At Eastern Quality Foods, growth isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality. As our business continues to expand, so does our need for space. That’s why we’re excited to announce that, beginning this summer, we’ll be kicking off a renovation of our corporate office. This project is designed to accommodate growth of up to 40% of our Ponte Vedra based team, ensuring we have the space and resources to continue delivering the exceptional service our customers rely on.
Over the past decade, Eastern has experienced tremendous growth, strengthened our partnerships and expanded our reach in the protein distribution industry. To support this momentum, we’re investing in a workspace that fosters collaboration, innovation, and efficiency. We’re grateful to partner with local Jacksonville companies, RDB Invision and Office Images, to bring this vision to life.
The renovation will modernize our office environment with:
More Workspaces: Expanding our footprint to welcome new team members.
A Modern Kitchen: Providing a professional, in-house space to test new products, create high-quality brand content, and provide a comfortable space for the team to meet and collaborate.
A Gym for Team Wellness: Supporting a healthy and active workplace.
A Fresh, Modern Look: Reflecting the energy and innovation of our brands.
As we look forward to breaking ground, our CEO, Ted Rueger, shared: “This renovation is just one of the steps Eastern is taking to build for the future. This investment in our workspace is really an investment in our people and our future. Our new office will be a place that supports our goals of collaboration, innovation, customer service, and will allow us to grow and serve more people. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this vision to life!”
We can’t wait to share the transformation with you. Here’s to growth, innovation, and an exciting new chapter at EQF!
Our 2024 Sales Retreat in Amelia Island, Florida, was a success, bringing together our sales team and corporate leaders for a weekend of learning, connection, and celebration. We focused on strengthening our strategies and preparing for another remarkable year.
We kicked off the retreat onThursday evening with dinner and drinks. It was a relaxed setting where team members reconnected, welcomed new faces, and set the tone for the days ahead.
Friday morning began with coffee, pastries, and a pricing workshop. Our CEO, Ted Rueger, and President, Grant Conway, held a company meeting to revisit our core values and discuss market trends. The day concluded with an elegant banquet in the courtyard, complete with a dessert show by magician Cesar Domico, who amazed us with his incredible card tricks.
Saturday offered even more opportunities to connect. Whether horseback riding along the beach, teeing off for a round of golf, or embarking on an inshore fishing trip, there was something for everyone.
Reflecting on the weekend, our CEO shared, “The 2024 Sales Retreat was a great opportunity to connect and engage as a team. It’s events like these that prepare us for the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming year. I’m excited for what’s to come in 2025.”
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this retreat so special. Here’s to carrying the momentum forward into 2025!
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. October 11, 2024 – Eastern Quality Foods, a wholesale protein distributor operating for over 70 years, proudly welcomes Ricardo J. Soto and John Dunn to its team of protein professionals.
Ricardo J. Soto brings over a decade of extensive international protein trading experience to Eastern. Originally from Venezuela, Soto moved to Texas in 2000 to complete his degree at the University of Houston. His deep product knowledge and established network, cultivated during his tenure as Senior Manager of Sales and Procurement at Sierra Supply Chain Services, position him as a key asset for Eastern’s continued growth.
Soto has a proven track record of serving his customers a diverse mix of beef, pork, and poultry. He will assume the role of Director of International Sales and Procurement, operating out of a newly established office in Dallas, TX.
John Dunn, from Los Angeles, California, started his career in commodity sales at IBP, where he worked alongside Nick Abeyta selling beef to foodservice and retail customers on the west coast. When Mr. Abeyta took over Eastern’s Los Angeles sales office in January of this year, he quickly reconnected with his old friend and colleague and recruited him to join his team to focus on offering beef, chicken, and seafood to their customer base in southern California.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ricardo and John to our sales team,” said Ted Rueger, CEO of Eastern Quality Foods. “Their wealth of experience and industry knowledge along with their commitment to servicing their customers will make them perfect additions to the Eastern team.”
Eastern Quality Foods operates 11 sales offices across the United States, backed by a seasoned sales team with an average industry tenure of over 15 years. As the company looks toward the future, we continue to prioritize long-term relationships and expert service in the protein industry.
At the beginning of 2024, two of Eastern’s retail brands, Paradise Kitchens and Tiantang Asian Cuisine, celebrated their one-year anniversary, marking a milestone in providing high-quality, convenient meals to our retail customers.
Paradise Kitchens has become the go-to destination for all things breaded chicken, offering a range of products including chicken nuggets, chicken strips, boneless buffalo wings, chicken filets, popcorn chicken, and boneless chicken wings. All products are air fryer approved, ensuring quick and healthy meals that are both delicious and convenient. Shoppers love Paradise Kitchens for its mouthwatering chicken and the effortless experience that keeps them coming back for more. With family-approved recipes online and competitive pricing, Paradise Kitchens truly offers a taste of paradise
Tiantang, our frozen Asian Cuisine retail brand, offers a variety of authentic Asian dishes including Orange Chicken, Chicken Teriyaki, and General Tso’s Chicken. These meals bring the rich flavors of Asia into your home, allowing cooks of all skill levels to add their unique personal touches. Tiantang provides customers with restaurant-quality Asian cuisine without the hassle or price tag of takeout.
Both Paradise Kitchens and Tiantang offer high restaurant-quality foods that provide versatility and convenience to all shoppers. If you’re in the Jacksonville area, consider stopping by Rowes IGA Supermarket on Baymeadows or Beach Blvd to try our retail brands for yourself.
