Running a steakhouse business means that you should look for ways to get your supplies at a cheaper rate.

A steakhouse business is a restaurant specializing in high-quality steak dishes, often served alongside classic sides like potatoes, vegetables, and salads.

It focuses on sourcing premium cuts of beef, offering options like ribeye, filet mignon, and T-bone, often grilled or cooked to customers’ specifications.

Steakhouses cater to casual diners or upscale clientele, emphasizing ambiance, exceptional service, and a curated beverage menu, including wine.

Of course, you know that steakhouses spend the bulk of their money on meat hence they are required to source them from wholesalers at a good price that will help them make a profit from the business.

Steakhouses typically source their meat from several wholesale suppliers, depending on their quality standards, price range, and location.

Common Places Steakhouses Buy Their Meat at Wholesale Prices

1. Meat Distributors and Wholesalers

All across the world, it is common to find large-scale meat distributors supplying steakhouses with a variety of cuts in bulk.

Some good examples of meat distributors or wholesalers for steakhouse owners include US Foods, Sysco, Restaurant Depot, and Chef’s Warehouse for bulk options.

Note that these suppliers offer competitive pricing, consistent quality, and reliable delivery services.

2. Specialized Butcher Wholesalers

High-end steakhouses often partner with specialty butchers or boutique wholesalers who focus on premium cuts of beef, such as dry-aged, grass-fed, or Wagyu.

These suppliers offer exceptional quality and customization, catering to the unique demands of gourmet dining.

Specialized butcher wholesalers such as Allen Brothers, are known for its prime steaks, and Pat LaFrieda, is a trusted name for custom blends and cuts.

For example, wholesalers like Snake River Farms specialize in American Wagyu.

Partnering with these suppliers helps steakhouses deliver consistent quality and elevate the dining experience for customers

3. Local Farms and Ranches

Many steakhouses source directly from these producers to ensure the freshest, highest-quality cuts while supporting local businesses.

Buying from farms allows steakhouses to establish direct relationships, often leading to better prices, custom orders, and unique cuts.

This approach is especially appealing for establishments emphasizing farm-to-table dining, as it highlights sustainability and transparency.

Local farms also offer options like grass-fed, organic, or heritage-breed beef, which can be marketed as premium features.

Collaborating with nearby producers strengthens the local economy and appeals to diners seeking fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

4. Meat Auctions

In certain regions, livestock auctions and wholesale meat markets provide opportunities to purchase high-quality meat at competitive rates.

These auctions allow restaurant owners to bid on fresh cuts, ensuring affordability and transparency in sourcing.

Some steakhouses prefer this method for access to unique cuts or specialty-grade beef, like grass-fed or heritage breeds.

Examples of well-known markets include Smithfield Market in London and various regional meat auctions in the U.S. and Canada.

By purchasing directly from auctions, steakhouses can maintain quality control, reduce costs, and build relationships with local producers.

5. Online Wholesale Platforms

These platforms provide convenience and accessibility, allowing restaurant owners to browse, compare, and order premium cuts from the comfort of their offices.

Online suppliers often offer a wide range of options, including dry-aged, grass-fed, and Wagyu beef, as well as delivery services that ensure timely and fresh arrivals.

Examples of reputable online wholesalers include Meat N’ Bone, Porter Road, and Crowd Cow, which specialize in high-quality meat for commercial kitchens.

This approach is ideal for steakhouses seeking flexibility in ordering, competitive pricing, and access to specialty cuts from various regions.

6. Custom-Cut Suppliers

Lastly, steakhouses often source their meat from custom-cut suppliers at wholesale prices.

These suppliers specialize in tailoring meat cuts to meet the specific needs of each restaurant, ensuring unique or specialty cuts that aren’t commonly available from standard wholesalers.

Custom-cut suppliers work closely with steakhouses to deliver precise specifications, whether it’s an exclusive cut for signature dishes, portion-controlled steaks, or special aging processes like dry-aged or wet-aged beef.

This collaboration allows steakhouses to offer a distinctive menu, enhance consistency, and maintain quality standards.