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The Chefs Warehouse Inc (CHEF)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/28/2025: CHEF (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
1 Year Target Price $76.5
1 Year Target Price $76.5
6 | Strong Buy |
1 | Buy |
0 | Hold |
0 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 28.71% | Avg. Invested days 50 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Mid-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 2.56B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 38.83 | 1Y Target Price 76.5 |
Price to earnings Ratio 38.83 | 1Y Target Price 76.5 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 7 | Beta 1.83 | 52 Weeks Range 37.72 - 68.94 | Updated Date 08/28/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 37.72 - 68.94 | Updated Date 08/28/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) 1.62 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 1.76% | Operating Margin (TTM) 3.89% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 4.86% | Return on Equity (TTM) 13.64% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 38.83 | Forward PE 35.97 | Enterprise Value 3385326017 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.65 |
Enterprise Value 3385326017 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.65 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.86 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 15.93 | Shares Outstanding 40762700 | Shares Floating 36278766 |
Shares Outstanding 40762700 | Shares Floating 36278766 | ||
Percent Insiders 11.27 | Percent Institutions 97.72 |
Upturn AI SWOT
The Chefs Warehouse Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. was founded in 1985 by Chris Pappas. It began as a small specialty food distributor serving high-end restaurants in the New York metropolitan area and has expanded nationally through organic growth and acquisitions.
Core Business Areas
- Specialty Food Distribution: Distributes specialty food products, including meats, seafood, pastry, dairy, and produce, to independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, hotels, and country clubs.
- Restaurant Supplies & Equipment: Sells and distributes premium-quality kitchen supplies, equipment, and related products.
Leadership and Structure
Christopher Pappas is the Chairman and CEO. The company has a typical corporate structure with a board of directors and various management teams overseeing operations, sales, finance, and marketing.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Specialty Food Products (Meats, Seafood, Dairy): These are high-quality ingredients sourced from around the world. Market share within the specialty food distribution market is estimated to be around 20-25%. Competitors include US Foods, Sysco, and smaller regional distributors. Revenue from this makes up the bulk of the Chefs Warehouse business
- Chef Equipment and Supplies: Premium kitchenware, appliances, and tools. This segment has a more fragmented market with many specialized suppliers. Competitors include WebstaurantStore, and other food supply companies.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The specialty food distribution industry is competitive and highly fragmented. It is influenced by trends in the restaurant industry, consumer preferences for high-quality ingredients, and supply chain dynamics.
Positioning
The Chefs Warehouse positions itself as a premium distributor focused on high-end restaurants. Its competitive advantages include a wide product selection, strong relationships with chefs, and a focus on quality.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The estimated total addressable market (TAM) for specialty food distribution in the US is around $50 billion. The Chefs Warehouse is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the premium segment of this market, estimated at around $10 billion.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong brand reputation in the high-end restaurant segment
- Wide product selection and global sourcing capabilities
- Established relationships with chefs and culinary professionals
- National distribution network
Weaknesses
- Dependence on the restaurant industry's economic health
- Vulnerability to supply chain disruptions
- Lower margins compared to some competitors
- High inventory holding costs
Opportunities
- Expansion into new geographic markets
- Growth through acquisitions of smaller distributors
- Increased demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products
- Development of proprietary product lines
Threats
- Increased competition from larger distributors
- Economic downturn impacting restaurant spending
- Fluctuations in commodity prices
- Changing consumer preferences
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- SYY
- USFD
- ARMK
Competitive Landscape
The Chefs Warehouse differentiates itself through its focus on specialty foods and its relationships with high-end restaurants. However, it faces stiff competition from larger, more diversified distributors.
Major Acquisitions
Allen Brothers
- Year: 2013
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 52.5
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded the company's premium meat offerings and market reach.
Michael's Finer Meats
- Year: 2017
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 37.5
- Strategic Rationale: Strengthened the company's meat distribution capabilities in the Western US.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: The Chefs Warehouse has grown historically through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
Future Projections: Analyst projections would be included here. Example: Projected Revenue Growth (next 3 years): [10, 12, 15] (in %)
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include expanding its distribution network, investing in technology, and focusing on sustainable sourcing.
Summary
The Chefs Warehouse is a strong player in the specialty food distribution market, particularly serving high-end restaurants. Its focus on quality and chef relationships has fueled growth. The company faces challenges from larger competitors and economic sensitivity, but acquisitions and strategic initiatives are expanding its reach and product offerings.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company SEC Filings (10-K, 10-Q)
- Company Investor Relations Materials
- Industry Reports (e.g., from IBISWorld)
- Analyst Reports (e.g., from Bloomberg, Reuters)
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Market share and TAM estimates are approximations based on available data and industry reports. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About The Chefs Warehouse Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Ridgefield, CT, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 2011-07-28 | Founder, Chairman, CEO & President Mr. Christopher Pappas | ||
Sector Consumer Defensive | Industry Food Distribution | Full time employees 5029 | Website https://www.chefswarehouse.com |
Full time employees 5029 | Website https://www.chefswarehouse.com |
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, distributes specialty food and center-of-the-plate products in the United States, the Middle East, and Canada. It offers includes specialty food products, such as artisan charcuterie, specialty cheeses, unique oils and vinegars, truffles, caviar, chocolate, and pastry products; and center-of-the-plate products consisting of custom cut beef, seafood, and hormone-free poultry, as well as broadline food products comprising cooking oils, butter, eggs, milk, and flour. The company serves menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools, bakeries, patisseries, chocolatiers, cruise lines, casinos, and specialty food stores. It markets its center-of-the-plate products directly to consumers through a mail and e-commerce platform. The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

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