In the latest episode of Modern Solutions for Modern Restaurants, Paul Molinari sits down with Hans Schatz, EVP of Cut+Dry, to discuss how digital transformation is equipping independent foodservice distributors to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving market.
We started with a laugh about the show’s name change (yes, it matters). Reinvention is at the heart of what we do, and foodservice is no exception. With 17,000+ distribution centers and nearly half a trillion in annual sales, this industry is too big to operate on outdated systems.
Elevating the Digital Experience
Cut+Dry’s platform offers a rich, e-commerce-enabled catalog experience, allowing distributors to present products with detailed images, nutritional information, and sourcing details.
This approach mirrors the convenience of consumer e-commerce, providing operators with an intuitive and efficient ordering process. Distributors leveraging this platform have reported sales increases ranging from 14% to 30% .
“As Easy as Buying Headphones”
Hans made a point that stuck: “Imagine a world where placing an order is as seamless as shopping for a new pair of headphones or a car.” That’s the goal—and increasingly, the reality.
Rich digital catalogs now let distributors display products with images, nutritional info, and sourcing details. It’s what operators expect because it’s how they buy everything else.
Technology Levels the Field
Cut+Dry helps independent distributors not just survive—but win—against much bigger players. By going digital, they can offer a first-class online buying experience. It’s not about having the flashiest tech—it’s about making ordering intuitive and efficient.
According to Hans, some distributors on the platform are seeing sales lifts between 14% and 30%.
Not Just a Catalog, a Strategy
What’s powerful here isn’t just the e-commerce UI—it’s the entire ecosystem. Cut+Dry integrates suppliers, manufacturers, and operators in one place. That creates a more transparent, standardized, and effective supply chain. It reduces guesswork, speeds up payments, and allows data-driven decisions across the board.
The Hard Part? It’s Worth It
Let’s not sugarcoat it: integration is work. But Hans summed it up well: “We tell them to get through the process; it’s like walking through a mine to emerge in a valley filled with flowers.” It’s a massive lift, but the payoff is clear.
“We tell them to get through the process; it’s like walking through a mine to emerge in a valley filled with flowers.” - Hans Schatz, Cut+Dry
The Clock Is Ticking
As Hans put it, “The cost of waiting is steep.” Operators and buyers expect a digital experience. Those who delay risk losing relevance—especially as platforms like Cut+Dry raise the bar for what ‘good’ looks like in foodservice ordering.
Listen to the full conversation here.
For restaurant tech founders and operators looking to modernize the way they sell or source, this episode is a strong case for why now is the time to move.
For more insights and to explore the benefits of transitioning to a digital-first approach, visit Cut+Dry’s website.
Cut+Dry is a Popcorn GTM client. We're so proud to call Cut+Dry a long-time Popcorn client. We help their customers create a lasting and effective digital sales presence with custom-built websites on the HubSpot platform. Learn more here.
