This 2023 Holiday Gift Guide will help you find gifts for everyone on your list, no matter what you want to spend. We’ve organized the list by price range, so scroll to the spending level that matches your budget, and get inspired! Big Plate’s friendly staff would love to help you find just the right gifts this holiday, so come in the store or give us a call today. We have SO MANY more ideas than what we’ve included here! (Note: Prices and descriptions are subject to change.) 2023 Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers This list is made up of small, inexpensive items that would be fun to slip ..read more

Published in collaboration with Ace Mart Restaurant Supply) As an experienced chef, you must have a well-rounded set of tools to ensure that your dishes are of the highest quality. Among the most critical kitchen utensils are knives, measuring cups and spoons, and last but not least, thermometers. Thermometers are used in the kitchen to measure and display the temperature of various foods, playing a vital role in maintaining food safety from preparation to serving. When it comes to measuring temperature accurately, Taylor Thermometers are a trusted brand. They offer a variety of thermometers ..read more

(Published in collaboration with Ace Mart Restaurant Supply) It’s no secret that snacks constitute a significant part of everyday life. Popcorn is popular due to its natural healthiness, affordability, ease of preparation, and versatility. It can be found at concession stands, fundraisers, and birthday parties. Selling popcorn is an efficient way to profit, but it requires a good machine. This guide helps identify the best device for your business. With the right machine, you’ll be able to serve a line of customers, efficiently make more products at a time, and yield profits. Popcorn Machine ..read more

Certain tools stand the test of time, and cast iron cookware is certainly one that has. Originally used for weapons and construction project, cast iron found its way into kitchens in the late 1800s. Now these timeless pieces can be found in both commercial and home kitchens, plus they’ve become collectible pieces! Cooks have used cast iron for centuries now, and there are many reasons. Let’s explore the benefits of cast iron and how to properly care for it.   Heat Distribution and Retention One of the primary reasons cast iron cookware has remained popular throughout the years is its ex ..read more

The Big Plate team has some VERY exciting news, but first let us tell you a short story for context.   Big Plate’s Origin Story After decades in the foodservice industry, Joe Nuckolls saw the need for a restaurant supply store in Lubbock, Texas. As he prepared to open Big Plate in 2005, he needed a supplier. Through a series of FORTUNATE events, he was able to connect with Ace Mart Restaurant Supply out of San Antonio, Texas. Big Plate has been purchasing from Ace Mart every week since the beginning. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, quality products, and competitive pri ..read more

If you need a commercial vent hood, you know it’s a big purchase! Vent hoods play a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe environment in commercial kitchens. They efficiently remove smoke, heat, grease, and odors, ensuring a comfortable working space and compliance with health and safety regulations. However, buying the right commercial vent hood can be a daunting task, given the myriad of options available in the market. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key considerations for purchasing commercial vent hoods, helping you make an informed decision for your kitchen needs ..read more

Have you ever wondered how to interpret the USDA beef grades on the beef in the grocery store? The USDA grades American beef to help consumers know what they’re purchasing with regard to tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Beef grades are the “language” of beef, so you need to understand that language so you can get the quality and value you want! The USDA grades for both quality and yield, but this article will focus on quality grades since yield grades are not usually applicable to those of us purchasing beef for a restaurant or home. Their are eight USDA grades for beef: Prime Choice Selec ..read more

Unless you’re a trained chef, you’re probably doing some things wrong in the kitchen. Most of us learned kitchen skills from our family members, so if Grandma’s method isn’t the best, how would we know? One of the greatest parts of working at Big Plate is getting to talk to local chefs every day. They’re some of the nicest people you’ll meet, and they’ve taught us a lot over the years. (Not to mention our team has over 160 years of combined experience in food service!) With their help, we’ve compiled this list of things many of us are probably doing wrong.   1. You Should Run a Sink of ..read more

Big Plate knows that sometimes you need to finance the equipment you purchase from us, so we make that option for you! We partner with Quickspark to make equipment financing an effortless process, allowing you to ease your expenses and spend more time on what matters most. Low Monthly Payments Make monthly payments on your financed equipment that range from 12 – 60 months, ensuring the best fit for your business.   Generate Revenue with Your Financed Equipment Get the equipment you need now and pay for it later in small, manageable payments. Start earning money before your first paymen ..read more

We often see people looking for a restaurant with a private meeting room where they can book their rehearsal dinner, graduation party, birthday celebration, baby shower, or other event. We’ve put this blog post together as a handy alphabetical reference for our local restaurants that can accommodate a private get-together. Obviously size, price, and availability will vary widely by venue, so you will need to reach out to these places individually for up-to-date information. The Hub City does offer many other options for hosting meetings or parties, but we’ve limited this list to specifically ..read more