Starting your own business can be one of the most of happiest times and rewarding experiences you will ever have as you will no longer have to work for the man because now you are your own boss.

However, after deciding what kind of business you want to run and having run through all of the planning that are involved, you will eventually have to decide whether to buy new or used equipment.  This is especially true if you plan on opening your own restaurant, cafe or any type of food establishment.   If you have plenty of cash on hand or your uncle left you a sizeable chunk of change, then you don't need to worry and buy everything new.  However, if you are the many entrepreneurial souls out there with little cash on hand, but big dreams then it's time to come back to earth and start planning on making the most of your equipment budget.

There are many restaurant equipment wholesalers in Toronto and the GTAs, but the three that you should check out are Canada Food Equipment, DSW Restaurant Equipment Suppliers and Tap Phong Trading Company.  Addresses and phone numbers are provided below for your convenience. 

Canada Food Equipment probably has the biggest show room and selection because they sit outside of Toronto and have the luxury of space being cheaper outside Toronto and they carry almost everything you can think of.  Prices are competitive, but with a little bargaining, you can get quite a good deal.  The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable and can assist with your needs and concerns.  However, make sure you ask about the warranty and make it clear when you are buying what it covers, because you don't want to regret it later.  Things do break down when you least expected it to.

DSW Restaurant Equipment Suppliers is smaller, but they carry new items and used as well.  They do not have that much selection, but they provide enough to get you started whether you need to open a cafe or restaurant.  And also they can custom build  refrigeration for you too.  They have a small staff on hand, but are friendly and knowledgeable enough. And their used equipment are nice and clean and ready to use. 

Lastly, if you are looking to open an Asian cuisine restaurant, Tap Phong Trading Company is one of the places you should visit as they carry quite a selection of Asian equipment from bamboo steamers, chop sticks, rice cookers to giant woks.  And it's not just for restaurant you can buy these items for your home as well as anyone can walk in and buy whatever they might need.  The store is not as big as Canada Food Equipment, slightly bigger than DSW Restaurant Equipment Suppliers, but you'll be glad you checked it out.  The staff  are Asians and language sometimes is a problem, but they are quite helpful and if you know what you are looking for, it should not be a problem.

If you have are a chance to visit them all, you should, as all three places will offer something that the others do not.

Links:

Canada Food Equipment
45 Vansco Road,
Etobicoke, ON M8Z 5Z8
Tel: (416) 253 5100
Toll Free: 1-800-263-0920
Fax:(416)253-2251

DSW Restaurant Equipment Suppliers
2700 St Clair W, YORK, ON M6N 1M2
416-763-7429

Tap Phong Trading Company
360 Spadina Avenue
Toronto Ontario,Canada M5T 2G4
Tel: 416-977-6364, 416-977-5758
Toll Free: 1-866-660-6676
Fax: 416-971-8097