Ernest Graham Forrest Sr. founded EG Forrest Food Company in 1920.  He knew the importance of providing excellent service and quality products when he started his wholesale business.  Forrest was dedicated to hard work and aimed for success even during the lean years of the Great Depression.  EG Forrest Company strengthened its business with local retail grocery trade by maintaining a high level of customer service.

Ernest Graham (Red) Forrest Jr., a World War II veteran, joined his father's company in 1946.  Red helped his father grow the company by stepping out to the community as a sales representative, focusing on the primary distribution of dry goods.  Red's ambition lifted the company to more successful levels.  In 1960, Red stepped into his father's shoes as owner of the company, and continued to build clientele with an abundance of family values.  During these years, pickup trucks were used for deliveries and hand trucks were the extent of hauling product shipments.  Red followed the changing industry and anticipated a boundless future for the company.  With the help of nine employees, he expanded into the institutional business, servicing hospitals, schools, and restaurants.

As the company progressed, and the number of customers increased, so did the need for frozen foods.  Therefore, in 1967, the frozen food line was added for increased customer satisfaction.  Refrigerated products needed to be transferred from the warehouse to the customer without thawing, so new trucks were bought with refrigerated compartments.  With the expanding needs of its customers, EG Forrest Company continued building its local reputation by adding a produce line in 1969.

Also in 1969 Louis Forrest, youngest son of Red,  began his career with EG Forrest Company as a sales representative and by 1974 Louis had taken over the business.  His education and experience led him to become a successful businessman.  Louis Forrest, now Chief Executive Officer, has continued building the company prosperity by supplying customers with needed products and value-added service.

EG Forrest became the first and only broad line distributor in the area to use three compartment trucks.  EG Forrest has emerged from a local company into a regional broad line distributor covering the Carolinas and Southern Virginia.  Today, we have over 100 employees that are providing customers with high-quality products and competitive pricing.  Our goal is to be the best, rather than the biggest.