I've been wanting to visit the Restaurant Depot for years. Even asked a friend in the baking business to take me sometime, but since I had a full-time office job, our schedules didn't work out. Mid-2023 I learnt that they began offering day passes to the public during the pandemic. I did some googling to see what I could expect. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/should-you-shop-at-restaurant-depot/ I heard that they have wonderful cleaning supplies (their version of Comet being better than retail), fresh basil for making your own pesto, smoked salmon, tea. I was hoping for a treat from their freezer, and hopefully frozen cooked eel for a nice price. I knew to bring my own bags, and something to wear for the visit to the refrigerated section. On our first trip over we followed the sign to their indoor parking and walked on in. It was more of a scouting excursion so we leave with anything this time. But we did eyeball a few things for future consideration. read more

Abby was rude manager here, makes the easy thing get worse. I am restaurant depot customer for over ten years, first time met the manger rude like this. read more

I purchased my first order from Restaurant Depot today. I believe items were substituted because I received two items that I did not order. The most important item was not delivered. I submitted another order for just that item, and it was cancelled because it is out of stock. This was not a good experience. read more

As a longtime Needham Restaurant Depot customer, I would like to for once give these team some credit (a lot of credit!!) This team of selfless workers show up each and every day for more than a paycheck because their jobline is worth way more than they are getting paid. As a premier restaurant owner in the area we have been shopping at the Needham location for close to 15 years and how tough it must be for management to keep up with the turnover, the pressure, the cranky customers at time but to do it with a smile and to push through his/her own problems that they may have i cannot tell you how grateful we As restaurant owners are to have them. Particularly now I want to recognize Abby at the front, wow everything I've mentioned she is there for us string, with a smile, caring for us and getting us through when sometimes we too are at our breaking point. Thank You Abby and please know that it is not just my crew who shops there everyday, it is many area restaurant owners who feel the same, we talk and we know, we see everything and want to THANK YOU for all that you do!!​ read more

Unfortunate other Yelpers had a sub-par experience. Came on MLK and it was great. Getting here and passing the hotel felt sketch but once you drive up the ramp and park, it's an all too familiar experience of grabbing a dolley and strolling in past the 50lb sacks of potatoes and onions. Because of covid, guest passes are still going on. Walking the aisles are a sure way to get those steps in. Bring gloves and warm gear for the refrigerated/freezer sections. Sushi grade salmon frozen, ebi for sushi, all the seafood, meats, and cheeses for your own very restaurant. I love the smoked salmon. You can get bagels and cream cheese here too. So much cheaper than buying out, especially if you're feeding a large family... The desserts in the freezer are amazing. The produce can be a hit or miss. It's scary with all the fork lift drivers zooming around. Best not impede actual restaurant people buying for their business, so be respectful and mindful! No issues at checkout. Cash or debit only if you're buying via guest pass. read more

If you want to get treated log dog crap come here. Woman at the front desk is the worse. 09/22/22 apparently there is no manager, no supervisor, no specific day the restock. Who is in charge? She is very rude!! read more

Haven't been to the store in many years but placed a Instacart order recently when I learned Restaurant Depot was on there and was very Happy. Got some meat for my smoker and some lemons and limes for cocktails. Quantity and price easily made up for spending money on delivery fees. read more

I used to come here frequently and there were some things you just had to tolerate. Now that there's a new location in Avon... This RD is a bit of a cluster you-know-what. Having to negotiate through pallets and other obstacles make the shopping experience more difficult. The warehouse can be dark and dank at some areas and the customer service is inconsistent. There are some first-rate pricks working here at times, but there are some nicer folk that help as well. The checkout lines here are always long. Always. The variety of items seem to be consistent with other RD locations, though you have to check the product here carefully. I've found moldy bread here before. Most of the items in the cold room is generally good quality. The prices here can be really good, though I've found some items here more expensive than a wholesale like BJ's (like, randomly, Nilla wafers). read more

