The What Chefs Want Story

At What Chefs Want, our story is rooted in a deep respect for food, family, and the chefs we serve. Since our beginnings, we’ve grown by bringing together a collection of long-standing family businesses—each adding unique expertise, local knowledge, and passion to our mission. With every step forward, we’ve expanded our footprint and deepened our commitment to delivering the best ingredients, service, and support to chefs across the country.

1904
Founded in 1904 and incorporated in 1906, Grocers Ice & Cold Storage Co. operated out of 609 E. Main Street in Louisville, Kentucky. The company played a central role in early cold storage and ice distribution, supporting the region’s food supply chain.
Founded in 1904 and incorporated in 1906, Grocers Ice & Cold Storage Co. operated out of 609 E. Main Street in Louisville, Kentucky. The company played a central role in early cold storage and ice distribution, supporting the region’s food supply chain.
1987
Bob Holmes forms Creation Gardens.
1991
In 1991, Ron and Mollie Turnier took over operations of Grocers Ice. With a vision to modernize and grow the business, they preserved its historical integrity while preparing for a new chapter in foodservice distribution.
In 1991, Ron and Mollie Turnier took over operations of Grocers Ice. With a vision to modernize and grow the business, they preserved its historical integrity while preparing for a new chapter in foodservice distribution.
1997
The Turniers acquired a small one van produce company called Creation Gardens, choosing to base it out of the historic Grocers Ice facility. Their goal was simple: ask chefs what they need—and deliver it with speed, flexibility, and a personal touch. That philosophy would ultimately evolve into the brand now known as What Chefs Want.
1999
Jim Walker and Garden Market join the Creation Gardens team.
2000
Creation Gardens begins operations in Lexington, Kentucky.
2004
Creation Gardens acquires Melvin’s Produce, and Ron Zirnheld comes aboard.
2006
Creation Gardens purchases EcoSteward paper company.
2008
Creation Gardens begins operations in Nashville, Tennessee.
2009
Creation Gardens begins operations in Evansville, Indiana.
2010
Creation Gardens moves to a 60,000-square-foot facility.
2011
Creation Gardens purchases Ernest Williams produce company in Nashville, Tennessee.
Creation Gardens purchases Ernest Williams produce company in Nashville, Tennessee.
2014
Creation Gardens purchases Murphy Produce in Nashville and Speiss Specialty Foods beginning operations in Cincinnati, Ohio.
2015
Creation Gardens purchases Mattingly Foods to join the A. Thomas and Irish Hill meat teams.
Creation Gardens purchases Mattingly Foods to join the A. Thomas and Irish Hill meat teams.
2016
Creation Gardens purchases ReFresh Produce in Cincinnati, OH gaining a specialized fruit and vegetable processing operation, and renames it Prep Kitchen.
Creation Gardens purchases ReFresh Produce in Cincinnati, OH gaining a specialized fruit and vegetable processing operation, and renames it Prep Kitchen.
2017
Creation Gardens purchases Coe Cantazaro & Son’s Produce, Joe Lasita & Son’s Produce of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Bluefin Seafoods. Begins operations in Indianapolis, Indiana, Columbus, Ohio and Dayton, Ohio. 
2018
Changes name from Creation Gardens to What Chefs Want. What Chefs Want now not only serves as our company name, but our philosophy.
Changes name from Creation Gardens to What Chefs Want. What Chefs Want now not only serves as our company name, but our philosophy.
2018
What Chefs Want begins operations in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
2018
Prep Kitchen builds a state-of-the-art facility in Cincinnati, Ohio.
2018
What Chefs Want purchases Mid/West Fresh Produce of Columbus, Ohio, and Roby Country Gardens Produce of Bardstown, Kentucky.
2019
Purchases Dryden Provisions and Superior Meats of Louisville, KY.
Purchases Dryden Provisions and Superior Meats of Louisville, KY.
2019
What Chefs Want partners with Dixie Produce to expand its footprint in the Southeast.
2019
Purchases Fresh Pack Produce of Denver, Colorado.
2020
What Chefs Want purchases Growers Organic Produce of Denver, Colorado and partners with Central Illinois Produce to expand its footprint into most of Illinois. 
2022
What Chefs Want purchases Northeast Seafood of Denver, Colorado; The Garden of Jacksonville, FL; Revere Meat Co. of Atlanta, GA; NLAWS Foods of Savannah, GA; Ambos Seafood of Savannah, GA; and Chapman Produce of Tallahassee, FL. 
2023
What Chefs Want purchases Food Hub ATL of Atlanta, Georgia.
2024
What Chefs Want purchases Phoenix Wholesale Foodservice of Atlanta, Georgia, becoming the largest independently owned wholesale food distributor in the South. They open a cutting-edge 140,000-square-foot hub in Austell, GA to serve at the backbone of our Southern operations.
Exterior of food distribution building with What Chefs Want red truck