Restaurant Depot

OK, so I just went last Friday to finally investigate RD in Indy. Pretty much my take on the place is WOW!!!:clap2: They seem like they have a LOT bigger selection of meat cuts than Sam's, even different "grades" of the same cut. They had "USDA Choice" whole packer briskets as well as one that was marked "Premium" I think. They seemed like they had a few cuts that Sam's didn't have. I know that their spice selection was at LEAST twice the size of Sam's. I could've spent hundreds in there on stuff like: Pizze peels, pizza screens & pans, sauce dispensing bottles, cookware, etc.

It sure seems like Sam's is a much bigger store, but RD sure seems like they have a lot more stuff like fresh produce, cheeses, seafood, pork/beef/lamb, etc.

Anyway......my original intent of this thread was to see if any of you have recieved a membership to RD without a legitimate BBQ/Catering business? I asked about membership fees, and they explained to me that membership was free for anyone with a business fed tax ID#. I happen to technically still be the owner of a construction company here, but haven't really used it in years. Do any of you know if they require an actual FOOD business to gain membership?

I suppose I could ask them, but I didn't want to raise a "flag" if not. I could go through the steps to actually create a BBQ business "on paper", since this may be where I end up, but didn't want to go through all of that just to shop at the place for my home BBQ supply.

Anyone??

Well I'm going to give it a try then. Even a day pass once in a while would be cool. I'll look into KCBS membership too. Thanks all.

I'll try the online route as well. Good idea Chef.:becky:

Twisted Martini said:

Thanks for the tip Wampus, I also live in Indy and was going to check it out, but I can go the non-profit route, through my daughter's club.

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Well I just walked right in on Friday and started looking around. There was no receptionist manning the desk when I walked in. I was only "window shopping" anyway.

If you're in Indy, it's located about 1 block north of I-70 on Keystone. Take a left at the first stoplight and it's back there.

Also, just went to the website and am now registered with my existing business. I just (apparently) have to go in and give them my EIN#. We'll see how it works out.


Funny thing is, I was the inspector for the project when it was being built. Our company was on contract for the infrastructure inspection (streets, storm sewer, sanitary sewer). I got to know the PM for the General Contracting company. I'd never HEARD of RD before and he explained it to me. I SHOULD have hit him up for some kind of "in" with them then.:becky: