Patio Season is Here: How Yellowknife Restaurants Can Prepare for a Successful Summer

Summer in Yellowknife is short but sweet, and for local restaurants, it's one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year. When the sun finally comes out, customers flock to patios for cold drinks, grilled food, and long northern evenings. But are you ready to take full advantage of the season?

At Northbest Distributors, we've worked with restaurant and food service clients across the Northwest Territories for years. Here are a few essential things to focus on to make the most of patio season — and how partnering with a local wholesale food distributor can give you a leg up.

1. Refresh Your Menu with Summer Favorites

Summer menus call for fresh, seasonal ingredients and lighter fare that work well in the heat. Think:

• Grilled meats and seafood

• Fresh salads and vegetable sides

• Frozen desserts and cold appetizers

• Summer inspired cocktails and mocktails

We stock a full range of meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, dry goods, and frozen food so you can experiment with new dishes or expand your offerings. Not sure what's trending? We're happy to help you spot what's moving with other local operators.

2. Get Your Supplies in Order

There's nothing worse than running out of the essentials during a weekend rush. Before the patio fills up, make sure you're fully stocked on:

• Cleaning supplies (essential for high-turnover patio tables)

• Napkins, disposables, and small wares

• Condiment kits and serving utensils

• Coolers and ice storage

As a one-stop shop for restaurant supplies in Yellowknife, we make it easy to keep your operations running smoothly.

3. Prep for Volume and Speed

Patio season brings foot traffic and fast-paced service. Your kitchen and bar need to be able to keep up. Consider:

• Pre-prepping high-demand items

• Offering shareable plates and combo specials

• Making use of pre-portioned frozen goods or pre-marinated proteins

With the right mix of wholesale frozen products and ready-to-serve items, we can help you reduce prep time and serve more guests without sacrificing quality.

4. Be Ready for the Unexpected

Northern weather is unpredictable. One day, it's 25°C and sunny; the next day, it's cool and rainy. Make sure your supply chain can adapt quickly:

• Flexible delivery schedules

• Quick turnaround on restocks

• A local team that understands the urgency of short seasons

Because we're based in Yellowknife, we know how to support businesses through the ups and downs of a northern summer.

5. Boost Your Beverage Game

Summer is prime time for cold drinks. Whether you're offering iced coffees, specialty lemonades, or locally-inspired cocktails, make sure your bar is stocked with:

• Juices and mixers

• Dairy and alternatives

• Glassware and bar tools

We can also help with back-of-house supplies like cleaning solutions and food-safe storage to keep your beverage station efficient and compliant.

Ready for Patio Season? We've Got Your Back.

Whether you're just opening your doors or gearing up for your 10th patio season, we're here to help. As a trusted wholesale food supplier in Yellowknife, we offer everything from frozen seafood and dry goods to cleaning products and restaurant small wares — all with the local expertise to keep your business running smoothly.

Why Choosing the Right Wholesale Food Distributor Matters for Your Restaurant's Success

Running a restaurant or food service business in Yellowknife or anywhere in the Northwest Territories is no small feat. Between managing menus, staff, customers, and costs, your supply chain often becomes the silent backbone of your operation. That's why choosing the right wholesale food distributor is one of the most critical decisions you can make for your business.

Northbest Distributors has provided quality food and restaurant supplies to restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and institutions across the Northwest Territories for over 25 years. Here's why working with a proven wholesale supplier like us can make all the difference.

1. Consistency You Can Count On

Whether you're serving lunch for 50 or catering an event for 500, having consistent access to high-quality products is non-negotiable. With our reliable supply of:

• Fresh and frozen meats, poultry, and seafood

• A variety of baked goods, dry goods, and frozen food

• Quality dairy products and cleaning supplies

• Kitchen small wares and restaurant essentials

We help ensure you never run out of the ingredients or tools that keep your kitchen running.

2. Local Knowledge and Regional Advantage

As a wholesale food distributor based in Yellowknife, we understand the unique logistical challenges of doing business in the North. Our supply chain is built for the Northwest Territories, meaning fewer delivery disruptions and a local team that knows your reality.

Working with a local partner also means faster response times, personalized service, and building a lasting relationship - not just a transaction.

3. One-Stop Shop for Restaurant and Foodservice Supplies

Stop juggling five different vendors. At Northbest Distributors, we're a full-service partner. We supply everything from frozen entrees to restaurant cleaning products and commercial kitchen tools, so you can focus more on your customers - not chasing inventory.

Our wide product selection helps:

• Simplify your purchasing process

• Save time on order management

• Reduce supply chain headaches

4. Proven Track Record and Service Guarantee

We've helped countless restaurant owners and foodservice operators in Yellowknife grow their businesses. Our customers stick with us because we deliver:

• Quality-assured products

• Competitive pricing

• Timely delivery - even in tough northern conditions

• Exceptional customer service

Whether you're running a bustling diner, a boutique hotel, or a remote camp kitchen, we have the experience and products to meet your needs.

5. Supporting Your Growth

We're more than just a vendor - we're your partner in growth. We work with new restaurant owners to help set up their operations and advise on product mix, seasonal items, and even cost-saving opportunities. Our goal? To help your business thrive.

Det'on Cho Acquires Northbest Distributors Ltd.

[Yellowknife, NT, June 17, 2024.]  Det’on Cho Management LP has acquired local food distributor Northbest Distributors Ltd. Northbest, a full-line food service industry distributor, supplies food to stores, restaurants, mining camps, and institutions across the Northwest Territories.

“We are excited to announce Northbest Distributors is joining the Det’on Cho Group of Companies as a 100% Indigenous-owned business,” stated Philip Goulet, Chair of Det’on Cho. “I look forward to seeing the Det’on Cho team’s plans for Northbest implemented over the next year.”

Mark Lewis, President and CEO of Det’on Cho Management LP remarked, “We see this as a strategic acquisition that allows us to integrate Northbest’s operations with our other operating companies, while at the same time providing Northbest’s established customers the quality experience Det’on Cho is known for across its companies.”
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Northbest will continue to operate from its facility on Old Airport Road.

Publication Links

Cabin Radio: https://cabinradio.ca/189703/news/economy/deton-cho-acquires-northbest-distributors/

CKLB Radio: https://cklbradio.com/2024/06/19/deton-cho-beefs-up-portfolio-with-food-service-distributor/

My True North Now: https://www.mytruenorthnow.com/71086/featured/deton-cho-group-acquires-northbest-food-distributors/

Detoncho.com: https://www.detoncho.com/recent-news.html