Setting the Stage for 2026: How a GPO Will Increase Your Profits

As we head into the new year, many foodservice professionals are setting their sights on increasing their bottom line and cutting food + kitchen costs. But when faced with an uncertain market, raising prices isn’t necessarily the answer.

Saving money as a whole can entail a variety of things — training your staff to reduce food waste, equipment upkeep and maintenance, and making cost-effective ingredient swaps. However, with the help of a group purchasing organization (GPO), you have the ability to boost your bottom line in a low-effort way that sets you up for long-term success.

Why go with a GPO?

By leveraging the collective buying power of businesses just like you, GPOs negotiate significant discounts and streamline the purchasing process all in one go. Imagine the products you currently purchase, but with lower price tags. That said, finding a GPO for your business can feel overwhelming with all of the options available to you.

The right organization should provide access to high-quality ingredients, reliable suppliers, and flexible terms without a catch. Beyond that, it’s crucial to align your goals, needs, and purchasing habits with a GPO that can deliver — whether that’s with reduced costs, timely deliveries, or seasonal assistance when it comes to menu planning.

Deep dive into your options

Now for the important part: it’s time to do your research! Look for options that serve your market, both in terms of location and niche. For instance, if you exclusively serve plant-based foods, ready-to-serve meals, or concessions, you’ll want to ensure your GPO partner can meet those needs. Don’t lock yourself into an organization that can’t meet your needs.

Similar to a job interview, you’ll want to evaluate potential GPO contenders to determine which one will be the best fit for your company. Reach out to customer service and ask about their process. How do they source responsibly and ensure food safety? What can you expect with delivery timing? What resources do they provide to members outside of food + kitchen supplies? Any GPO worth its salt can also take a look at your recent invoices to highlight areas where you can save based on your current purchasing needs.

Review their contract terms

Once you hone in on the best GPO, they’ll likely approach you with a member agreement to get started. Bear in mind that this contract should give you protection as a business owner in case anything goes awry, as well as ensure quality control of all products that you receive.

Additionally, what it should not include are red flags such as unreasonable terms, hidden fees, required membership durations, or mandatory order restrictions. Joining a GPO should only enhance your business operations, not limit them!

Finding the right GPO for your foodservice business can transform your operations and significantly impact your profitability in 2026. Regardless of where you hang your hat, whether it’s rollerskating, family entertainment, catering, or campgrounds, we would love to help you on the right path to smarter spending.

Clint Elkins is the V.P. of Sales for SB Value, a Group Purchasing Organization that helps culinary professionals save an average of 17% on every food order. Membership is 100% free. No hidden fees. No extra work. Just extra profits. See how much you can save on your next food order when you become an SB Value member. Request a quote today.  

SB Value Featured in the Latest Issue of The FORUM

We’re excited to share that SB Value was recently featured in the newest issue of The FORUM, the digital publication produced by Club Leaders Forum. Published twice a year, The FORUM is widely regarded as a must-read resource for private club leaders around the world, spotlighting relevant, practical, and forward-looking insights for the industry.

In our article, “Smart Moves Every Club Should Consider in Food & Beverage for 2026,” we explored how private clubs can navigate rising costs and ongoing inflation without compromising member experience. The piece focused on practical strategies clubs can implement now, including smarter ingredient sourcing, the importance of flexibility in menu planning, and how collective purchasing power can support long-term financial sustainability.

At its core, the article reinforces a message we care deeply about: profitability and quality don’t have to be at odds. With thoughtful planning, strong supplier relationships, and the right purchasing strategies in place, clubs can position their food and beverage programs for a successful and resilient 2026.

We’re honored to be included in such a respected publication and grateful to The FORUM for continuing to elevate meaningful conversations within the private club industry.

SB Value Heads to IAAPA FEC Summit 2026: Playing the Long Game Together

Big decisions. Tight margins. A future that rewards operators who think ahead.

That’s exactly why SB Value is proud to sponsor IAAPA FEC Summit 2026, taking place February 1–3 in Glendale, Arizona. It’s also why this event matters so much for Family Entertainment Center operators who are focused on sustainable, long-term success.

The FEC Summit isn’t about flashy trends or quick wins. It’s about building businesses that last.

Event Details at a Glance

• Dates: February 1–3, 2026

• Location: Glendale, AZ

• Hotel: The Wigwam Resort (IAAPA Rate: $249)

What FEC Operators Can Expect from IAAPA FEC Summit 2026

This year’s theme says it all: Play the Long Game. Build a Lasting Legacy.

Over three focused days, FEC owners, operators, and industry leaders will come together for:

• Practical, operator-driven education

• Honest conversations about growth, cost control, and leadership
  Meaningful peer connections that extend beyond the event itself

It’s the kind of environment where real insight happens, the kind you can actually take home and put to work.

A Keynote Built for Leaders

One session we’re especially excited about: the keynote from Libby Gill, an internationally recognized leadership expert, executive coach, and bestselling author.

