Sysco Corp., the world’s largest foodservice distributor, is making a bold move into retail with the launch of its first walk-in store, “Sysco to Go,” in Houston. The 48,000-square-foot location—opened in a former Bed Bath & Beyond space on Katy Freeway—is designed to serve smaller foodservice operators that are often overlooked in traditional B2B distribution models.
Unlike traditional grocery retail, “Sysco to Go” isn’t targeting everyday consumers. Instead, it aims to provide easier access to bulk food and restaurant supplies for independent restaurants, food trucks, catering companies, schools, churches, and nonprofits. These customers often struggle to meet Sysco’s delivery minimums or require a more flexible, on-demand procurement option.
“This is about expanding access to the Sysco ecosystem,” said Adrienne Trimble, Sysco’s vice president for government and community affairs, at the store’s ribbon cutting. “We’re opening the door for thousands of smaller operators who need the same quality and pricing as our larger customers—but with the convenience of shopping on their own terms.”
The concept operates more like a warehouse club than a retail grocer—offering bulk goods without membership fees or delivery. Customers can walk in, purchase what they need, and transport it themselves, helping Sysco reach a long deal of B2B buyers without straining its delivery infrastructure.
A second location is expected to open this summer near Houston’s NRG Stadium, and Sysco says the two locations will generate about 100 jobs combined.
Industry analysts say the move is both practical and timely. “This is a smart extension of Sysco’s B2B model,” said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData. “The foodservice industry has changed. Many operators are smaller, nimbler, and want more control over procurement. This retail model gives Sysco a new channel to serve them—without undermining its core logistics business.”
Others point to the broader trend of B2B companies adopting omnichannel strategies. “What we’re seeing is B2B distribution evolving toward B2B commerce,” said Tom Enright, VP of supply chain research at Gartner. “Distributors like Sysco are realizing they need to offer multiple paths to purchase—digital, direct, and now physical retail access—to stay competitive.”
The timing also aligns with the availability of vacant big-box real estate across the U.S., giving Sysco a low-cost opportunity to evaluate this new format in densely populated areas.
While it’s still early days, Sysco’s “To Go” concept signals a shift in how industrial distributors think about access and customer convenience in the digital age. If successful, it could pave the way for a broader national rollout—and encourage others in the B2B space to follow suit.