This review is strictly for the young Spanish guy running the front end/ registers. He gets 5 stars fkr being EXCEPTIONALLY good- both w his service and w his actual attention to detail. I was walking out withoit the proper checkout (havent been here in years and forgot the drill). He very politely caught up to me to let me know he needed to check me out. No problem at all. He caught a mistake, simply by paying attention to my receipt- against my purchases. Saved me a significant amount of money just by paying attention and being proactive!! And he was super friendly through it all. No attitude, and had a good hustle too- not sluggish or lazy at all. I think its important to give good reviews and compliments when they are deserved, rather than jerks (myself included) always posting only bad reviews w bad experiences. I wish there were more people working like this guy (sorry I cant remember his name). Hopefully the Depot's managers will recognize him for doing such a great job. read more

I felt like a rock star in this place. Never have I been treated better while shopping. Every corner I turned there was an employee eager to help me out and point things out for me. I don't work for or own a restaurant. I work for a mortgage company and I was stocking up for a company picnic, but I got a good portion of what I needed at better quality and better prices than I would have found at even Costco. Plus, since you have to have a business to get a card and can only buy in substantial bulk, you're not going to find hordes of soccer moms buying snacks for the kiddies. The bread selection kind of sucked, but they had tons of fruits in veggies all fresh and ready to be bought (Damn! I meant to grab some of those delicious looking watermelons!) It's location right off the highway and covered parking are just added bonuses.. Did I mention how nice the employees are? Seriously, they answered a ton of questions, helped load my car, and one guy even jumped in front of another car that was trying to back up the same time as I was. My heroes. read more

Had the worst experience shopping at Restaurant Depot, Needham MA. As an Asian American citizen I felt targeted and harassed during this pandemic. The associate was plain rude while I was on a supply run. From the sales floor to the tills. I did not feel at ease while shopping. There was a lot of shoppers in a group of four or more, however, she only targeted me, and not the other shoppers who weren't Asian. There was other associates that help me but said nothing. She saw me again and repeated the same thing and told 2 people to leave the store, I felt harassed, disrespected and discriminated. read more

They are disorganized and unappreciative towards their workers. The management picks favorites and let them get paid to do nothing at work. They are stealing company time. Management is allowing it to happen and continues to let it happen. read more

Even though it's always convenient to have a membership to a wholesale club like BJ's or Costco when I need it, I didn't use it often enough to account for the $55 or $60 membership. So I ended my BJ's membership. But, I still needed to buy bulk food supplies for the summer program I work at, so I needed to find an alternative place. I heard of Restaurant Depot when I was watching "The Great Food Truck Race" now, and recently called them and was told that if I had I had a tax exemption certificate, I could become a member as well. So I got one from the town in which I work, and became a member here. It's not exactly like BJ's, it's more of an older, less shopped, and less well kept warehouse. They have less selection in the items I was looking for (ice cream, popsicles, and candy bars, snacks (pretzels, Goldfish, etc, etc)). It was, however, the best alternative to BJ's or Costco without the cost of membership, so I am grateful for that. In general, they seemed to have a majority of maintenance products and other "upkeep" supplies that a restaurant would need (hence, RESTAURANT Depot). Lots of other food things too, and tons of meats, seafood and other frozen and refrigerated items. Hence the reviews, I anticipate checking out the Avon store in the future. Also, if you haven't been here before, the entrance and exit to the parking garage are on the far side of the building, in the back. Weird setup, and something that just seems sort of like a disaster. -1 star for that. -1 star also for the unprofessional staff. They seem to enjoy joking around and being loud and obnoxious continuously. That's not how I would ever allow a business to be run if my name was on it, and I'm curious to know who actually would want that allowed. Overall, it's a-ok. 3 stars. read more

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Worst service ever. Employees are rude and never willing to help anyone find anything. Place really isn't as inexpensive as people think. Overall the place could really use an upgrade in most aspects and the fish section never has anyone around it to assist. read more

Basically it's not a bad store but there's ALWAYS something wrong with either registers or the system. I do the shopping within 10 mins and then spend like 15 waiting at the registers. Crazy read more

