Fort Worth, TX-based Ben E. Keith Foods said it purchased Florida Food Service Inc. The acquisition, which closed Feb. 2, included all assets of Florida Food Service and its 86,000-sq.ft. distribution center in Gainesville, FL. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Established in Fort Worth in 1906, Ben E. Keith Foods is the nation's fifth-largest broad line foodservice distributor. It operators in 15 states. The Florida Food Service acquisition adds a ninth division.
Founded in 1948, Florida Food Service was owned and operated by the Islam family. Ben E. Keith said it will retain current employees. Marco DiGiosia, a 25 year veteran of Ben E. Keith Foods, has been named general manager of the Florida operation. Florida Food Service president Joel Islam will continue with the company as assistant GM.
The Gainesville distribution division will be renamed "Ben E. Keith Foods – Florida Division."
