Supplier Diversity

We recognize the importance of developing and promoting mutually beneficial supplier relationships. Engaging diverse suppliers gives Buffets, Inc., the parent company of Old Country Buffet®, Country Buffet®, HomeTown Buffet®, Ryan's®, and Fire Mountain® Grill, the advantage of tapping into the best-value, highest-quality products and services available. Supplier diversity affirms our commitment to recognizing diversity in the communities where we conduct business. It confirms our commitment to deliver exceptional quality and top value to our guests through the relationships built as a result of a diverse marketplace.

Requirements to be a Buffets, Inc. National Supplier

To be evaluated under our supplier diversity program, companies must evidence the following:

  • Certification as a minority or women-owned business by an independent third party. Preferred Certification: The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) or the Women’s Business Enterprise National council (WBEN).
  • Food manufacturers must provide a recent third party Quality Assurance inspection.
  • Meet our insurance and indemnification requirements.
  • Capabilities for manufacturing, national distribution, research and development support.
  • Have a minimum of a two-year stable business history.
  • Meet or exceed our high standards of quality.
  • Competitive pricing.

Becoming a Buffets, Inc. Supplier

Steps to follow for procurement opportunities:

1. Complete a Supplier Profile form that requests information about your firm’s capabilities, ownership, financial stability, etc

2. Mail the following items to the address listed below:

  • Supplier Profile form
  • Copy of your minority business certification
  • Any additional background information about your firm’s products or services
  • Do not send samples

3. Your complete package will be reviewed for potential opportunities. If it is determined that there is an opportunity for your product or services, you will be contacted for further assessment and procedures for the next steps.

4. Please allow approximately six weeks for a response once we have received all your information. Your company profile will be entered into our database for further reference.

5. We welcome the opportunity to build strong, rewarding relationships with high-quality, diverse suppliers in our communities. Please note, however, that we are not able to do business with all companies that contact us.

6. Send all materials to the address listed below. Materials submitted will not be returned.

Buffets, Inc.
Supplier Diversity Program
Attn: Purchasing Department
1460 Buffet Way
Eagan, MN 55121

If materials are available to be e-mailed, send them to diversity.supplier@buffetsinc.com.

Are You Certified?

Consider the following resources for certification:

The National Minority Supplier Development Council
The National Minority Council serves as a resource to minority businesses with national and local chapters. For information on all the services offered, visit the Web site.
www.nmsdcus.org

Women's Business Enterprise Council
This Web site will provide the woman business owner with the information to understand the benefits of certification, the criteria for certification, and online access to an interactive application form.
www.wbenc.org

Overview of Opportunities

Food Products

  • Bakery, Frozen
  • Beef (Prepared, Inside Rounds)
  • Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan)
  • Chicken (Fresh 8 Piece, Wings, Drumsticks, Livers)
  • Coffee
  • Condiments
  • Croutons
  • Fruit, Canned
  • Gelatins and Pudding
  • Ice Cream Cones
  • Ice Cream Toppings (Candy and Syrup)
  • Mixes (Cake, Brownie, Waffle, Pancake, Gravy)
  • Oil
  • Orange Juice, Frozen
  • Pasta
  • Pork (Prepared, Sausage, Precooked Bacon)
  • Potatoes (French Fries, IQF Hashbrowns, Instant, Fresh Diced)
  • Rice
  • Salad Dressings, Prepared
  • Saltines
  • Sauces, Prepared and Custom
  • Seafood (Catfish, Clams, Surimi, Hoki, Shrimp)
  • Spices / Seasonings
  • Turkey
  • Vegetables (Canned, Frozen)


Non-Food Products

  • Bags, Plastic
  • Chemicals
  • China
  • Gloves and Aprons, Disposable
  • Paper Towels and Napkins
  • Smallwares
  • Soap