NAVIGATING A MISSION
Navis aims to establish an industry-leading foodservice distribution platform serving independent customer channels across the northeast region.
COMPANIES
We invite inquiries from interested Northeast-based independent foodservice distributors who may wish to explore joining our mission of creating this dynamic and customer-centric enterprise.
THESIS
At Navis Food Partners, we believe in the vibrant and diverse independent food venues that define the food scene in New England and the broader Northeast. By uniting companies with unique capabilities, value-added services, diverse customer channels, and specialized category offerings, we are creating a platform of independent brands and companies that cater to the needs of our innovative customers.
STRATEGY
Over the past 30 years, the relentless consolidation of the foodservice distribution industry has significantly reduced the number of supplier choices available to restaurant operators. Many successful food distributor brands have been absorbed into large, publicly traded broadliners, dominating the industry and diminishing diversity.
Navis Food Partners offers a different approach.
We are committed to preserving and investing in the legacy brands of our companies and leadership teams, while enhancing the competitive advantages that have made these companies successful. All customer-facing functions—selling, marketing, local procurement, and distribution center operations—remain under the control and responsibility of the local company leadership. Meanwhile, back-office functions such as finance, accounting, treasury, and IT are supported by Navis Food Partners’ shared services.
This strategy allows our companies and teams to concentrate on what truly matters for their success and that of their customers, while Navis optimizes processes, leverages technology, and scales operations to drive growth.
TEAM
Robert Berkowitz leads Navis Food Partners as CEO, bringing 40 years of experience as a third-generation founder of City Line Foodservice in West Haven, CT. Under his leadership, Robert grew his family’s foodservice business into one of the largest independent foodservice distributors in the Northeast.
Sean Griffin serves as Navis Food Partners’ Executive Chairman, contributing his 40 years of leadership across all sectors of food distribution. Throughout his distinguished career, Sean has held pivotal roles, including CEO of SuperValu, COO of UNFI, and Region President of Performance Food Group.
Doug Behre serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Navis Food Partners and City Line Foods, bringing a wealth of experience in financial and operational excellence.
Both Robert and Sean are native New Englanders, deeply connected to the region they serve. Doug Behre, resides in New Jersey, bringing his own wealth of experience to the team.
Navis Food Partners is further strengthened by a highly experienced and accomplished Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance and support.