One of the most important companies in the food industry is the PGF-Lester Company. This Lebanon, Tennessee Company was founded in 1930 by Kenneth O. Lester, and was under the leadership of a father and son team, who found much success in America. Kenneth O. Lester's father died in 1964, and his son Kenneth Lester Jr. took charge of the company until he passed away in 1994. It was acquired in 1988 by Performance Food Group.
At this moment, with an experience of 75 years in the industry, Performance Food Group is the number 3 broad line foodservice distributor in the US only surpassed by companies like SYSCO and US Foodservice. They supplies important fast food chains as Burger King, Churchs Chicken and Subway among others. Also they supply their products to educational and healthcare facilities in the east, Midwest, Northeast, South and Southeast in the US.
It also provides personalized service to big casual-dining chains such as Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Outback Steakhouse, Ruby Tuesday and T.G.I Fridays.
What makes PFG different than the others? It is very easy, they bring you services and support above and beyond industry standards. This is because they always work thinking like the consumer. This fact made that in 1999 they were recognized by the ID Magazines as Great Distributor Organization".
At the moment, PFG has some distribution centers in cities that were affected by the hurricane Katrina on last September. They are doing big efforts to recuperate and help the people from this terrible tragedy.