Restaurant Depot - Wholesale Stores Near Me - Needham, Massachusetts

My last visit was one of the worst experience. There was nobody in the fish department for longer than 40 min before I got help. There was no intact mango carton but just undesirable cast outs that were out of cartons just before being thrown away. I spent time to make up a carton since most of them were no good. Since that was well within the area customer service personal could see, they should have told me that new shipments were coming soon. After I finished paying for my purchase at register 2 with cashier Dean, Andrew checked my receipt with my purchase. I told Andrew to hold my cart since I wanted to a new cart to get a bag of rice. Andrew said no need to get a new cart, just take back the cart and get a new item, tell him so afterward. When I came back to register with new item, I asked idling woman (Kelly at register 1, if I could check out there. She said no. I thought she must be closing up. So I was moving to register 2. Andrew ( may be an assistant manager) saw me and hand signaled me to go register 1. As I moved back to register 1, Kelly signaled to Andrew that she did not want to take me. By then my cart was at register 1. I told Kelly that I only need to pay one item since I paid for the rest already and Andrew knew about it. Kelly said she did not care whatever Andrew said and while demanding receipts she started poking my purchases which was well spread out in single layer. She pushed strawberry off the cart to floor and did not bother to pick it up and grabbed two mango out of the carton and walked away. Then Andrew came and told Kelly to put back mango. While this was going on, I was speechless. Kelly then stared at me and said that she was not going to ring for me and walked away. Andrew came and he started poking my purchased items and he dropped blackberry to floor. He already checked the items three minute ago with the receipt and if he was going to be so suspicious of 6 or 7 items that were well spread on the cart, why did he asked me take the cart with the paid item? I asked Andrew what was the reason Kelly refused ring me three times and taking food that was already paid? He didn't know but he said he would ring instead. I told him that they have no right to refuse service which Kelly blatantly did 3 times. I told Andrew I suspect Kelly's behavior has no explanation except she may be a racist. Instead of being apologetic, Andrew kept babbling and threatening that I should not be talking to her like that if I wanted to come back to store again. He was ready to stop the transaction any minutes. For moment, I thought of leaving the store without the purchase. but i spent a whole hour shopping and waiting for the fish depart. So decided to cut the loss and told him stop talking and ring. After payment, I went to Dean, the cashier at register 2, he took me to the office to talk to the manager. Then Andrew said he paged manager. I waited another 20 minutes during that time, Kelly giggling around the area was back at register 1 and accepting other customers. Since there was no show up of the manager, I spoke to Steve when shipment of new mango cartons arrived before us. I told him that there was not a single carton of mango left except few stray ones so that I had to pick less mushy mango to make up a carton and how Kelly refused service to me three times and all she did was push the strawberry off the cart and grab two mango and walked away with no explanation. I told Steve that I wanted to exchange new mango with mushy old mango in my paid cart. Steve accompanied me with a new carton of mango (9/carton) to avoid further complications. When we got to my cart, I noticed paid mango box was almost 1/2 empty. When I asked what happened, Kelly said she took two mango out of the box from paid since the carton has number 7. what's left mango barely occupied 1/2 of the carton laying sideways. This woman did not realized when it said 7, it means the cartone is supposed to be filled with 7 mango. And did not bother to ask why there is more than 7 and it is suppose to have 7, and if i still wanted them. What i gathered was smaller mushy leftovers. Managerial staff need to supervise Kelly so that 1. Kelly does not touch nor steal any food from customers' paid cart while customers not watching. 2. Kelly uses proper language and not to pick out food item out of cart in front of her customers during checking out process and walk away. 3. Kelly honors NOT overrides prior arrangement between assistant manager and customer 4. Kelly not to poke and drop delicate food items in the cart to floor and to apologize and to pick it up. 5. Kelly washes her hair and shower before come to work especially at grocery. 6. Kelly stays in her register not to hanging around with her hoodie over her head giggling. I respect and appreciate Dean and Mike for their kindness and willingness to service as best as they can. read more

This place is huge, but it's constantly running out of many items and never seems ro order enough of many more. You've got to be careful getting around because some of the employees are dangerous on the pallet jacks and forklifts and they constantly leave aisles obstructed. The massive walk-in cooler is fantastic during a heatwave, but you don't want to be caught in there when they decide to leave stacks of pallets blocking both sides when you're wearing just a t-shirt like I was today. Now, the newer employees can be expected to be a bit slow while they are learning the job, but there are a few cashiers that are just downright slow, dumb, idiots or some combination of all three. And don't get me started on the bathrooms. I took my sister there with me one day and she couldn't use the bathroom because the floor was covered in water. The urinals in the men's room are almost never cleaned, and I've lost count of the amount of employees I've seen but couldn't identify (hello bathroom break) that didn't wash their hands when leaving. I gave them 3 stars only because the supervisors at the registers are almost all great and try to be as fast as they can, especially Maddie, and get you out as fast as possible. read more

