R.W. Smith & Co.
R.W. Smith & Co. (TriMark R.W. Smith) is a B2B wholesale distributor of commercial foodservice equipment, supplies, and tabletop products, headquartered in San Diego and serving U.S. hospitality, restaurant, institutional, and healthcare operators through a 10,000+ SKU catalogue, custom kitchen design services, and engineered Controlled Environment Rooms.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1940
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What R.W. Smith & Co. does
R.W. Smith & Co., operating commercially as TriMark R.W. Smith, is a B2B foodservice equipment, supplies, and design distributor headquartered at 10101 Old Grove Road, San Diego, California. The company is a wholly-owned regional division of TriMark USA and has been operating in the foodservice industry for over 80 years. It distributes commercial kitchen equipment, dining room supplies, bar supplies, buffet and catering supplies, maintenance products, furnishings, and a dedicated healthcare foodservice line through a catalogue of roughly 40,000 items spanning nine product categories and 10,000+ unique SKUs, sourced from manufacturer partners including Cambro, Vollrath, Carlisle, American Metalcraft, Dexter-Russell, John Boos & Co., Rubbermaid, Vollrath, and premium European brands such as Sambonet, Paderno, and Matfer.
Beyond distribution, R.W. Smith operates two specialty lines. First, an engineering division that designs and installs custom Controlled Environment Rooms (walk-in coolers, freezers, and clean rooms) with proprietary insulated panel systems that meet UL and Factory Mutual certification standards; since the first installation in 1983, hundreds of these rooms have been completed with industry-low service rates and nearly 100% still in operation. Second, a wholly-owned subsidiary, R.W. Smith Design, provides custom kitchen design, build, and consulting services. The company maintains a proprietary sub-brand, Tria, covering premium china dinnerware, cups, bowls, and flatware.
Commercially, R.W. Smith pursues a sales-led B2B go-to-market combining an e-commerce storefront at rwsmithco.com (with quick order, shopping list, and account management features), phone-based ordering (1-800-942-1101), live chat, and a team of dedicated foodservice consultants. Pricing is wholesale for foodservice operators with quote-based pricing on larger equipment and custom design work, and free shipping on qualifying orders of $350 or more. The company targets six primary customer segments: hotels/casinos/resorts, upscale dining establishments, national chains and regional eateries, casual and neighborhood restaurants, corporate and academic dining facilities, and healthcare and senior-center foodservice operators, all within the United States.
R.W. Smith & Co. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- R.W. Smith & Co.
- Legal name
- TriMark R.W. Smith
- Website
- https://rwsmithco.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1940
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- R.W. Smith & Co. (TriMark R.W. Smith) is a B2B wholesale distributor of commercial foodservice equipment, supplies, and tabletop products, headquartered in San Diego and serving U.S. hospitality, restaurant, institutional, and healthcare operators through a 10,000+ SKU catalogue, custom kitchen design services, and engineered Controlled Environment Rooms.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
R.W. Smith & Co. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial Foodservice Equipment Distribution
- NAICS
- Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (33331), Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (33341)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Professional & Commercial Equipment & Supplies (5040)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Restaurant & Commercial Kitchen Equipment Wholesale (AFAIALAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Temperature-Controlled Foodservice/Institutional Supply Wholesale (AFAIAHAK), Foodservice Packaging & Takeout Containers Wholesale (AFAIALAE), Janitorial & Sanitation Supplies (Foodservice) Wholesale (AFAIALAD)
Keywords
Where R.W. Smith & Co. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
R.W. Smith & Co. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Foodservice Equipment and Supplies Distribution: R.W. Smith & Co. generates revenue through the sale and distribution of commercial foodservice equipment, kitchen supplies, tabletop products, bar supplies, buffet/catering equipment, maintenance supplies, furnishings, and healthcare-specific products. They operate as a wholesale distributor selling to foodservice operators.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Wholesale pricing for foodservice operators |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
R.W. Smith & Co. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
R.W. Smith & Co. (operating as TriMark R.W. Smith) distributes commercial foodservice equipment, kitchen supplies, tabletop products, bar supplies, buffet and catering equipment, maintenance supplies, furnishings, and healthcare-specific foodservice products. The company also provides custom kitchen design and build services through its affiliated R.W. Smith Design division, plus engineered Controlled Environment Rooms for clean room applications.
