REASONS TO GIVE IT A TRY

Restaurant supply stores have other features that make them attractive:

• You can buy exactly what you need. Say you’re shopping for silverware. Maybe you want 20 dinner forks but only 10 salad forks. You can mix and match your own set, and choose from hundreds of different options.
• You’ll have lots of choices. You can picked out a 12-inch whisk from a wall of whisks in various sizes, shapes, and types. Same goes for tongs, ladles, spatulas, and other kitchen tools.
• Sizing is universal. The industry is standardized, so things like lids and pans from different manufacturers will fit each other.
  

HIDDEN ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF TOWN

Why aren’t these stores more popular? It’s simply because people don’t know about them. You generally won’t spot them alongside your local Target or Costco.

READY TO SHOP?

To get started, search online for restaurant supply stores in your area. When you find one that looks good, check their web site or call to make sure they’re open to the general public — while these stores are geared toward the restaurant industry, many welcome consumers.

Stephanie Thurrott | NBC News