With a background leading communications at Universal, Sony, and Turner Broadcasting, Libby brings a rare blend of big-picture vision and practical leadership guidance. Her focus on clarity, engagement, and navigating change aligns closely with what today’s FEC leaders are facing, especially as labor, food costs, and guest expectations continue to evolve.

You’ll Find Clint (and SB Value) There

SB Value VP of Sales Clint Elkins and Executive VP of Sales Julie Altstadt will be on site throughout the Summit, connecting with operators and continuing the conversations that matter most:

• How to protect margins in an unpredictable cost environment

• How to create financial stability without adding operational complexity

• How smart purchasing decisions support long-term growth—not short-term fixes

If you’ve been thinking about how to strengthen your operation in 2026 and beyond, this is exactly the room to be in.

If you’ve attended IAAPA Expo before, you may have seen us there—if not, you can catch up with our recent experience in our IAAPA Expo recap. 

And if you’re newer to SB Value, our GPO explainer breaks down how group purchasing works—and why it’s designed to support long-term stability for operators:

Want to Get a Head Start?

If the themes of the FEC Summit resonate—and you’re already thinking about ways to simplify decisions, reduce risk, and protect your bottom line—you don’t have to wait until February.

Schedule a quick 15-minute call with Clint to explore whether SB Value makes sense for your operation and where immediate opportunities may exist.

Because the smartest moves are the ones that make tomorrow feel more secure—starting today.

SB Value Welcomes Industry Veteran Julie Altstadt as Executive Vice President of Sales

SB Value is pleased to announce the newest addition to our leadership team: Julie Altstadt, a trusted 30-year foodservice professional and widely respected expert in cost savings, GPO programs, and hospitality operations. 

Most recently serving as Business Development Manager at US Foods, Julie brings a thoughtful blend of frontline experience, national-level perspective, and a genuine commitment to helping operators succeed. Her arrival represents an important step forward as SB Value continues to grow and support members across the attractions and hospitality industries. 

A Leader Known for Reliability, Insight, and Partnership 

Julie has spent nearly two decades with US Foods supporting Premier GPO customers, building strong relationships and deep expertise across the GPO ecosystem. As a former small business owner, she brings a practical understanding of operators, distributors, and manufacturers — helping her connect with customers and partners in a meaningful and informed way. 

Her experience includes: 

• Supporting new business growth across diverse markets 

• Guiding operators through thoughtful, cost-saving strategies 

• Building long-term partnerships rooted in trust and collaboration 

• Helping organizations navigate Premier programs with clarity and efficiency 

In short, Julie brings a level of knowledge and experience in this space that truly sets her apart. 

We’re incredibly proud of the foundation SB Value has built over the last several years, and we look forward to the steady, thoughtful leadership Julie will bring as we continue to expand. Her insight, relationships, and approach will help us strengthen partnerships, support our members, and deliver meaningful value nationwide. 

We are honored to welcome her—and excited for this next chapter together. 

Please join us in welcoming Julie Altstadt to the SB Value family.

IAAPA Expo 2025: Recap

IAAPA Expo 2025 is officially in the books, and what a week it was! As proud a Platinum Sponsor, the SB Value team arrived ready to connect, educate, and help attractions uncover real, measurable savings. We left Orlando energized and thrilled by the turnout from IAAPA members across the globe.

Taking the Stage 

The week kicked off strong on Monday, November 17, when our VP of Sales, Clint Elkins, took the stage for his session Smart Spending for FECs. Speaking to a fully-packed room, Clint broke down how smarter purchasing and simple strategic shifts can boost your profit margins in a high-cost environment. If you missed it, IAAPA will be posting session materials online, and we’ve shared past versions of this topic on the SB Value blog as well.

Later in the week, on Thursday, November 20, Clint joined industry leaders for the panel Profitable Plates: Winning with Smarter F&B, where he dove deeper into the operational decisions that separate average food programs from highly profitable ones. The conversation was engaging and packed with real-world takeaways.

Monday Night: Cheers to the F&B Community

Monday evening, SB Value was honored to sponsor the F&B Operators Reception, held onsite at the conference. It was an incredible opportunity to meet so many operators, chefs, GMs, and industry friends, both new and longtime.

Connecting and Networking All Week Long

From Tuesday through Friday, our team was on the trade show floor, meeting hundreds of attendees ready to save. We loved hearing your stories, learning about your operations, and showing you exactly how SB Value puts real money back into your pockets. And yes, if you stopped by the booth, you’ll be hearing from us shortly (if you haven’t already!).

One of the highlights? Getting the chance to meet IAAPA CEO Jakob Wahl and connect with IAAPA team members from around the world. Their hospitality and shared enthusiasm for industry growth made the week even more memorable.

What’s Next?

Post-expo, our team has been hard at work following up with every operator, FEC, water park, and attraction we connected with. If we didn’t have the chance to meet you, or if you want to keep the conversation going, now’s the perfect time to schedule a quick call with Clint.

Thank you again to IAAPA and every attendee who stopped by, introduced themselves, or attended one of Clint’s sessions. IAAPA Expo 2025 reminded us why we love this industry so much, and we’re already counting down to next year!