An interview with Sysco CEO Kevin Hourican

Why is Sysco buying Restaurant Depot?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Kevin Hourican, the CEO of the giant distributor Sysco.We asked Hourican to be on the podcast to talk about Sysco’s $29 billion proposal to buy Jetro Restaurant Depot, the cash-and-carry provider of food to restaurants.It’s a big deal that will make Sysco both the biggest distributor and biggest retail provider to restaurants. Some independent restaurants have called on the FTC to block the deal, saying it will be bad for competition and for independent restaurants.We ask Hourican about this, about why Sysco wants Restaurant Depot and what the company’s plans for the retailer are. And we talk about the state of independent restaurants and why at least some of them may be doing well in this market.It’s a big episode this week so please check it out.