Foodservice Sales Representative
Authentic Brands of Chicago
Position Summary
Authentic Brands of Chicago, a division of The Buona Companies based in Bedford Park, IL, is seeking a motivated, relationship-driven Foodservice Sales Representative to grow sales of our Italian beef and value-added beef products within the foodservice channel.
This role is responsible for developing new customer relationships, managing existing accounts, expanding distribution, and increasing product usage with restaurants, delis, sandwich shops, regional chains, and foodservice distributors. The ideal candidate understands foodservice operations, has experience selling protein or prepared food products, and knows how to build trust with operators while driving measurable sales growth.
This is a hands-on sales role for someone who is comfortable prospecting, making sales calls, conducting product demonstrations, supporting menu development, and working directly with distributors, brokers, and restaurant operators to grow the business.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Business Development
- Develop and grow sales of USDA-inspected beef products, including Italian beef and related value-added items, within the foodservice market.
- Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities with restaurants, deli operators, sandwich shops, regional chains, caterers, and foodservice distributors.
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective customers and new account opportunities.
- Expand territory distribution, increase market presence, and support continued growth of the Authentic Brands of Chicago product line.
- Conduct regular outreach, sales calls, and follow-up with prospective and existing customers.
Account Management
- Manage and maintain relationships with existing foodservice accounts to increase product usage, sales volume, and customer retention.
- Serve as a trusted product resource for operators, providing support around product usage, menu applications, preparation, handling, and quality standards.
- Help customers identify opportunities to incorporate Italian beef and related products into their menus in ways that drive sales and operational efficiency.
- Respond promptly to customer needs, questions, and service issues while partnering with internal teams to ensure strong customer support.
Product Promotion & Customer Education
- Conduct product demonstrations, tastings, and menu consultations with prospective and existing customers.
- Present product features, quality standards, preparation methods, and operational advantages clearly and professionally.
- Support customer onboarding by providing product training and practical guidance on handling, serving, and merchandising products.
- Represent the company and its products at customer meetings, distributor events, food shows, and other sales opportunities.
Distributor & Broker Collaboration
- Work closely with foodservice distributors, brokers, and sales partners to increase product distribution and market penetration.
- Participate in joint sales calls, distributor training, and product presentations.
- Build strong relationships with distributor sales teams to keep products top-of-mind and well-positioned in the market.
- Communicate regularly with distributor and broker partners regarding sales opportunities, customer feedback, and market needs.
Market Intelligence
- Monitor competitor activity, pricing trends, customer needs, and product opportunities within the protein and foodservice market.
- Provide leadership with feedback on market conditions, customer demand, product performance, and potential areas for growth.
- Identify opportunities for new products, packaging improvements, menu applications, or sales tools that could support business development.
Reporting & Sales Administration
- Maintain accurate records of customer interactions, sales activities, pipeline opportunities, and follow-up items.
- Provide regular sales reports, forecasts, territory updates, and account progress summaries.
- Track new business opportunities from prospecting through close and ongoing account development.
- Maintain organized and complete records to support sales planning, customer service, and leadership visibility.
Qualifications
- Previous foodservice sales experience required; experience selling protein, prepared foods, frozen foods, center-of-plate items, or value-added food products strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of foodservice operations, including restaurants, delis, sandwich shops, catering, and distributor relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to prospect, build relationships, manage accounts, and close new business.
- Experience working with foodservice distributors, brokers, or regional operators preferred.
- Comfortable conducting product demonstrations, tastings, and menu conversations with operators.
- Strong communication, presentation, follow-up, and relationship-building skills.
- Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working independently in the field.
- Ability to understand and communicate product specifications, handling requirements, and quality standards.
- Basic proficiency with sales reporting, CRM tools, spreadsheets, email, and other common business systems.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly within the assigned territory.
Preferred Experience
- Experience selling beef, protein, Italian beef, deli meats, prepared foods, or USDA-inspected food products.
- Existing relationships with restaurant operators, foodservice distributors, brokers, or regional foodservice accounts.
- Knowledge of Chicago-style Italian beef, sandwich shop operations, deli operations, or regional foodservice trends.
- Experience supporting menu development or helping operators launch new menu items.
Key Competencies
- Sales drive and business development focus.
- Strong customer relationship management.
- Foodservice and operator understanding.
- Product knowledge and presentation skills.
- Follow-through and accountability.
- Ability to work with distributors, brokers, and internal partners.
- Practical problem-solving and customer support mindset.
- Professional communication and organization.
Physical & Travel Requirements
- Ability to travel regularly to customer locations, distributor facilities, product demonstrations, sales meetings, and industry events.
- Ability to transport product samples, sales materials, and demonstration items as needed.
- Ability to stand, walk, lift, carry, and set up for product presentations or tastings.
- Flexibility to work occasional early mornings, evenings, or event-based schedules depending on customer and distributor needs.
About Authentic Brands of Chicago
Authentic Brands of Chicago is a USDA-inspected beef manufacturer specializing in high-quality Italian beef and related value-added beef products. We take pride in producing products that help foodservice operators deliver consistent, craveable menu items with strong operational performance.
Compensation
Competitive base salary of $50,000–$70,000 plus commission, based on experience and qualifications.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Authentic Brands of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
