Member Article

UK chefs vote Goodfellows a hit

Professional chefs from across the UK have voted Peterlee-based luxury tableware and kitchen equipment specialist Goodfellow and Goodfellow runner-up in a national poll to find the best restaurant and catering trade suppliers.

Restaurant magazine’s annual Chefs’ Choice Awards are decided through reader nominations, and this year’s listings saw Goodfellows scoop a highly commended award in the Best Equipment Distributor category.

Launched in 2012, the business was set up by successful food and hospitality entrepreneurs Paul and Valda Goodfellow to fill a niche for a personalised service to chefs looking for innovative products and concepts.

Much of its range is exclusive to Goodfellows, and staff work with craftspeople and suppliers across from the UK, Europe and Asia to design and create bespoke products for clients ranging from the high end of the market through to casual dining.

Last year saw the business hit the £3m turnover mark and grow staff numbers to 18, thanks to a client list of luxury hotels, restaurants and sports venues.

Managing director Valda Goodfellow said: “We could not be more delighted with this accolade, particularly as it comes direct from chefs and readers of Restaurant themselves, and just two and a half years after we launched the business.

“Coming from a hospitality trade background, we knew when we established Goodfellows that we needed a different approach to succeed in such a crowded market, so we developed our USP around principles of creativity, quality, service and value for money.

“We now work with professionals from five star restaurants and independent operators to niche restaurants and boutique entertainment venues, who are all turning their backs on mass produced tableware and equipment and instead looking for individuality and bespoke items that will create the look and feel they want, and help to draw diners in.

“We would like to thank all of our clients who voted for us. As a team we have overcome a lot of obstacles to establish ourselves in the market, and this is a massive vote of confidence in our ability to provide exactly what our clients are looking for.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Crulley .