Product overview
TriMark R.W. Smith is a commercial foodservice equipment and supplies distributor offering a comprehensive portfolio organized across multiple product categories: Dining Room (Tria brand dinnerware, flatware, glassware, tabletop), Kitchen Supplies (cutlery, cookware, utensils, racks/shelving, pizza prep), Kitchen Equipment (cooking, refrigeration, food prep), Buffet Catering, Bar Supplies, Maintenance, Furnishings, and Sustainable Products. The company also offers specialized Healthcare foodservice products and Custom Design Services including kitchen design/build and foodservice consulting. Their Controlled Environment Rooms division provides custom-engineered temperature/humidity-controlled rooms for clean room environments. The product portfolio spans over 40,000+ products from trusted manufacturer brands including Cambro, Vollrath, Carlisle, American Metalcraft, Dexter-Russell, John Boos & Co., and others.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Tria: Premium dinnerware and flatware collection including cups and saucers, dinnerware, bowls, and flatware products.
Products and services
- Dining Room Products Comprehensive dining room supplies including china, glass, melamine, and wooden dinnerware; forks, knives, spoons, and steak knives; stemware, beverage glasses, barware, pilsners, mugs, and plastic tumblers; plus tabletop accessories such as baskets, condiment servers, salt and pepper mills, table lighting, vases, table linens, trays, coffee/tea service, high chairs, and merchandising displays.
- Kitchen Supplies Professional kitchen supplies including cutlery (knives, steels, sharpening tools), food pans and food storage products, aluminum/carbon steel/cast iron/ceramic/copper/stainless steel cookware, kitchen utensils and smallware, baking supplies, cutting boards, pizza prep stations, and commercial racks and shelving.
- Kitchen Equipment Commercial kitchen equipment including countertop equipment, counter ovens and toasters, cooking equipment (broilers, fryers, ovens, ranges, steamers), food prep equipment, kitchen tables, refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, dishwashers, and merchandisers for restaurants and foodservice operators.
- Buffet Catering Products Buffet and catering supplies including beverage service, chafers, serving utensils, buffet display stands/risers/cases, carts and dollies, concessions, and induction and portable cooking equipment.
- Bar Supplies Bar equipment and supplies including bar blenders, juicers, beverage coolers, glass washers, bar sinks, bar mats, pourers, jiggers, speed racks, shakers, and wine/bar service items.
- Maintenance Supplies Facility maintenance supplies including cleaning and safety supplies, floor maintenance (brooms, mops, sweepers), floor mats, receptacles, carts, hardware, warewashing racks, and maintenance kits.
- Furnishings Restaurant furnishings including tables and chairs, banquet and dining tables, table bases, banquet chairs, outdoor and patio furniture, patio heaters, umbrellas, podiums, crowd control, and signage.
- Tria Dinnerware Collection Premium branded collection of china dinnerware, cups and saucers, bowls, and flatware products designed for commercial dining establishments seeking upscale tabletop presentation.
- Sustainable Products Eco-friendly and sustainable foodservice products including eco-friendly takeouts, sustainable serveware, sustainable display pieces, sustainable supplies, and disposables for environmentally conscious foodservice operators.
- Healthcare Products Specialized foodservice products for healthcare settings including plates, bowls, disposables, insulated wares, meal trays, tumblers, domes, bases, meal delivery carts, refrigeration, dispensers, heaters, serving counters, and warewashing racks designed for hospitals and senior care facilities.
- Controlled Environment Rooms Custom-designed and engineered Controlled Environment Rooms providing temperature, humidity, and luminescence control for clean room and laboratory environments. The company's insulated panel systems meet UL flame spread and smoke developed ratings and Factory Mutual System approvals. Hundreds of rooms have been completed since 1983.
