R & R Restaurant Supply stands as a cornerstone of the hospitality infrastructure in Savannah, Georgia. Located at 737 Wheaton Street, this establishment has been the primary resource for commercial kitchen needs in the coastal region since its founding in 1990. For restaurant owners, catering managers, and culinary professionals, the warehouse offers a blend of inventory depth and localized expertise that digital retailers often struggle to replicate.

The facility operates as a comprehensive hub for both new and pre-owned equipment, servicing a broad corridor that extends beyond Savannah into Brunswick, Claxton, and across state lines. Understanding the specific capabilities of this local supplier is crucial for anyone managing a food service operation in Southeast Georgia.

Core Operations and Contact Information

For those requiring immediate logistics, the following details represent the current verified operational profile of R & R Restaurant Supply:

  • Physical Address: 737 Wheaton St, Savannah, GA 31401
  • Primary Phone: (912) 236-9440
  • Standard Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Some records indicate availability until 6:00 p.m., but early afternoon visits are recommended for showroom consultations).
  • Core Specialization: Commercial kitchen equipment, smallwares, facility design, and used equipment procurement.

Historical Impact on the Savannah Hospitality Scene

The year 1990 marked a significant shift in Savannah’s local culinary supply chain with the establishment of R & R Restaurant Supply. At that time, the city’s dining scene was beginning to transition from traditional Southern fare toward a more diverse, high-volume tourist destination. The founders recognized a gap in the market: a need for a supplier that understood the unique humidity challenges of coastal Georgia and the rigorous demands of historic district building codes.

Over three decades, the company has evolved from a simple hardware provider into a strategic partner for restaurateurs. Their longevity in the Eastside neighborhood of Savannah suggests a stable business model focused on long-term client retention rather than transactional sales. In an industry where 60% of new restaurants fail within their first three years, having a supplier that survived multiple economic cycles provides a layer of institutional knowledge that benefits new entrepreneurs.

Comprehensive Inventory for Modern Kitchens

The inventory at R & R Restaurant Supply is categorized into functional zones that mirror the operational flow of a commercial restaurant. Professional buyers typically evaluate their stock based on three primary categories: Front of House (FOH), Back of House (BOH), and Janitorial/Support services.

Back of House Heavy Equipment

The BOH section is dominated by high-output machinery essential for line production. In the Savannah climate, refrigeration is the most critical investment. The facility stocks a variety of cooling solutions:

  • Reach-in Refrigerators and Freezers: Essential for daily prep and ingredient access.
  • Undercounter Units: Critical for bars and tight galley kitchens common in Savannah’s historic buildings.
  • Ice Machines: A high-maintenance category where R&R provides guidance on water filtration to prevent mineral buildup—a common local issue.
  • Cooking Ranges and Ovens: Including gas and electric configurations, convection ovens, and specialized fryers.

When selecting heavy equipment at the Wheaton Street showroom, professionals often focus on the BTU (British Thermal Unit) ratings and the recovery times of fryers. The staff’s ability to explain the difference between a standard economy range and a heavy-duty industrial model helps owners match their equipment to their projected covers-per-hour.

Tabletop and Front of House Aesthetics

The visual experience of a restaurant in a tourist-centric city like Savannah cannot be overstated. R & R Restaurant Supply maintains a deep catalog of FOH supplies designed to withstand high-volume commercial dishwashing while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

  • Dinnerware and China: From vitrified ceramic plates that resist chipping to modern stoneware for farm-to-table concepts.
  • Glassware: Specifically tempered for bar environments, including specialized craft cocktail vessels.
  • Flatware: Available in various stainless steel grades (18/0, 18/8, 18/10), allowing owners to balance cost with corrosion resistance.

Experienced managers often visit the showroom to feel the weight of the cutlery and see how the dinnerware looks under different lighting conditions. This tactile experience is a primary reason why local professionals prefer R&R over online-only catalogs.

Professional Apparel and Smallwares

Beyond the large appliances, the success of a kitchen often depends on the "smallwares"—the handheld tools that chefs use every hour. This includes NSF-certified knives, high-heat spatulas, stainless steel mixing bowls, and heavy-duty sheet pans.

Additionally, the supply store provides professional apparel, including chef coats, aprons, and slip-resistant footwear. In the high-temperature environment of a professional kitchen, the fabric breathability of the apparel sold here is selected with the Georgia heat in mind.

The Strategic Importance of Kitchen Design and Layout

One of the most valuable, yet often overlooked, services provided by R & R Restaurant Supply is their consultation on kitchen design and engineering. Designing a commercial kitchen in Savannah involves navigating complex fire codes, health department regulations, and spatial constraints of older architecture.

Optimizing Flow and Functionality

A poorly designed kitchen leads to "bottlenecks"—points where staff members collide or where food temperature drops because the distance from the line to the pass is too great. The design team at R&R assists in mapping out the "Golden Triangle" of the kitchen: the path between storage, prep, and cooking.

Their involvement in projects often starts at the pre-opening phase. By collaborating on floor plans before the gas lines and floor drains are installed, they save owners thousands of dollars in potential renovation costs. This service is particularly vital for the commercial sector, as evidenced by their participation in large-scale projects throughout the region.

Engineering for Compliance

Savannah’s health inspectors are rigorous. R & R ensures that the layout facilitates easy cleaning and prevents cross-contamination. This includes the strategic placement of hand sinks, the correct installation of grease traps, and ensuring that all surfaces are non-porous and NSF-certified. Their expertise in local codes means a faster path to the "Permit to Operate" for new establishments.

