Quality Custom Distribution (QCD,) an Irvine, Calif.-based subsidiary of Golden State Foods (GSF), purchased the assets of Mile Hi Specialty Foods, Denver, Colo., to form QCD Rocky Mountain, LLC. The new business includes distribution centers in Denver, Colorado, Kansas City and Missouri, and satellite locations in Salt Lake City, Utah; Casper, Wyo., and Albuquerque, N.M.

QCD Rocky Mountain will service more than 900 restaurants, including Starbucks, Chipotle, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Noodles & Co. throughout the North Central United States. The combined Mile Hi Specialty Foods facilities will employ approximately 235 associates. 

"We're excited about combining the great culture and traditions established by Mile Hi Specialty Foods with those at GSF, and continuing our long-standing partnership with our customers," says Mark Wetterau, chairman and CEO, Golden State Foods. "We value Kristy Taddonio Mullins, president of Mile Hi Specialty Foods, and all the Mile Hi associates for their outstanding accomplishments and efforts over the years."

"We've built our family business on the foundation of integrity and customer service," adds Taddonio Mullins. "Partnering with a like-minded organization is a great opportunity for us to continue that work and to better support our customers and our employees."

Taddonio Mullins will join the company as a partner and board member of QCD Rocky Mountain, along with Cody Mullins, vice president of Mile Hi Specialty Foods, who will lead the operations and serve as managing director of QCD Rocky Mountain.  

"Expanding QCD's presence throughout the Rockies enhances our ability to service our customers who are quickly growing in those regions," says Ali Seyedi, president of QCD. "Through this new venture, QCD Rocky Mountain will have the experience and support of GSF, coupled with the relationships and distribution footprint developed by Mile Hi Specialty Foods, which is the right combination to deliver greater value and innovative solutions to our customers."

The other Mile Hi businesses, including Mile Hi Foods and Mile Hi Bakery, are not a part of this new agreement, and will continue to remain Taddonio family-owned.