- Custom Design Services Custom kitchen design and build services including commercial kitchen layouts, foodservice consulting, and personalized solutions for new or renovated foodservice operations, delivered through the affiliated R.W. Smith Design division for end-to-end project control.
- Foodservice Consulting Expert consulting services for foodservice operators covering market analysis, design consultation, equipment selection guidance, and tailored solutions across hospitality, healthcare, education, and chain restaurant segments.
Quantifiable outcome
- Nearly 100% of Environment Rooms built since 1983 are still in operation
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use R.W. Smith & Co.
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
R.W. Smith & Co. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
R.W. Smith & Co. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- TriMark USAcoreR.W. Smith & Co. operates as a division of TriMark USA, one of the nation's largest dealers of foodservice equipment, supplies, and furniture. The company branding reflects this relationship as TriMark R.W. Smith.
- R.W. Smith DesigncoreAffiliated design and build services company providing custom kitchen design and Controlled Environment Room engineering and installation. Allows for maximum efficiency and quality control throughout entire project process.
- CambromajorPremier brand partner offering commercial food storage, tabletop, buffet, and meal delivery products. Cambro is a major supplier of foodservice equipment sold through TriMark R.W. Smith.
- VollrathmajorTrusted manufacturer of professional foodservice supplies including stainless steel cookware, food pans, ingredient storage, and portable induction cooktops sold through the platform.
- CarlislemajorProfessional grade supplies for commercial kitchens, dining rooms, and healthcare programs including shatter-resistant dinnerware, drinkware, and sanitary cleaning solutions.
- American MetalcraftmajorUnique tabletop and buffet presentation solutions including stainless steel cups, baskets, pans, ceramic dishes, and bar supplies.
- Dexter-RussellmajorProfessional cutlery and knives for commercial kitchens distributed through the platform.
- John Boos & Co.majorPremium wood cutting boards and commercial kitchen equipment distributed through the platform.
- San JamarminorKitchen tools, safety products, and supplies distributed through the platform.
- RubbermaidmajorCommercial cleaning, storage, and foodservice products distributed through the platform.
- Intermetro IndustriesmajorShelving and storage solutions for commercial kitchens distributed through the platform.
- New Age IndustrialminorStorage and handling equipment for foodservice operations distributed through the platform.
- Advance TabcominorFoodservice equipment and supplies including stainless steel work tables and sinks distributed through the platform.
- KinteraminorEquipment brand featured in company marketing videos for smallwares and culinary essentials.
- SambonetminorItalian professional kitchen equipment and tabletops distributed through the platform.
- Paderno World CuisineminorProfessional culinary equipment and tools for commercial kitchens distributed through the platform.
- Matfer Inc.minorFrench culinary equipment and supplies including copper cookware and kitchen tools distributed through the platform.
- Victorinox Swiss ArmyminorProfessional kitchen knives and cutlery distributed through the platform.
- Spring USAminorProfessional foodservice equipment including induction cooking systems distributed through the platform.
- Thunder Group Inc.minorMelamine and glassware products for foodservice distributed through the platform.
- Chicago MetallicminorBaking equipment and supplies including muffin pans and sheet pans distributed through the platform.
- Lakeside Mfg.minorFoodservice equipment including transport carts and utility stations distributed through the platform.
- Cres CorminorCooking and holding equipment for foodservice operations distributed through the platform.
- CentaurminorShelving and storage solutions for commercial kitchens distributed through the platform.
- Cadco Ltd.minorCommercial cooking equipment including ranges and ovens distributed through the platform.
- G.E.T. EnterprisesminorMelamine dinnerware and displayware distributed through the platform.
- 1880 HospitalityminorHospitality industry furniture and supplies distributed through the platform.
- TMI InternationalminorShelving and storage solutions for foodservice operations distributed through the platform.
- Elite Global SolutionsminorMelamine and composite dinnerware for foodservice distributed through the platform.
