Who we met
Andrew, Head of Food and Beverage at Dirty Bones
A premium casual-dining group with a distinct New York-inspired concept, this Collectiv Food customer operates three vibrant sites across London and Oxford, offering elevated yet approachable dishes, with a strong focus on burgers and chicken. Each site has its own character, but a consistent brand feel runs throughout — serving a broad demographic, from family-friendly weekend menus in Oxford, to cocktail-fuelled evenings in Soho and Carnaby.
The challenge
Before partnering with Collectiv Food, the brand was juggling multiple suppliers, and high administrative overheads. Supplier fragmentation meant significant financial and operational strain, limiting their ability to scale efficiently.
Why Collectiv Food?
Collectiv Food's ability to consolidate smaller suppliers under one, relationship-driven supply chain stood out immediately:
"We could bring in all these smaller suppliers under one roof. This cut out admin costs, fewer invoices, fewer finance issues [...] You're a company that we can consolidate into a basket but with personality. If you were to position yourself versus other wholesalers, we don't have the same style of relationship. We actually have a relationship with you guys"
Results delivered
By working closely with Collectiv Food, Dirty Bones dramatically simplified their operations — going from a dozen suppliers down to two. Consolidation not only streamlined processes but improved their overall operations:
Consistent quality: Immediate, noticeable improvements in product quality and consistency when Dirty Bones moved its fruit and vegetable supply to Collectiv Food:
"We instantly noticed the improvement in quality [...] The benchmark was set and it hasn't moved."
Dedicated support: Personalised account management and proactive communication, such as real-time problem-solving over WhatsApp during critical periods.
"You guys are a whatsapp or a phone call away and it gets answered. So I can rely on that. There's a relationship there. We're not just a number on a piece of paper."
Operational Ease: One order, one basket, one delivery — saving significant admin time.
"There were benefits from a financial perspective but also from a team perspective as they order from one place. One order, one basket, one cut of time."
Built-in procurement support
Collectiv Food's support on finding new products has helped Dirty Bones focus on the operation:
"We've been able to use Collectiv as procurement advisors. Historically if I wanted a product, I would have to go and find it. [..] Now I can leverage Eoin (my Collectiv Food account manager) and use his assistance to find something [..] saving me time and money."
Doing their part for the environment
Collectiv Food's built-in sustainability support allowed the brand to focus confidently on their operations, knowing they were supporting sustainability through the partnership:
"As a restaurant operator, I want to do my part in terms of sustainability but knowing how focussed you guys are on it and by working together with the majority of our basket, you are doing everything that we need. We're doing our part by working with you."
Looking ahead
The partnership continues to thrive, enabling the restaurant brand to plan for growth while Collectiv Food ensures operational efficiency, sustainability, and product quality:
"If we unraveled everything Collectiv does for us, we'd have to onboard another six suppliers, with six more vans on the road. The environmental and operational impact of your consolidation is huge — it's a no-brainer."
Collectiv Food continues to support this premium restaurant brand's ongoing success — helping them scale smoothly, sustainably, and confidently.
