1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Dear [Senator / Representative] [Last Name], I am writing to urgently request your assistance in protecting our restaurant diversity. I ask that you submit a formal inquiry to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and publicly oppose Sysco Corporation’s proposed $29.1 billion acquisition of Jetro Holdings, the parent company of Restaurant Depot. Independent restaurants and food service operators are the backbone of our community, but operate on razor-thin margins. Unlike massive corporate chains, independent kitchens do not have the volume to meet the strict delivery minimums or expensive contractual obligations required by dominant broadline delivery corporations like Sysco. For many businesses, Restaurant Depot is an irreplaceable cash-and-carry lifeline. It allows small business owners to buy wholesale goods on demand, manage day-to-day cash flow, and pivot quickly when supply chains fail. Industry advocates point out that small operators frequently use Restaurant Depot to compare prices and keep giant broadline distributors honest. Monopolies are bad! Allowing Sysco to absorb its largest cash-and-carry competitor removes that vital price check. If this transaction closes, a single corporate conglomerate will control both the delivery fleets and the wholesale warehouse aisles. This unprecedented consolidation will inevitably lead to: • Higher Wholesale Prices: Without independent options, small businesses will face unchecked cost increases that they cannot afford to absorb or fully pass on to local consumers. • A Squeeze on Local Suppliers: Sysco's corporate procurement model relies heavily on massive multinational suppliers, threatening to push out the independent local farms and specialized regional vendors that currently sell through Restaurant Depot. • Stifled Main Street Growth: Pushing independent restaurants into restrictive distribution networks will force many neighborhood establishments out of business, killing local jobs. The FTC has already issued a "second request" for information, signaling deep competitive and antitrust concerns with this merger. However, small business owners need our federal representatives to amplify our voices. I urge you to stand up for Main Street entrepreneurs in our district by writing to the FTC, demanding rigorous oversight, and urging them to challenge and block this anti-competitive merger. Our local food culture and small business community depend on an open, competitive marketplace. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your continued advocacy for small businesses. Sincerely,