06/05/2026
GOEDC recently had the opportunity to tour CRS OneSource and learn more about one of Owensboro's long-standing, family-owned businesses.
Founded in 1948 as Clark Restaurant Service, CRS has grown from a one-truck operation into a regional foodservice distributor serving customers across Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee.
Logan Carden and Derek Clark shared more about CRS's ongoing expansion, its second-chance employment initiatives, and the creative ways the organization continues to improve efficiency while supporting growth.
CRS supplies restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities, and other foodservice operations throughout the region while also helping connect customers with Kentucky Proud products and local favorites, including items from Cecil Farms and other Kentucky producers.
One of the biggest takeaways from our visit was the organization's focus on service. Derek emphasized that the "S" in CRS stands for "Service," and that dedication to building relationships and providing a high-touch customer experience has helped set the business apart for decades.
We also enjoyed learning more about CRS's history, including its role as a founding member of UniPro Foodservice, Inc., a cooperative that allows independently owned foodservice distributors across the country to work together and advocate with a stronger collective voice.
From one truck in 1948 to serving customers across four states today, CRS OneSource is proof that growth doesn't have to come at the expense of personal service. Their focus on innovation, relationships, and opportunity continues to make an impact far beyond Owensboro.
