About Us
Over 50+ Years of Experience
The Kitchen Guys are trusted experts backed by three generations of experience, which spans over 50 years in food service. We are committed to solving the food service community’s design and equipment challenges. We want to ensure your job is executed accurately, and we want to have fun doing it! From a city known for culture, food, and fun, we bring that same energy and passion to everything we do. Where we come from and our love for food service is what sets us apart. This covers everything from feeding communities to the experience of a perfect dish and laughing with friends over dinner or drinks.
Originally Hoyt Refrigeration Co. (Picture 1955) based in Lecompte, LA manufactured and installed c-store and supermarket equipment. In 1968, Hoyt had outgrown their manufacturing facility and relocated to Lafayette, LA.
One of the salesmen, Sherman Roberts maintained the location and established Robert's Refrigeration in1969. They continued selling walk-in coolers, supermarket cases, and shelving. In 1973 McNeely Bennett began working for the company and expanded sales into other markets. Mac’s sons began working for the company in the early 80’s prior to buying the company himself in 1986 and changing the name to Louisiana Food Service Equipment, Inc.
Russ Bennett grew the business throughout his career through school bid work and hotel projects around the country. He eventually purchased the company from his father in 1998 with his wife Jackie. Their son, Dustin began working for the family business in 2007 helping to start the branch office in New Orleans for 2010. This location was branded as NOLA Restaurant Supply & Design.
In 2022, Dustin acquired the family business after over a decade of running the day-to-day operations. As the company continues to expand nationally, it was critical to have a brand that would carry throughout the United States. Going back to the company’s roots, Dustin decided to rebrand the company as The Kitchen Guys based on the moniker that our customers branded the company over 20 years ago.
Who are The Kitchen Guys?
Before we say who are “The Kitchen Guys”, it is important for us to explain The Kitchen Guys’ Way. The Kitchen Guys must be Committed to our customers and team and passionate about helping others. The Kitchen Guys are Persistent, and they are excellent at timely communication. The Kitchen Guys are Innovative, and they take proactive ownership of solving problems. Lastly, The Kitchen Guys are Fun, they work hard, and they play hard. These core values are fundamental to living The Kitchen Guys’ Way and are emulated by all our team members.
Cool, so who are they? Simple, The Kitchen Guys are every member of our team past, present, and future who embrace The Kitchen Guys’ Way. Our team consists of proven experts, rising stars, and newcomers in the industry, all who believe firmly in our core values and pride themselves on building equitable relationships with clients and co-workers.
Reputable Associations
Our Team in Action
Quarterly Community Service
Giving Back
Planting Hope
Helping to Feed those in Need
Team Building
Making an Impact