Our story
A family-run Phoenix distributor, now led by the second generation, with employees who have been here 5, 10, 20, and 25+ years.
Who we are
Carl and Nadine Schnitzer started Custom Food Service in 1977. Their approach — direct, honest, and fair — is still how the company works with customers and vendors.
As second-generation owners, David and Linda Schnitzer carry that same standard through the order-to-delivery process: the right products, sourced and delivered on schedule.
Many employees have worked a lifetime here, and others 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25+ years. That continuity is why the same Sales Executive, driver, and office contact stay on your account.
Founders
Through years of hard work and dedication to their family and employees, CFS became a strong local business. For more than 25 years, Carl developed and led CFS with Nadine by his side at both work and home. His direct, honest, and fair approach became the stuff of legend within the foodservice community.
Carl and Nadine met in high school and were in the first graduating class of Central High School. They are proud parents of three sons and many grandchildren.
Second-generation owners
David is the President and Owner of CFS and has worked in almost all areas of the business. With a penchant for learning and a love of people, he continually looks for ways to improve himself and those around him—he returned to college at ASU, completed his Bachelor’s degree, and later earned a Master’s in Addiction Counselling. An Arizona native, David and Linda were honored by a local high school as “Parents of the Year” in 2014 and are active in community service.
Linda, a breast cancer survivor, pursued her dream of singing and has performed at numerous sporting events. She has worked periodically in the CFS office and marketing departments and now runs her own events business, working with many CFS customers.
What that history means for you
Family ownership means decisions are made close to the customer. Long-tenured employees know the products, the routes, and the operators. And as an independent distributor, CFS has the flexibility to listen and solve sourcing challenges directly.
Meet our leadership teamStart a conversation
Tell us what you serve and where you are located. One of our Sales Executives will follow up to discuss the right product mix.
