Founded in 1982!
R.E.D. Canada has a long and proud history.
In 1982 a small select group of independent, full-line foodservice equipment distributors in Canada met to explore the feasibility of establishing a working relationship amongst the various businesses.
At their first meeting, they discussed mutual problems of distributing the equipment and supplies to Canada’s foodservice industry. They discovered that through an open exchange of experiences and ideas each firm benefited and gained information that could be used to better serve their customers.
It was at this meeting that the groundwork was set for R.E.D. Since those meetings, a strong organisation of Canadian distributors has evolved with over 50 locations across the country.
Restaurant Equipment Distributors of Canada Ltd (known as R.E.D.) is an organisation owned by equipment dealers, for equipment dealers.
Our combined buying power leads to providing restaurateurs and foodservice businesses big and small the best prices on the best brands in the industry.
The R.E.D. Team brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the food equipment and supply industry
Mario joined R.E.D. in 2023 to lead the organization into a new era. Mario is a lawyer and successful entrepreneur. Following the most disruptive event in the history of foodservice (COVID), and decades of significant change in manufacturing and technology, Mario has been tasked to strengthen its members and vendors in a fast-growing Canada.
Kristy Barber owned and operated Avondale Food Equipment for 13 years prior to joining R.E.D. full-time. She brings a wealth of invaluable experience from both sides of the fence.
Candice Drummond brings with her seven years of experience in the Foodservice Equipment & Supplies industry. Her in-depth knowledge of the industry, familiarity with both vendors and members, and most importantly her passion for the industry aligns perfectly with the values we uphold at R.E.D.
Jonathan is the elected President of the R.E.D. Board of Directors. He brings a strong vision for a strong R.E.D., and is passionate about helping its Members and Vendors.
As a dedicated partner at CRS, Mark Wallace brings a profound understanding of customer needs in the commercial kitchen design and supply industry. His unwavering commitment to excellence, combined with a deep respect for each client's unique vision, ensures that every project is approached with care and integrity. Mark's focus on fostering successful outcomes for all involved reflects CRS' core values of Commitment, Respect, and Success, making him a trusted leader in delivering results that exceed expectations. Through his leadership, CRS continues its mission of Helping Kitchens Succeed.
Jennifer McErlean is passionate about the food equipment industry and shares her wealth of experience on the R.E.D. Board.
Kevin and Christina St Clair founded Haymach Canada, a restaurant supply store, auction house and appraisal service, at the end of 2016. The business is named after their three young children, Hayden, Max and Zach, and its logo features a kangaroo and maple leaf - a homage to their Australian roots and the country they now call home. Kevin's ability to ask the right questions is second-to-none, and is passionate about the R.E.D. family.
Michael, Robert and Julia are siblings, and the founders of Phoenix Food Equipment. The business was started in 2021 with a plan to change the way businesses purchased their restaurant equipment. They did not like the transactional approach, and preferred to deal with customers in a way that builds lifetime relationships by making the experience as easy as possible and maximizing customer value. The Phoenix is a reminder for themselves and their customers that success requires perseverance and a spirit that never dies.
Our Mission
To support food equipment dealers with dedicated programs that enable their businesses to provide the best pricing and customer experiences in the industry.
Our Vision
We aspire to be the most valued business relationship for every RED Member and Vendor partner.
OUR WHY
The Foodservice industry in Canada represents more than $100 Billion annually in the Canadian economy, and employs nearly 5% of the Canadian population! From full service to quick service restaurants, from cafeterias to bars, from hospitals & nursing homes to schools & malls, foodservice affects everyone everyday.
R.E.D. Canada is in the middle of it - we connect the manufacturers of essential equipment on one end to the distributors who sell, install and maintain that equipment.