This place is crazy. I have driven by it a ton of times as my work has an office in the building next door, but never paid much attention to it. I always assumed it was just another BJs or Costco. Boy was I wrong. This place carries anything you could imagine that is in anyway related to cooking. Need a pallet of fruit or frozen stuff. They got that. Need a crazy huge pot (that was why I was visiting) they have plenty to choose from at rock bottom prices. While I wouldn't expect top notch service I think you kind of get what you pay for. Its basically a giant self serve warehouse. The covered parking area was a nice touch though. Do be aware that you need to own a business or non-profit to be able to shop here so its not open to the general public. read more

Please allow me to give you a very bare bones, no BS review. I own a restaurant/pub, and I shop here once every couple of months to pick up paper goods/small wares/meats/cheeses/chemicals that other commercial food vendors cannot touch in regards to price. Selection is great. Price is great. The service, save for a few of employees, is an area that the franchise owners should be looking into. I waited in line for a half an hour to check out today....and the last few times, also. So, if you want to save a buck or two on goods for your business, and have plenty of time, this is your Disney Land. One more thing. Credit card information security has been breached twice in as many years, so use discretion. read more

While I wouldn't say I look forward to having to run to RD for our supplies, I can absolutely say they have come through countless times when we need something "now". I find the majority of the employees to be very helpful (from getting help finding something to having an item special ordered), prices to be competitive, and usually have stock on hand - if they don't have it, pretty much nobody does (thanks COVID ). I've used both Needham and Revere stores - same great service at both locations! read more

You're better off eating ramen noodles than any of the produce from this warehouse. You might get away with buying cheese here, but the amount of times I've gotten moldy pallets of lettuce from this place would make anyone think twice about coming here. I'm a restaurant owner, and I actually really wanted to like this place. I gave it a few tries in spite of those first few incidents but like others have said, they always run out of stuff. I've showed up right when they open and even then it just looks like they aren't restocking some of the most basic stuff. Again -- I wish I could say I liked it because the prices are dirt cheap, but the employees are almost as bad as when you walk into a Walmart and nobody knows where anything is. A warehouse like that is just too big to not know your product and train your employees. Needless to say I've been taking my business to Chelsea for the past three months, and I'm turning a much bigger profit since I made the switch. read more

Very rude customer service, super unprofessional, they didn't even say good morning, good afternoon or thank you. They made many mistakes at the register without any explanations or apology, very disappointing . Even the managers, instead of helping or fix the problem, they did nothing ! read more

Really Bazaar kind of a place.... Came in to return 2 things. Salad was wilted. The clerk at customer service department did not know what to do... Called a guy from vegetables department, he confirmed it is ok with him to have it turned.... She still did not.... The " fresh " mozarella was bitter and gave people diarea.... They did not care, manager was called... Did not accept it.... Did not remove of the shelf ( they probably still selling it because an expiration date is for much longer ) The attitude was not helpful. He asked if I am planning to shop more....I never understood why No money or credit was given back, total waste of time. Their policy is the worst in a business ...like one or two days.... Big restaurants spent tons of money there, I hope they are careful with the food they are getting and their customers will not suffer.... Because the restaurant Depot obviously has no dignity or care for fresh food or customer service. read more

The Pros: RD is great for smaller restaurants (such as mine) to get their food and supplies. You can always get stuff delivered through Sysco or Perkins, but it will cost more. The convenience may be worth it for some, but certainly not all. The selection and variety is very good and so is the freshness, for the most part. I'll still spot a moldy pack of cheese from time to time, but with a massive inventory to keep track of, this is understandable. The Cons: Don't expect to make any friends at this place. The employees generally don't pay you any mind unless you get their attention or get in the way of their speeding forklifts. That leads me to my biggest gripe with Restaurant Depot. It is my impression that none of the employees (with the exception of maybe 2 or 3) actually care that you have a good shopping experience. Not that I'm expecting 5 star service, but this place doesn't even put forth a 2 star effort. It just seems good customer care and service are not on their list of priorities. To be fair, fellow customers are a big reason why as I have encountered numerous pompous and rude people who show little to no consideration of other customers in the store. I see pickup trucks and SUV's parked illegally in handicap spaces on each of my visits. I can only imagine these rude customers rub off on the employees day in and day out. Still, I think they can try harder since not all of us customers are like that. read more

