Imperial Dade announces acquisition of Harbour Food Service Equipment

Imperial Dade, a prominent North American distributor of foodservice packaging, industrial products, and janitorial supplies, has acquired Harbour Food Service Equipment. This acquisition marks the 83rd under the leadership of Robert and Jason Tillis, who serve as Chairman and CEO of Imperial Dade, respectively. The financial details of this private transaction remain undisclosed.

For nearly a century, Harbour Food Service Equipment has maintained a stellar reputation through strong, longstanding relationships with business owners across Boston. Originally established as a woodworking shop, Harbour has evolved into a renowned equipment and supply dealer serving independent restaurants, local chains, and various corporate, educational, and government institutions. The Kalick family, long-term owners and operators of the company, has ensured a continued focus on customer service excellence and commitment to their clients and employees.

With this acquisition, Harbour’s clients will benefit from Imperial Dade’s market-leading platform, enjoying enhanced customized service alongside an expanded array of products and solutions. “I enthusiastically welcome the entire Harbour family to the Imperial Dade platform. Imperial Dade is honored to carry forward the Harbour legacy into this next chapter of growth,” stated Robert Tillis. Jason Tillis added, “This acquisition and partnership reinforce our focus to bolster our product offering and expertise to our customers. Harbour and Imperial Dade share values, and we are excited to roll out the full product suite to customers across the Northeast.”

Kelly Kalick, President of Harbour Food Service Equipment, expressed excitement about the merger, highlighting the alignment in service focus and customer commitment: “On behalf of Harbour Food Service Equipment, we are thrilled to be part of Imperial Dade. Imperial Dade shares the same relentless focus on delivering the best service and product offering to the customer. The resources and strategic support will enable us to continue our growth trajectory and strengthen customer relationships.”

Founded in 1935, Imperial Dade has expanded significantly, serving over 120,000 customers across North America. Since 2007, under the leadership of Robert and Jason Tillis, the company has experienced significant growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions.

This latest acquisition by Imperial Dade is a strategic move that not only broadens its geographical footprint but also enhances its product and service offerings in the competitive foodservice and janitorial supply industries. By integrating Harbour Food Service Equipment’s deep regional expertise and customer relationships, Imperial Dade is well-positioned to enhance its market presence in the Northeast. This merger is indicative of the larger industry trend where companies are increasingly looking to consolidate to leverage shared resources, optimize service delivery, and expand customer bases.