Carolina Cooks Restaurant Equipment is bringing its top-tier service and expert guidance to the mountains! With roots in Charlotte and a track record of supporting chefs, restaurants, and foodservice professionals since 2009, the company recently opened a new Asheville location in September 2024. Known for its wide selection of commercial kitchen equipment, smallwares, and furniture, Carolina Cooks isn’t just a supplier – they’re a trusted partner helping culinary visions come to life.
COO Raquel Villatoro and her team take pride in building long-term relationships with clients and delivering hands-on support throughout every phase of a project. Whether it’s launching a new restaurant or solving an urgent equipment need, their mission remains clear: support local foodservice professionals with integrity, dedication, and the tools to thrive.
Check out our Q&A with Raquel below…
Tell us about your business and the role you play in it.
Carolina Cooks Restaurant Equipment is a commercial foodservice supplier proudly serving the Carolinas with kitchen equipment, smallwares, furniture, plumbing, and expert advice. Our mission is to support chefs, restaurateurs, and foodservice pros with the tools they need to thrive. I’m the COO, and I help keep our operations running smoothly while making sure our customers get exactly what they need to bring their ideas to life. We’ve been in business since 2009 and opened our Asheville location in September 2024.
Tell us about your company culture.
Our company culture is deeply rooted in customer service. We believe in being respectful, honest, and reliable – not just with our customers, but with each other. Whether it’s helping a new restaurant get off the ground or solving a last-minute equipment need, we show up with integrity and a genuine desire to help.
What is your company’s relationship with the community?
We’re proud to be part of the local foodservice community and believe in supporting it however we can. From working closely with independent restaurant owners to helping new food businesses get started, we see our role as more than just a supplier—we’re a partner. Many of our customers are also our neighbors, and we build relationships that go beyond transactions.
What experiences do you strive to create for your customers?
We want every customer to feel taken care of from the moment they walk in. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the business for years, we’re here to make things easier. We listen, problem-solve, and treat your project like it’s our own, with honest advice and real support.
What do you enjoy most about working in your industry?
The relationships. It’s not just about selling equipment; it’s about building real connections with passionate chefs, business owners, and entrepreneurs. Being part of their journey and knowing we played a small role in helping their vision come to life is incredibly fulfilling.
What is your company vision? How do you reflect it in your daily work?
Our vision is to be the trusted partner that foodservice professionals turn to, not just for equipment, but for support and long-term relationships. We reflect that daily by listening to customer needs, offering honest advice, and going the extra mile to help them succeed.
Through your experiences, what have you learned about customer service?
It’s not always about having the perfect solution; it’s about being honest and doing your best to help. People appreciate transparency and effort. Even if I can’t make something happen every time, my customers know I care and that I’m trying my best.
What is your favorite part about doing business in the Asheville area?
We love how connected and welcoming the Asheville food community is. It’s exciting to be in a place where people are passionate about food and innovation, and we’re proud to be part of that energy.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your business?
We’re more than just a place to buy equipment—we’re a team that truly cares about helping foodservice businesses grow. Whether you’re opening your first restaurant or expanding, we’re here to support you every step of the way. And none of it would be possible without my amazing team. Come by and meet us – we’d love to connect!
–
Visit www.carolinacooksequipment.com to browse their offerings or stop by their showroom in Asheville. You can also connect on Facebook and Instagram.