GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Distribution company Gordon Food Service has bolstered its profile with the recent acquisition of York, Pennsylvania-based Ettline Foods Corporation, a prominent broadline food distributor.

"Ettline is an outstanding company, with a strong history as a family-owned, independent distributor serving the Mid-Atlantic region. Their attention to customer service, value, and integrity ties in perfectly with Gordon Food Service’s culture and commitment to quality," said Rich Wolowski, North America President and CEO of Gordon Food Service, in a press release.

The acquisition is in line with a dynamic foodservice sector. Sysco just recently announced new product offerings through Cutting Edge Solutions platform, while US Foods dove into chef inspirations with the latest installment of its Fall Scoop line.

Now, Gordon Food Service looks to adopt a well-integrated list of restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and other businesses and industry customers throughout four states that the Ettline family has served since it was founded in 1889 by Oscar O. Ettline.

"We at Ettline are thrilled to become part of Gordon Food Service, a company that mirrors our commitment to delivering exceptional value, while remaining competitive in a constantly changing market. We sought an organization that would be the right fit for maintaining the same level of quality that we are so committed to. We feel strongly that Gordon Food Service shares our values and will allow Ettline to continue to grow as part of its family," said Joe Ayoub, President and CEO of Ettline Foods Corporation.

Ayoub added that, with Gordon Food Service, Ettline is able to continue its 125-year legacy, while proactively planning for the future of distribution and adding deeper support in areas such as:

• Menu management
• Recipe development
• Increased buying power

The feeling and hope for growth is mutual, according to Gordon Food Service President of U.S. Distribution Scott Nicholson.

"Ettline has a track record of providing a superior experience for its customers and a history of growth in a competitive and changing landscape, which made them very appealing to our growth plan,” Nicholson said. “We welcome the Ettline family of employees and look forward to working together in serving their customer base with expanded services and buying power."

As both foodservice and retail rapidly evolve to match changing consumer demands, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow for all the latest.

Gordon Food Service