Sysco Acquires Buckhead Beef Brand

Sysco Corp. (Houston, TX), foodservice marketer and distributor in North America, has signed a letter of intent to acquire The Buckhead Beef Co., Inc. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close in late summer, were not disclosed.

Founded in 1983, Buckhead Beef produces a line of steaks, lamb, veal and pork products, boxed beef, wild game and seafood products distributed to restaurants, hotels, and casinos in 11 states thoughout the southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico. In July 1997 the company added a warehouse and distribution facility in South Plainfield, NJ, to service Northeast cities.

Buckhead Beef will become a subsidiary of SYSCO known as Sysco Buckhead Beef Inc. Sysco plans to retain the current workforce of 300 employees under the direction of the individuals who comprimise the current management team. They include Howard Halpern, chairman and CEO and Kirk Halpern, vice president and COO.