People’s Restaurant Equipment Co. says it strives to serve customers “at a very satisfactory level,” President Gary Corsi says,

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After more than 90 years, Detroit-based People’s Restaurant Equipment Co. stands as the oldest restaurant equipment dealership in Michigan, President Gary Corsi says. “We’ve been through the ups and downs [of] the city of Detroit and look to be part of the upswing in the near future,” he says.

The company provides its clients with large equipment, including fryers and refrigerators, as well as small wares, cake, catering and paper supplies. Founder Ben Paull started People’s Restaurant Equipment in 1918 and later brought a second generation into the company with his son Harry.

When Corsi was looking for work 31 years ago, “I had an uncle that had a manufacturing shop down the street from Harry,” he recalls. “He put me in contact with Harry Paull, and they hired me on the spot.”

Today, Corsi says, People’s Restaurant Equipment employs a staff of 17 and has a 15,000-square-foot showroom. “We’re in the heart of Detroit, four blocks away from the downtown [area],” he says. “[Customers] are able to come in and touch and feel our products.”

Although People’s Restaurant Equipment began by serving pizzerias, “We transitioned into 24-hour restaurants [and] lounges,” Corsi says, noting that the company also serves local casinos, hospitals and retirement centers.

The company notes that some of its manufacturers include:

• Cambro Manufacturing Co.
• Champion
• Carlisle
• Dormont Manufacturing Co.
• Hamilton Beach Commercial
• Keating of Chicago Inc.

He adds that the company has benefited from its membership in the Supply & Equipment Foodservice Alliance, which provides it with training and knowledge of the equipment and supply business. “We get firsthand knowledge of any new products,” he says. “I send a salesman out three times a year to conferences [where they] discuss what they have available. That’s helped us in our training and marketing strategy.”

After 31 years, Corsi says he enjoys running People’s Restaurant Equipment. “I love to talk to my customers,” he says. “I love to take care of them. “The main goal of ours is satisfying our customers and taking care of them in every need,” he continues, adding that People’s Restaurant Equipment also has a family environment.

“We like to joke around and make the day less serious for our employees and our customers. At the same time, [we also] get the job done at a very satisfactory level.”

Corsi adds that People’s Restaurant Equipment also enjoys longevity in its staff. In addition to himself, the company’s longtime employees include:

• His son, General Manager Dante Corsi, who has been with the company for a decade;
• Don Hoppa, the head of its design department, who has been with People’s Restaurant Equipment for 39 years;
• Alida Ross, a 31-year veteran of the firm who manages its accounts payable department and comp controllers;
• Patty Denino, who manages its service department and has been with the company for 37 years;
• Equipment Specialist John Moran, who has 10 years with the company;
• Robert Hicks, who oversees outside sales and has been with the company for 23 years; and
• Stock and Shipping Manager Will Parshay, who has been with People’s Restaurant Equipment for 10 years.

Progressing the Company
An important focus for People’s Restaurant Equipment is improving internal efficiency, “whether it’s through the store or [an] outside specialist,” Corsi says. As part of this focus, the company recently implemented a new $20,000 server from AutoQuotes.

The technology gives the firm a list of all the factories in the nation and allows it to obtain pricing rates. Corsi says these steps have helped the company adjust to the current economy.

“We always looked for the best quality for the best price,” he states. “Doing research through the Internet and through [AutoQuotes] has helped us bring to the customer [the best] quality equipment for a fair market price.”

In addition, he adds that he has invested in laptops for its workers and Internet cards. “I’m not trying to stand pat,” Corsi says. “I’m trying to progress the company into the next age.”