Does anyone have experience buying things like silverware, metal ramekins, or custom to go containers through Alibaba? We have 5 restaurants and over a year could save a ton of money for lowering our costs on these items. Seems like importing straight from China would work but the shipping, customs, and quality control issues are concerns. Would love to know people’s firsthand experiences. Also alternative solutions to Alibaba.

Curious about everyone's experience sourcing Japanese and Asian specialty goods/equipment for your kitchens. It feels like getting consistent quality is getting a bit harder.

What actually keeps you sticking to a specialty vendor? Is it just whoever has the best prices, or is it more about reliability and having an easy ordering system (like an app vs traditional communications)? Trying to wrap my head around the biggest frustrations people are having with specialty sourcing right now.

Hey all, wanted to spread the world about new podcast you might be interested in:

Fully Fermented is the podcast of Food and Beverage conversations. Hosted by Award Winning Distiller Matt Lange (King Coil Spirits) and James Beard nominated chef and Restaurateur Jon Nodler (Canter Inn), each episode of Fully Fermented will take a deep dive into a topic in the world of Food, Beverage and the Hospitality Industry. Whether you're a foodie, industry vet, eater or drinker, you will find engaging conversations with expert guests and stories of the struggles, successes, joys and frustrations of this crazy business.