Sysco cut me off 5 years ago, and it was the best thing they could have ever done for me. I was frantically looking for a new supplier, and could not make the 60 mile one way trip to Sams club twice a week.
I called around to the local grocers, and slaughter houses, and found a great business located locally. The local slaughter house also does wholesale and retail meats. I drive by every morning , after building the fire in the pit, and pick up my meat fresh. By the time I get the other shopping out of the way, the fire is perfect and ready for meat.
I make a Sams club run once a month, for my styrofoam and other non perishable items I need, as well as mayo and ketchup. My accountant has noticed a 20% drop in my costs, even as my revenue has grown 10%. So I am really thankful that Sysco cut me off.
Another benefit to buying locally, is my suppliers are also now customers, and have given me several catering job leads. I can't count the number of new customers who were refered by the slaughter house where I get my meat.
Best of luck to you.
Dave (A.K.A. Meadmaker)