fine Foods was founded in 2005 with a passion for high-quality hand-made products. They provide handcrafted hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, dim sum, and specialty items to Halperns' customers.
• Southeast Family FarmscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSoutheast Family Farms is a farm-to-table program partnering with local farmers in Alabama and Tennessee raising natural Duroc and Berkshire heritage breeds. Animals are humanely raised outdoors without antibiotics or hormones. Halperns' distributes their pork products.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Buckhead Beef: Atlanta-based premium meat distributor to foodservice operators; very close geographic and product overlap with Halperns' (also headquartered in Atlanta) and similar focus on premium beef programs to fine-dining and steakhouse customers.
• Fortune Fish & Gourmet: Premium seafood and gourmet specialty foods distributor serving restaurants and foodservice operators; directly comparable specialty distribution model with similar product breadth and customer profile.
• Allen Brothers: Chicago-based premium steak and specialty meat purveyor serving fine-dining restaurants; closely mirrors Halperns' premium beef and custom-cut portion control programs and chef-driven customer base.
• Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors: Premium meat purveyor serving top-tier restaurants and chefs with custom dry-aged and specialty cuts; directly comparable premium positioning and chef-driven sales model to Halperns'.
• Stock Yards: Long-established premium meat supplier to foodservice operators with a multi-decade reputation; directly comparable business model as a premium protein specialist serving restaurants and institutions.
• Baldor Specialty Foods: Specialty foods distributor serving restaurants and foodservice with premium produce, proteins, and specialty items; highly comparable specialty distribution model and customer base to Halperns'.

Broad incumbents

• Sysco: Largest U.S. broadline foodservice distributor; competes with Halperns' for restaurant protein spend but offers broader (non-specialty) portfolio and national footprint that Halperns' currently lacks.
• US Foods: Major broadline foodservice distributor with national footprint; competes for the same restaurant customers as Halperns' but operates a much broader, less specialty-focused product mix.
• Gordon Food Service: Large broadline foodservice distributor; per some sources is the parent/strategic partner of Halperns', providing national distribution infrastructure that could either be a tailwind or a channel for cannibalization.

Regional players

• Cheney Brothers: Southeast-U.S.-focused broadline foodservice distributor; competes with Halperns' for restaurant customers in overlapping geographies but does not directly serve Halperns' West Coast or international markets.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/halperns
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/halperns
• Instagraminstagram.com/halperns_
• Xx.com/halperns_

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Halperns'