Restaurant Supply in Calgary, AB: Equipment Buyer’s Guide

If you are looking for restaurant supply in Calgary, AB, the real question is how to equip your kitchen with the right commercial equipment at a sensible price and with support you can rely on. Babak Food Equipment is based in Burnaby, BC and serves restaurants, cafes, caterers and food businesses across Western Canada, including Calgary. We are quote-based: you send us your list, and our team prepares a quote for the equipment you need.

This guide covers what to buy, which Alberta rules affect your equipment choices, and how to compare suppliers when you are shopping for commercial kitchen equipment in Calgary.

Commercial kitchen equipment in Calgary: what you can source from Babak

Our catalogue covers the full kitchen, from cooking line to dish pit. The main categories most Calgary operators ask us about are:

• Cooking equipment: ranges, fryers, griddles, steamers and specialty items.
• Commercial ovens: combi, convection, deck, conveyor and bakery ovens. We are an authorized UNOX dealer, and the UNOX CHEFTOP MIND.Maps PLUS 7 x GN 1/1 electric combi oven is one example from the range.
• Commercial refrigeration: reach-in, undercounter and prep refrigeration, plus display cases.
• Ice machines: undercounter, modular and upright, such as the Atosa YR450 30-inch modular ice machine.
• Food preparation equipment: slicers, mixers, food processors and more.
• Pot sinks and commercial dishwashers, including the EFI 24 x 24 three compartment sink with two drainboards.
• Stainless tables and storage, smallware and beverage equipment.
• Used restaurant equipment, offered as certified pre-owned items for operators watching their budget.

If you do not see what you need, ask our team and we will look into it for you.

Restaurant supply store in Calgary: what to look for in a supplier

When people search for a restaurant supply store in Calgary, they often mean one of two things: a walk-in store to buy small items today, or a supplier who can equip a whole kitchen. Be clear about which one you need, because they work differently.

• Full-line range. A supplier who carries cooking, refrigeration, prep, warewashing and storage lets you deal with one team and one quote instead of five.
• Quotes in writing. Ask for model numbers, voltage and gas type on every line. Alberta kitchens run a mix of 120 V, 208 V, 240 V and three-phase supply, so specs matter.
• Sizing advice. Good suppliers ask about your menu, covers and space before they suggest equipment.
• Support after the sale. Ask how they handle parts and service questions.
• Clear freight and installation terms. Confirm who arranges delivery, who installs and who connects gas, water and power. Ask for these details before you order.

Babak does not operate a Calgary storefront. Our showroom is at 7190 Randolph Ave, Burnaby, BC, and Calgary customers work with us by phone and online. Delivery and installation arrangements are discussed and confirmed at the time of purchase.

Alberta rules that affect your equipment choices

Alberta’s rules differ from BC’s, so do not assume that guidance written for Vancouver applies in Calgary. The points below are general. Always confirm requirements with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and your contractor.

• Permit. Under Alberta’s Food Regulation, a food establishment needs a valid permit from the regional health authority (AHS in most of the province) before it operates.
• Handwashing stations. The regulation requires handwashing stations that are adequate in number and conveniently accessible. A handwashing station has a hand basin, hot and cold running water, soap and towels. Browse hand sinks.
• Food safety training. There are requirements for certified food handlers, depending on the number of employees and the type of food. Check with AHS to see which apply to you.
• Temperatures. The Alberta Food Retail and Foodservices Code lists cold storage at 4 °C (39 °F) or colder and hot holding at 60 °C (140 °F) or hotter. Cooling is 60 °C to 20 °C within 2 hours, then to 4 °C within a further 4 hours. Reheating is to 74 °C (165 °F) or higher. Your refrigeration and hot holding equipment must be able to meet these.
• Manual dishwashing. The Code describes scraping, washing, rinsing, sanitizing and air drying, with detailed temperatures and sanitizer concentrations. The number and size of sinks you need should be confirmed with AHS before you buy. See 3 compartment sinks and 2 compartment sinks.

Gas appliances, ventilation and electrical work are regulated through Alberta’s safety codes system, and installation should be done by qualified, licensed trades. Your contractor can confirm permit requirements for your building and for your exhaust hood.

Planning a Calgary kitchen: equipment checklist

Whether it is a new restaurant, a renovation or a replacement, work through the same steps:

1. Menu first. Equipment follows the menu. List every dish and the cooking method it needs.
2. Layout and utilities. Measure the space, note gas, water, drain and power locations, and check the hood and make-up air.
3. Choose by volume. Size ovens, fryers and refrigeration for your busiest day, with some room to grow.
4. Decide new, used or both. Simple stainless pieces and some refrigeration can often be sourced as certified pre-owned. Core cooking equipment may be better bought new.
5. Get a written quote. Compare like with like: same models, same voltage, same gas type.
6. Plan delivery and installation. Confirm the receiving date at your site, access for large items, and who connects each utility.

The costs of opening a restaurant add up quickly. The equipment is a large part of the budget, so it pays to plan it carefully. Alberta has no provincial sales tax, but GST applies, so ask your accountant how taxes affect your budget.

New or used restaurant equipment in Calgary

New equipment gives you the latest features and is usually the right choice for ovens, fryers and anything you will run all day. Used equipment lowers the upfront cost, which is helpful for stainless tables, shelving, sinks and many refrigeration items. Babak’s own used stock is sold as certified pre-owned, with details confirmed at the time of purchase. Browse our used restaurant equipment category and ask for a quote.

How to get a quote from Babak

1. Make a list of the equipment you need, with sizes, power and gas type if you know them.
2. Call (604) 566-9747 or send your request through the website.
3. Our team checks the specifications with you and prepares your quote.
4. Delivery and installation arrangements for Alberta are discussed and confirmed at the time of purchase.

Send a floor plan or a photo of your space if you have one. It helps us suggest the right dimensions.

Calgary restaurant equipment shopping summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to equip your Calgary kitchen? Browse our cooking equipment and commercial refrigeration, call (604) 566-9747, visit the Burnaby showroom at 7190 Randolph Ave, or request a quote. Pricing, availability, delivery and installation are confirmed at the time of purchase.