Running an independent restaurant today isn’t easy. Food costs rise. Vendors change pricing without notice. Margins feel tighter every month. That’s why partnering with a trusted Purchasing Group Company like the Greek American Restaurant Cooperative (GARC) can be the difference between surviving and truly thriving.
Since 2009, GARC has helped independent restaurant owners across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin leverage their collective buying power to secure better pricing and stronger supplier relationships. Our mission is simple: give independent operators the same purchasing advantages as national chains without taking away your independence.
When you join GARC, you’re not just signing up for discounts. You’re becoming part of a powerful, member-owned network built “for the members, by the members.”
GARC began when a small group of Greek American restaurateurs in Chicago decided they deserved the same pricing power as corporate chains. What started as a collaboration grew into a respected cooperative serving over 1,900 restaurant members throughout the Midwest.
Our corporate office in Park Ridge, IL supports restaurants of all types, from casual cafés and midscale concepts to fine dining establishments. We understand your day-to-day pressures because this organization was built by operators just like you.
That real-world experience shapes everything we do as your Purchasing Group Company.
Every dollar saved goes straight back into your business. That’s why GARC negotiates directly with over 300 manufacturers, distributors, and vendors to secure competitive pricing and rebates on more than 100,000 products, many of which you’re already buying.
On average, members see 10 percent savings across thousands of items. Even more powerful, rebates earned per location are typically four to ten times the annual membership fee. That means membership isn’t just affordable; it’s an investment that often pays for itself many times over.
We work hard to ensure your savings match or exceed what large chains receive. And because we are member-owned, our success depends entirely on yours.
We know you don’t have time for complicated systems or added administrative work. That’s why our process is straightforward.
You continue ordering the products you need from our contracted distributors. We handle the negotiations, rebate tracking, and vendor relationships behind the scenes. There’s no disruption to your daily operations; just smarter purchasing and stronger margins.
As a proven Purchasing Group Company, we focus on removing stress from your supply chain so you can focus on running your restaurant.
Our philosophy is simple: win for the member, win for the supplier. When members grow stronger, the entire network grows stronger.
With negotiated rebates through multiple distributors and over 30 manufacturers, you gain access to programs designed to drive measurable savings. Many of these rebates apply to products you’re already purchasing, which means you can start seeing returns quickly.
And there’s no pressure. If you’re not pleased with the results, you can stop at any time. No long-term obligations. No complicated exit process. Just confidence that we stand behind what we offer.
Empowering Independent Restaurants to Compete
National chains benefit from massive buying power. Independent restaurants deserve that same advantage. That’s exactly what our Purchasing Group Company provides.
By aggregating purchasing volume across hundreds of members, we create leverage that drives favorable pricing and rebates. You maintain full control of your business while gaining the strength of a large organization behind you.
Whether you operate in Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, or anywhere across IL, IN, or WI, and even nationally, GARC gives you the tools to compete confidently in a demanding market.
Founded in 2009 and backed by decades of cooperative experience, GARC has built a reputation for reliability, transparency, and measurable savings. We only succeed when you save money. That alignment keeps us focused on delivering real value to every member.
If rising costs are cutting into your margins, now is the time to act. Every month without strategic purchasing support is money left on the table.
Join the Greek American Restaurant Cooperative today and discover how the right Purchasing Group Company can help you grow profits, simplify purchasing, and strengthen your future.
Contact us now to learn more about membership and start saving.
Our mission is to provide business solutions through strategic vendor partnerships, positive communications, education and the promotion of operating standards that encourage excellence.
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