“We have a business culture focused on creating mutual success with our customers,” says Peter Mouskondis, the company’s current steward. “Our team of food service experts, utilizes state-of-the-art facilities, cutting edge technology, and exemplary food safety practices as we practice “Philotimo,” a Greek word meaning the love of honor, every day. We think this captures the true importance of hospitality. We value our genuine partnerships and have a passion for serving people. That’s our family recipe for success!”

Nicholas & Company was founded by Nicholas William Mouskondis, who left his home in Crete, Greece, to forge a better life in the U.S., “the land of promise and opportunity.” With an eighth grade education, no knowledge of the English language, and a sign on his back reading “Utah,” Nicholas began his long journey to Salt Lake City. He started the business by collecting discarded, dented cans at the railroad station. After he and his family re-labeled them, he sold them to customers on his bread route. Bootstrap tenacity, long hours, and great fortitude kept Nicholas and his wife Anna moving ahead, following their vision and realizing the American dream.

Under the progressive leadership of its second president, their son, William (Bill) Mouskondis, the company expanded past Salt Lake City, joined buying groups for purchasing power and distribution partnerships, and increased its customer base. Working with his wife, Elyce, and many dedicated employees, Bill secured larger facilities in the Salt Lake International Center. He placed great emphasis on technology, and was the first foodservice distributor to invest in computers for the delivery fleet, upgraded office systems, and provided laptop computers for the street sales team, receiving numerous awards for its outstanding operations and business practices.

Peter Mouskondis and his wife, Nicole, third generation leaders, have a strong commitment to customer partnerships and the Nicholas & Company team. They invest in building infrastructure and developing the tools needed for success, more than doubling the size of the company’s facility, forming national alliances for product development, and further investing in technology. Additionally, the transportation fleet has been expanded and updated to capitalize on innovation and become more streamlined for safety and efficiency.

Each generation has unique challenges and opportunities. The family’s vision and commitment incorporate integrity, honesty and opportunity for all associates and partners. These are guideposts in meeting customers’ needs while never forgetting the history and the things that have helped make Nicholas & Company the Intermountain West’s largest independent broad-line foodservice distributor.

Nicholas & Company has been honored for its achievements, and by food companies and distributors, magazines, chefs’ organizations, culinary and dining groups, the International Foodservice Manufacturers Assn. and the Utah Department of Work Force Services, the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Utah Highway Patrol and Utah Department of Agriculture. Its’ charitable/community work has been lauded by various local and national philanthropic entities.

Thanks to a carbon footprint reduction plan, created in partnership with the SWCA Environmental Performance Group, the company is implementing environmental changes to reduce its environmental footprint. In 2008, its facility was expanded and upgraded to maximize efficiencies, utilizing sustainable practices and products. It provides customers with many options for local, sustainable and green products in all categories it stocks, and is committed to sustainable operations in its warehouse, office and delivery fleet.

“We are committed to sourcing realistic options for the environmentally-conscious foodservice operator, making it easier for our customers to green their operations,” Mouskondis says. “The Envirable™ collection of products represents recycled, recyclable and compostable options to traditional paper products, disposables, takeout containers and more. We are a member of Utah’s Own and support many local companies and distribute many local products.

Those at Nicholas & Co. are proud of what has been accomplished toward being a sustainable business and a responsible member of the Utah economy, and are excited about our continued development. The industry is changing and growing rapidly. Foodnetwork has been a huge influence, changing the public’s perception about dining out and making customers more savvy about food quality and safety.

Nicholas & Co. currently has facilities in the Salt Lake City Distribution Center and has added Las Vegas and Reno Nev., distribution centers using the industry’s newest technology and best practices. With double-digit growth leading the company into the 21st century, it currently employs more than 800 team members.