The booming foodservice sector in 2025 is not giving resellers the time to rest, but for good reasons.
The demand is fueled for cost-effective, high-quality equipment, but this is often not found when it comes to retail prices and stores. As a result, resellers are the best friends of everyone planning or owning a restaurant.
Restaurant equipment liquidation and commercial kitchen surplus channels are now essential for everyone: restaurants, caterers, and entrepreneurs. All of them looking for them, which is minimizing costs and still accessing top brands.
According to the Open PR, there has been a massive increase in surplus goods used within this industry.
It is quite normal considering inflation and how prices around other items and elements have increased over the last two years.
Now, how does this benefit you?
If you are a reseller trying to capitalize on surplus opportunities, this is your moment.
Those who have a new kitchen or are trying to expand a food business, this is also your moment.
Commercial kitchen equipment surplus, restaurant equipment liquidation, and anything around the industry is available.
Take the time to learn how you can get the most from this thanks to our team’s experience.
High-Value Items: Commercial Ovens, Refrigeration, Prep Equipment
High-value items are always the ones worth most of your time.
They bring a lot of profits and allow you to work on different categories and margins.
The most sought-after items among kitchen equipment liquidation buyers include:
- Commercial ovens and ranges. This is because of how vital they are for any food operation. They always need to go in a kitchen, and recent restaurant need upgrades with durable and high-quality ones.
- Refrigeration units, including walk-in coolers and freezers. Everything that keeps food in perfect condition.
- Prep equipment. This category is a bit broader since it includes, mixers, slicers, food processors, and anything in the cutlery category.
- Other essentials like dishwashers, beverage dispensers, and ice machines are key. it all depends on the exact business and food serving.
If you are equipping your space more than reselling the items, you can save up to 70% in expenses for it. hence, it isn’t a waste to source all of this.
Sourcing Opportunities: Restaurant Closures, Hotel Renovations, and More
Not everything is about a new website or platform.
The good old way is viable, and the best deals on used restaurant equipment for sale come from them.
Some situations include:
- Restaurant closures. This is due to how well-maintained the equipment is regardless of the restaurant closing its doors. It comes with high turnover and offers items that can sell quickly later on.
- Hotel and venue renovations are focused on large-scale overhauls. They often release gently used, high-end kitchen and catering equipment. This is when you come in and get the goods.
- Online auctions and marketplaces remain viable. PCI Auctions and Woolsey Auction offer transparent bidding and the opportunity you need.
As highlighted by Research and Markets, the entire market of the food industry is expected to reach $6.84 billion in 2025. It will continue growing, meaning that the supply of quality surplus equipment is robust and diverse.
Certification Requirements: Health Department Compliance
Before purchasing surplus or used equipment, make sure all items meet health department compliance.
This includes options like:
- NSF Certification. It can also be an equivalent, but it is mandatory for all commercial kitchens.
- Local codes depending on the state, county, and city. this goes from ventilation and fire suppression to installation and process.
- Refurbishment standards depending on how changed the items were and if the auction ensured the items were cleaned and tested.
Of course, documentation and all details around the items are crucial.
Case Study: Miami Catering Company Saves $30.000 on Equipment
It works, and it can be seen in multiple situations.
One of them is a Miami-based catering company. they recently expanded their operations and purchased catering equipment wholesale. However, this was a major restaurant acquisition regardless of how much they got to save.
By acquiring commercial ovens, refrigeration units, and prep tables at 60% below retail, the company was able to save over $30.000 compared to buying new. this is a massive advantage and change in how the whole business will perform and save in budget.
All equipment was NSF certified and fulfilled local regulations. This made it a seamless expansion with increased event capacity. All of it without spending a fortune in this process.
You can contact us at Coastal Surplus Solutions and work with our team in how you can connect with surplus. Anything from used restaurant equipment for sale to restaurant equipment liquidations.
We are here to work with you and bring the advantages.