The Used Equipment Market and Trade-In Programs

In an era of rising startup costs, the secondary market for restaurant equipment is more relevant than ever. R & R Restaurant Supply has carved out a niche as a trusted dealer of previously owned appliances.

Quality Assurance in Used Goods

Unlike buying from a private seller or an online auction, used equipment from R&R undergoes a multi-point inspection process. Technicians test thermostats, check compressor health in refrigeration units, and verify the integrity of heating elements in ovens. This reduces the risk for the buyer, as the equipment is "vetted" before it reaches the showroom floor.

The Economics of Trade-Ins

For established restaurants looking to upgrade, R&R offers a trade-in program. This allows a business to monetize their old equipment—which might otherwise sit in storage—and apply that value as credit toward new, more energy-efficient models. This circular economy within the Savannah restaurant community helps maintain a steady flow of affordable entry-level equipment for new startups while supporting the growth of successful ones.

Financing and Special Orders

The financial barrier to entry in the restaurant world is significant. A single high-end combi-oven can cost upwards of $15,000. To mitigate this, R & R Restaurant Supply provides financing options tailored specifically for small business owners.

Capital Preservation Strategies

By offering financing, the store allows owners to preserve their cash flow for working capital—such as payroll and food costs—during the critical first six months of operation. This financial flexibility is often the difference between a restaurant that opens with the right tools and one that is forced to compromise on quality from day one.

Navigating the Supply Chain via Special Orders

While the Wheaton Street warehouse is expansive, the diversity of the culinary world means that no single store can stock every possible niche item. R & R maintains long-standing relationships with a vast network of manufacturers. If a chef requires a specific brand of authentic Italian pasta extruder or a specialized Japanese charcoal grill, the team handles the special order logistics, freight, and delivery.

Delivery Services Across the State of Georgia

Logistics is a major pain point for restaurant equipment. Moving a 500-pound commercial refrigerator requires specialized vehicles, lift gates, and experienced personnel to avoid damaging the unit or the kitchen floors.

R & R Restaurant Supply operates its own delivery fleet. While their primary focus is the greater Savannah area, they provide statewide delivery services. This includes:

  • Safe Transport: Using professional equipment to ensure delicate electronic components in modern appliances aren't jarred during transit.
  • On-Site Placement: Unlike common carriers who may perform a "curbside drop-off," the R&R team understands the necessity of placing equipment in its final functional location.
  • Regional Reach: Serving surrounding communities like Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort, and South Georgia rural areas.

The Value of Local Support vs. Online Retailers

In the age of massive e-commerce platforms, the continued success of R & R Restaurant Supply highlights the limitations of digital-only procurement.

Immediate Problem Solving

When a walk-in cooler fails on a Friday afternoon before a busy holiday weekend, an online retailer in another state cannot help. A local supplier like R&R provides a physical location where an owner can walk in and find an immediate replacement or a temporary solution. The "Southern Hospitality" mentioned in their mission statement translates into a sense of community responsibility.

Relationship-Based Business

The testimonials from local chefs and owners—such as Chad, Camille, and Richard—emphasize "friendly staff" and "long-term relationships." In a high-stress industry like food service, having a supplier who knows your kitchen's specific layout and your past order history is an efficiency multiplier.

What to Consider Before Your First Visit

For those planning to visit the showroom on Wheaton Street, a few preparatory steps can make the experience more productive:

  1. Bring Your Dimensions: Know the exact measurements of your entryways and the space where the equipment will sit.
  2. Check Your Utilities: Confirm if you have 110v or 220v power and whether your gas line is natural gas or propane.
  3. Prioritize Your Needs: Distinguish between "must-have" items for opening and "nice-to-have" items that can wait for the second phase of growth.
  4. Inquire About Used Stock: The used inventory changes daily. It is often worth a phone call to (912) 236-9440 before driving down to see if a specific used item has arrived.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does R & R Restaurant Supply sell to the general public?

Yes. While their primary clients are commercial businesses, individuals looking for professional-grade kitchen tools, high-quality knives, or durable storage solutions are welcome to shop at the showroom.

Do they offer repair services for equipment they sell?

While R&R focuses on sales, design, and delivery, their deep connections in the Savannah market allow them to recommend vetted local technicians for ongoing maintenance and emergency repairs.

Are all items in their catalog available for immediate pickup?

A vast amount of inventory is kept on-site at Wheaton Street. However, specialized industrial equipment or specific colorways for furniture may require a lead time for special ordering.

Is there parking available at the Savannah location?

Yes, the facility at 737 Wheaton Street includes a free parking lot suitable for customers and contractors.

Can I trade in my old equipment if I didn't buy it from them?

Generally, yes. The trade-in program is designed to help owners upgrade their kitchens. The value is determined by a thorough inspection of the equipment's condition and current market demand.

What payment methods are accepted?

They accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), debit cards, and personal or business checks.

Summary of Benefits for Savannah Restaurateurs

R & R Restaurant Supply is more than a retail store; it is a vital support system for the Savannah culinary community. By offering a combination of new and used equipment, professional design services, and localized delivery, they address the most significant pain points of food service management. Their 30-plus years of experience in the Savannah market provides them with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses. Whether you are launching a new café in the Starland District or managing a high-volume seafood house on River Street, the resources at 737 Wheaton Street offer a bridge between your culinary vision and operational reality.