- TableCraftminorKitchen tools and tabletop accessories distributed through the platform.
- NotraxminorFloor mats and safety products including synthetic cutting boards distributed through the platform.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
R.W. Smith & Co. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Tundra Restaurant Supply: Online-first foodservice equipment and supplies distributor targeting the same small and mid-market restaurant and hospitality buyers with comparable product breadth.
- Edward Don & Company: One of the largest direct competitors in the US — a broadline foodservice equipment, supplies, and furniture distributor serving restaurants, hotels, and institutions with comparable catalog breadth and custom design services.
- The Wasserstrom Company: Foodservice equipment and supplies distributor with similar mix of equipment, tabletop, and design services for restaurants and hospitality, plus a national delivery footprint.
- Boelter Companies: Mid-market foodservice equipment and supplies distributor serving restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, and institutional customers — closely comparable catalog and customer mix to R.W. Smith.
- Central Restaurant Products: Indianapolis-based foodservice equipment and smallwares distributor with comparable B2B e-commerce model and similar broadline catalog serving restaurants and institutions.
- Katom Restaurant Supply: Direct competitor in online foodservice equipment and supplies distribution, with comparable catalog depth across kitchen equipment, tabletop, and smallwares for commercial buyers.
- Hajek Foodservice Equipment & Supplies: Regional broadline foodservice equipment and supplies distributor with comparable mix of equipment, tabletop, design services, and smallwares for restaurants, healthcare, and institutional foodservice operators.
Broad incumbents
- Clark Associates / The Restaurant Store: Parent of Webstaurant Store, the largest US online foodservice supply retailer, plus cash-and-carry stores. Operates at significantly larger scale than R.W. Smith and overlaps heavily on catalog and customer base.
- Restaurant Depot (Jetro Holdings): Cash-and-carry foodservice wholesale club serving restaurants, caterers, and foodservice operators with broad equipment, supplies, and food assortments — competes for the same independent and chain operator wallet.
- TriMark USA: The parent company of R.W. Smith and one of the largest US foodservice equipment and supplies dealer networks; sister divisions compete in adjacent geographies and product lines.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
R.W. Smith & Co. social profiles
Digital presenceR.W. Smith & Co. compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
R.W. Smith & Co. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
R.W. Smith & Co. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
R.W. Smith & Co. subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
R.W. Smith & Co. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
R.W. Smith & Co. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about R.W. Smith & Co.
What does R.W. Smith & Co. do?
R.W. Smith & Co. (operating as TriMark R.W. Smith) distributes commercial foodservice equipment, kitchen supplies, tabletop products, bar supplies, buffet and catering equipment, maintenance supplies, furnishings, and healthcare-specific foodservice products. The company also provides custom kitchen design and build services through its affiliated R.W. Smith Design division, plus engineered Controlled Environment Rooms for clean room applications.
Is R.W. Smith & Co. a public or private company?
R.W. Smith & Co. is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was R.W. Smith & Co. founded?
R.W. Smith & Co. was founded in 1940. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is R.W. Smith & Co. based?
R.W. Smith & Co. is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does R.W. Smith & Co. make money?
One revenue line is on record: foodservice Equipment and Supplies Distribution.
Who are R.W. Smith & Co.'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Tundra Restaurant Supply, Edward Don & Company, The Wasserstrom Company, Boelter Companies, Central Restaurant Products, Katom Restaurant Supply and Hajek Foodservice Equipment & Supplies. Broad incumbents are Clark Associates / The Restaurant Store, Restaurant Depot (Jetro Holdings) and TriMark USA.
Does R.W. Smith & Co. have an API?
No public API is recorded for R.W. Smith & Co..
What industry is R.W. Smith & Co. in?
R.W. Smith & Co.'s product category is Commercial Foodservice Equipment Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAIALAB, Restaurant & Commercial Kitchen Equipment Wholesale, with a secondary code of AFAIAHAK, Temperature-Controlled Foodservice/Institutional Supply Wholesale. Its NAICS code is 33331 and its SIC code is 5040.