McLane Company Inc., one of the largest and most influential supply chain service providers in the United States, has announced a major expansion of its restaurant distribution portfolio with the addition of five high-profile brands: Carl’s Jr., Panera Bread, Steak ‘n Shake, Subway, and Wendy’s. This announcement marks a significant step forward in McLane’s strategy to cement itself as the distributor of choice for leading quick-service, fast-casual, and casual dining restaurants across the nation.
The inclusion of these five chains reflects both McLane’s ability to meet the complex needs of multi-unit operators and the growing confidence that major brands place in the company’s logistics expertise. Together, these new partnerships represent thousands of restaurant locations, spread across dozens of states, which will now be served by McLane’s expansive infrastructure and highly efficient distribution network.
Building Trust with Iconic Brands
“These new relationships with some of the most beloved brands in America reflect the trust leading restaurant chains place in McLane,” said Susan Adzick, president of McLane Restaurant. “Whether it’s helping a national chain improve service consistency across regions or unlocking growth for a regional brand, we act as a true strategic partner for our customers.”
McLane’s philosophy goes beyond the traditional role of a distributor. By positioning itself as a collaborator and problem-solver, the company helps restaurant operators tackle challenges related to supply consistency, regional rollouts, food safety, and evolving consumer expectations. This approach has enabled McLane to secure long-term partnerships with some of the biggest names in the restaurant industry, and its recent customer expansion demonstrates the momentum it continues to build in this highly competitive sector.
Expansive National Reach
One of McLane’s strongest competitive advantages lies in its nationwide footprint and industry-leading infrastructure. The company operates 15 strategically located distribution centers that are now serving the five newly added restaurant brands. Leveraging one of the largest private fleets in the United States, McLane ensures efficient and dependable delivery schedules, while also offering the scale and flexibility necessary to handle fluctuations in demand and seasonal promotions.
Equally important is McLane’s expertise in cold chain integrity and multi-temperature logistics. With restaurant partners increasingly offering fresh and perishable items, the ability to move products seamlessly from warehouse to restaurant while maintaining strict temperature control has become mission-critical. McLane’s reputation for safeguarding product quality and food safety has been a key factor in attracting these new partnerships.
Supporting 4,200+ Restaurant Locations
Through these newly formed collaborations, McLane is now servicing more than 4,200 restaurant locations across 33 states. Each brand presents unique logistical challenges and opportunities, and McLane has tailored its support model to meet their individual needs:
- Carl’s Jr.: Over 900 restaurants across the Southwest, West Coast, and Pacific Northwest are benefiting from McLane’s reliable supply chain services. With a menu that emphasizes both classic and innovative offerings, Carl’s Jr. requires a distribution partner capable of ensuring fresh ingredients and consistent availability across a wide geographical footprint.
- Panera Bread: Known for its emphasis on wholesome food and freshly prepared bakery items, Panera Bread’s 380+ restaurants in the Northeast and Midwest will depend on McLane’s rigorous cold chain logistics and attention to quality control.
- Steak ‘n Shake: A legacy brand with a strong following, Steak ‘n Shake’s 100+ locations in the Southeast and Gulf Coast require careful coordination to maintain consistency in both product supply and service execution.
- Subway: As one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant chains, Subway presents a particularly large-scale partnership. McLane is now servicing more than 2,400 Subway restaurants in the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions, demonstrating the company’s ability to handle high-volume operations with precision.
- Wendy’s: With over 500 restaurants supported in the Southeast and Gulf Coast, Wendy’s relies on McLane for end-to-end distribution that ensures the brand’s well-known menu items reach customers fresh and on time.
Delivering End-to-End Solutions
Beyond logistics and transportation, McLane’s restaurant division provides comprehensive distribution and support services that simplify operations for restaurant chains. This includes not only inventory management and order fulfillment but also the ability to manage limited-time offers (LTOs), a crucial aspect of restaurant marketing and brand differentiation. LTOs often require rapid coordination across multiple regions, and McLane’s ability to execute them smoothly gives partner brands the confidence to innovate and experiment.
The company also maintains rigorous food safety standards, supported by advanced tracking systems and strict compliance measures. In a time when consumers are increasingly conscious about food sourcing and safety, this emphasis strengthens brand reputation for McLane’s restaurant partners.
A Strategic Partner for Growth
McLane’s growing customer base is not just about adding logos to its portfolio—it’s about creating long-term value. With flexible service models, the company helps restaurant brands scale their operations in line with business growth, regional expansion, or evolving consumer trends. For regional players, this can mean access to national-level resources that accelerate growth. For large national chains, it provides consistency and dependability across diverse and geographically scattered markets.
By acting as a strategic partner, McLane supports restaurant brands in navigating a rapidly changing landscape shaped by shifting consumer expectations, digital ordering trends, and heightened competition. Its combination of infrastructure, expertise, and adaptability positions the company as an indispensable ally to restaurants aiming to deliver great customer experiences at scale.
