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History

The ancient Dutch proverb “the fruit does not fall far from the tree” is appropriate in describing the deep local history and philosophy of Foster-Caviness Foodservice. The company’s humble beginnings span back over a century, when in 1902 a small fruit and vegetable business was started in Greensboro, North Carolina, by the Foster and Caviness families, establishing the name that it still holds today. Now just as then, a tireless belief that strong relationships are what makes a business and the community in which it operates thrive, Foster-Caviness holds true to its roots of community service and quality offerings.

Original Foster-Caviness Facility - Greensboro, NC

Locally Grown
The roots of today’s Foster-Caviness Foodservice can be traced back to 1974 when current owner, Paul Lieb, and his father started Best Wholesale Foods in Greensboro, a distributor of deli, ethnic, and gourmet foods to the local restaurant industry. Having attended high school and college in North Carolina, Paul understood the importance of fostering strong relationships throughout the surrounding community in order to establish a firm foundation for business success. For 11 years the family business thrived, including operation of 2 local retail dining establishments that still exist today. It is that experience and knowledge of the foodservice industry that Paul brought to bear when he purchased Foster-Caviness Foodservice in 1985. The new company expanded its offerings, providing a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Greater Greensboro Area.

Paul Lieb & Jeff Gorelick - Partners in Produce

Producing Success
In 1994, Foster-Caviness expanded its knowledge and expertise in business when Paul became partners with Jeff Gorelick, a native born and educated North Carolinian who had extensive experience in financial institutions and corporate operations. In order to better serve the surrounding community, Jeff concentrated on the newly established Foster-Caviness Charlotte operation. This powerful combination of management experience enabled the company to grow even more substantially, expanding its reach throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, as well as parts of Virginia and Tennessee. But both owners will assert that it is the firm foundation of local relationships and stewardship that have made Foster-Caviness the successful company it is today.

Current Greensboro, NC Distribution Facility

Cultivating Relationships
Foster-Caviness believes that its people and market partners are the integral part of what sets the company apart from national produce distributors. Starting with just 11 employees when the company was purchased, Foster-Caviness employs over 140 delivery associates, customer service specialists, and managers in the local community today. Each and every employee takes pride and individual responsibility in delivering the highest quality produce and service to market partners. With its national procurement partner Pro*Act, Foster-Caviness is able to acquire and deliver safe and consistent varieties of fruits and vegetables from markets worldwide, with its ever expanding Friends of Farmers™ Local Produce Program, the company believes that investing in its surrounding community strengthens its offerings and insures its success in the future. Giving back to the community in which it operates, Foster-Caviness believes in being frequent patrons of the establishments that it serves, while providing product and resources to local charities and associations. With its roots firmly planted in the community it serves, Foster-Caviness Foodservice enjoys continued success in the marketplace, while adhering to its fundamental philosophy of Fostering Friendships, and Producing Success.