Where Can I Buy Pulled Pork Wholesale for My Restaurant or Catering Business?

Pulled pork is a versatile protein that can be used in everything from sandwiches and tacos to nachos, salads, pasta dishes and more. It’s a menu staple that customers love. But buying quality pulled pork in bulk can be a challenge for restaurants and caterers. This guide will cover where to source delicious pulled pork wholesale.

Why Choose Pulled Pork for Your Business?

Before diving into where to buy it, let’s look at why pulled pork is a smart choice for eateries:

• Customers crave it – Barbecue pulled pork is comforting, familiar, and craveable. It has mass appeal across demographics.

• Endless menu options – Shredded pulled pork can be incorporated into all types of cuisines. Tacos, sandwiches, rice bowls, flatbreads, salads – the possibilities are endless

• Saves labor costs – Pre-pulled pork eliminates the work of smoking pork shoulders, shredding by hand, and season prep.

• Adds variety – Pulled pork infuses menus with a tasty, protein-packed option beyond hamburgers and chicken.

• Easy to execute – Staff can simply heat, assemble, and serve pulled pork dishes without complex prep.

• Bulk sizes available – Buying pre-pulled pork in bulk keeps costs down through economies of scale.

Offering pulled pork provides versatility and convenience for operations of all sizes. Purchasing it pre-made in bulk quantities further maximizes value.

Where to Source Pulled Pork Wholesale

When buying in volume, you’ll need a reputable supplier with bulk sizes. Here are some top options for purchasing pulled pork wholesale:

Foodservice Distributors

Major foodservice distributors like US Foods, Sysco, and Gordon Food Service offer large-format pulled pork for delivery:

• Cost-efficient – Distributors provide wholesale pricing with bulk discounts.

• Wide selection – Choose from multiple brands, seasoning flavors, package sizes, bone-in or boneless, etc.

• ** Dependable supply chain** – Established distributors ensure reliable inventory and prompt delivery.

• One-stop shop – Order all your inventory needs in one place for simpler purchasing.

• Account rep support – Dedicated sales reps can provide guidance and help find the best options.

Ordering through an established foodservice distributor makes buying pulled pork in bulk affordable and hassle-free.

Online Restaurant Supply Stores

Web-based restaurant supply stores like WebstaurantStore provide wholesale pulled pork available for online ordering and quick nationwide shipping:

• Convenience – Easy 24/7 online ordering and fast shipping to your door.

• National reach – Source from top suppliers around the country.

• Low prices – Take advantage of online wholesale pricing and bulk savings.

• Huge selection – Browse thousands of pork products including various pre-pulled options.

• Small quantities – Order just what you need with no minimum order requirements.

The selection and convenience of online wholesale outlets lets you buy exactly the pulled pork you want, shipped directly to your business.

Meat Processing Companies

Specialized meat processing companies like Smithfield, Tyson, and Hormel offer quality pre-pulled pork in bulk:

• Expertise – Meat processors have mastered large-scale smoking and pulling.

• Trusted brands – Well-known pork brands inspire consumer confidence.

• Different flavor profiles – Choose a provider that offers your ideal seasoning and smoke.

• Label appeal – Listing recognizable brand names as ingredients can attract customers.

• Quality control – Dedicated pork processors adhere to strict quality standards.

Partnering directly with a processor gives assurance you’re buying delicious, expertly crafted pulled pork in big batches.

Butcher Shops or Meat Markets

For a local touch, specialty butcher shops and meat markets may sell house-made pulled pork in bulk:

• Local appeal – Marketing a regional small business attracts community support.

• Unique options – Butchers can customize flavors, smoke profiles, and portion sizes.

• Fresher product – The pork often travels directly from supplier to you.

• Relationships – Build a rapport with butchers who know your needs and specifications.

• Smaller minimums – For smaller operations, butchers may offer smaller bulk sizes.

Butcher shops let you source locally crafted pulled pork tailored exactly to your business and patrons.

Buying Pulled Pork in Bulk – Specs to Look For

To choose the best pulled pork, keep these key specs in mind:

• Flavor – Select a seasoning profile suited to your menu items. Applewood smoked and hickory smoked are popular options.

• Package size – Consider volume needs. Sizes range from 3 lb units to 40 lb bulk boxes.

• Boneless or bone-in – Boneless allows easier portioning. Bone-in provides richer flavor.

• Pre-sauced or plain – Unsauced allows custom flavoring. Pre-sauced saves steps.

• Fat ratio – Fattier pork stays juicier when reheated. Leaner is healthier.

• Chop style – Finely shredded pork works for sandwiches. Larger chunks are better for tacos.

• Sold frozen or fresh – Frozen requires thawing but carries a longer shelf life.

Thinking through specifications like flavor, size, bone, sauce, and texture ensures you source pulled pork well-suited to your needs. Test samples when possible.

Storing and Handling Bulk Pulled Pork

To maintain safety and quality, follow these storage and handling tips:

• Refrigerate fresh pulled pork at 40°F or below and use within 4-7 days.

• Freeze extra fresh pork immediately in airtight containers. Thaw in fridge when ready to use.

• Keep frozen pulled pork at 0°F or below. Follow safe thawing methods before reheating.

• When reheating, heat to 165°F internally to eliminate food safety risks.

• Avoid temperature danger zone of 40-140°F when thawing, handling, and reheating.

• Once reheated, hold pork in a warmer at 140°F+ until serving.

• Practice first in/first out rotation and label date opened containers.

Proper receiving, storage, thawing, and reheating ensures your bulk pulled pork stays fresh and safe to serve.

Creative Ways to Menu Pulled Pork

Once you’ve secured your wholesale pulled pork supply, put it to delicious use on the menu with ideas like:

• Pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw

• Tacos with mango salsa and spicy slaw

• Nachos loaded with cheese, beans, pulled pork, and fixings

• Flatbread pizza with BBQ pulled pork, red onion, and pineapple

• Pulled pork mac and cheese bowls

• Pulled pork quesadillas with peppers and onions

• Pulled pork rice or grain bowls with veggies

• Pulled pork omelets or breakfast burritos

• Pulled pork salad with vinaigrette, fruits, and nuts

The possibilities are endless for integrating tender, smoky pulled pork into all types of globally inspired dishes. Take advantage of its versatility to delight customers.

With so many wholesale purchasing options, stocking up on pulled pork for your commercial kitchen or catering business is simple. Follow this guide to find the perfect source for all your pulled pork needs. Then, get creative plating it in craveable, profitable menu items that will have customers coming back for more.