Very unpleasant shopping experience! The lady at customer service center looks very unfriendly. She spoke so rude and impolite to me and my friends.I don't know who gave her the right to talk to customers like a prisoner? But I know she is totally incompetent in the work of customer service centers. She don't know how to deal with customers. Also,she don't know how to communicate with customers,very rude customer service.Hope the Restaurant Depot in Needham can improve on this. On the other hand, freezer area staffs and cashiers are very good.This happened to me on 11/30/2016 around 2pm. read more

This morning received email from RD saying they have lobsters for $5.99lb. Drove 30 minutes just to hear from the guy who works in seafood department, that they going to receive lobsters next week. Why then you sending emails to your customers if you are out of stock in the first day of your sale??? Very disappointing! read more

Our small company, Lechem Lab, benefits immensely from the presence of RD in our local area. RD offers practically all products and tools that keep us running. The stuff is very welcoming, knowledgeable and extremely energized. All questions are solved without delays, usually in minutes. HD is also very helpful with advise and purchasing the heavy equipment (such as baking ovens and commercial mixers). Naturally, not everything is perfected. For instance, sometimes it is a long waiting time till someone comes to serve you in the sea products section, and long lines at the payment stations. Or, sometimes a product essential for our business disappears from the shelves for a while or even forever. But overall, I am impressed with quality, accessibility and pricing of products and services. read more

This place is well run, cheap, and super convienient. Save yourself a lot of headaches ( not to mention time waiting in lines and employees with baaad attitudes) by going to Needham and skipping the Chelsea store. I will always make the drive-its well worth it. read more

When you need restaurant quality or size products, this is your go to spot. You must have a membership card to get it, but its pretty easy to get if you work in the industry. We went to buy spices last week and it was a good experience. People were helpful when we needed it and we were able to chat with other customers while we were in line. The place is huge and expansive, but totally has everything you could ever want! read more

i was so happy to open my account in your depot 2018 I went back today to some shopping Again i was happy to buy some stuff when i reached cashier she said when you shop here your account is close how come restaurant depot without give any written notice they closed my account Why they dont leave account open why they have to close I was not happy you company policy your sanitizar so expensive read more

For the second time in two years I have received a letter from RD stating that my credit card information has been compromised. Obviously they didn't learn their lesson the first time and continue to expose customers information. Beware if paying with credit cards. read more

Restaurant Depot is a good 20 minutes from my home and I thank GOD it isn't closer! The deals were amazing, but you got a be a comparison shopper--some things were less at BJs (paper products, for example) but the place is so overwhelming and you can save SO much money just planning ahead it's not funny. I'm headed there this week for my baking supplies for my son's school bake sale that will take place in November. Why buy now? Well, because Restaurant Depot is just a cool place to shop. There is SO much to see. I LOVE that their staff 'leaves me alone' to do what I'm there to do. I LOATHE the 'in your face' approaches of "Can I help yous" or "Those avacados are from the highest blah blah blah region of Mexico." I DON'T CARE. I want to stay in my zone, choose what I want and ONLY get assistance if I ask for it. Sorry if that sounds 'cold' but unless someone has a "Duh... where am I look?" I really think the Restaurant Depot folks trust that you know your asparagus spears from your halibut. I have called for information and ALWAYS get what I need and pleasantly so. For my money, this place is the BEST. You gotta try it--just go with a lot of time to browse because you'll find yourself in a trance of curiosity and creativity! read more

The place sucks. Any restaurant that wants to serve quality don't bother. If if want dry goods than I guess it is ok but buying protien here is a big mistake. I would rather pay the extra few bucks to get my product delivered read more

This is unsafe place . There are never manager around to talk to or welcome you. The employees are trained badly , no respect, no dress code. Every time i go there less employees , it used to be good place but it went to hell . Need to find good managers to get place back in good standards. Very dirty in different departments, no hot water to wash hands. the list goes on and on . Company need to get in shape or close it down . read more