Keeping Pueblo’s Vendors Cooking: How REI Supports Local Food Stands, Food Trucks, and Concessionaires All Year Long

Every summer, Pueblo comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the Colorado State Fair. From sizzling corn dogs to ice-cold lemonades, food vendors are the heartbeat of the event, serving thousands of fairgoers each day. Behind the bright lights and long lines, however, vendors face challenges that can make or break their success: running out of supplies, struggling with equipment failures, or scrambling for last-minute deliveries.

That’s where Refrigeration Equipment Inc. (REI) of Pueblo steps in. More than just a supply store, REI is a hometown partner, helping food vendors prepare for the fair and supporting them with dependable products, delivery services, and 24/7 repair when it matters most.

Stocking Up Before the Fair
Every food stand starts with the basics: cups, straws, napkins, baskets, and utensils. Forgetting just one item can throw off an entire day of business. Instead of running to multiple stores, Pueblo vendors can step into REI’s public showroom, where everything they need is under one roof.

Picture a lemonade stand gearing up for fair season. They’ll need hundreds of cups, lids, straws, and gallons of syrup concentrate to meet the demand. REI makes it simple, offering concession supplies in bulk so vendors can stock up ahead of time. Food truck owners preparing for a busy week can find fryer baskets, cutting boards, storage containers, and more—all in one stop.

The best part? Shopping local means vendors get personalized service and advice from a team that understands the unique demands of Pueblo’s biggest event of the year.

On-the-Go Delivery During the Fair
Even with careful planning, the unexpected always happens. Maybe a taco truck underestimates the number of salsa cups they’ll need, or a drink stand runs out of straws during the lunch rush. Leaving the fairgrounds to find supplies wastes precious time and sales opportunities.

That’s why REI offers fast local delivery. Vendors simply place a call, and REI’s delivery team brings the supplies straight to their booth or truck. No downtime. No missed sales.

Consider a funnel cake stand overwhelmed by the Saturday night crowd. The powdered sugar is running low, and customers are still lined up around the block. With REI’s delivery service, fresh supplies arrive quickly, keeping the line moving and profits flowing.

It’s this kind of hometown responsiveness that sets REI apart. Vendors know they don’t just have a supplier—they have a local partner invested in their success.

Emergency Repairs When It Matters Most
For a food vendor, nothing is worse than equipment breaking down in the middle of the fair. A cooler that stops working can spoil ingredients. A fryer that shuts off can ruin an entire night of business. At big events like the State Fair, vendors can’t afford long delays.

REI offers 24/7 service and repair to keep vendors up and running, no matter the hour. Imagine a food truck owner whose ice cream freezer fails on a hot August afternoon. Without fast repair, melted product could mean hundreds of dollars lost—not to mention disappointed customers. One call to REI and a technician is on-site, tools in hand, working to get the freezer back online before the next rush.

Or picture a fried chicken stand that depends on its fryer to serve hungry fairgoers. When the fryer stops mid-service, REI’s technicians arrive quickly, diagnosing the issue and performing the repair on the spot. Vendors breathe easier knowing they have a team of professionals ready to keep them cooking.

It’s not just about repairs—it’s about peace of mind.

Year-Round Support for Pueblo’s Food Scene
The Colorado State Fair may be the highlight of the year, but REI’s support doesn’t stop when the fairgrounds close. Pueblo’s food trucks, diners, restaurants, and concession stands rely on REI all year long for equipment, supplies, and service.

Restaurants upgrading their kitchens turn to REI for appliances with warranty coverage, ensuring long-term reliability. Food trucks that serve at weekly events know they can count on REI for fryer oil, utensils, and cooler maintenance. Even school cafeterias and community centers shop at the public showroom, finding the same friendly service and reliable products.

By choosing REI, Pueblo vendors support a local business that reinvests in the community. REI isn’t a faceless online warehouse—it’s a team of neighbors dedicated to helping Pueblo’s food industry thrive.

Real Scenarios Vendors Face
Here are just a few common situations where vendors benefit from working with REI:

• The Drink Stand Rush: Halfway through a scorching afternoon, a lemonade vendor runs out of cups. REI delivers directly to their stand within hours.

• The Fried Food Frenzy: A corn dog stand’s fryer basket breaks mid-service. A replacement is picked up from REI’s showroom the same day.

• The Meltdown: An ice cream truck’s freezer gives out. REI’s 24/7 repair team gets it running before product loss occurs.

• The Year-Round Caterer: A caterer running multiple events relies on REI for both concession supplies and warranty-backed appliances to handle daily use.

• The Community Diner: A beloved Pueblo diner upgrades their grill through REI, knowing they’ll have warranty protection and a service team ready to help.

From small wares to major equipment, REI has the tools, supplies, and expertise to keep Pueblo vendors running strong.

The Colorado State Fair is a celebration of Pueblo’s culture, food, and community spirit—and behind the scenes, REI Pueblo is proud to be the backbone of vendor success. Whether it’s stocking up before the fair, delivering supplies mid-rush, repairing equipment after hours, or supporting local kitchens year-round, REI is more than a supplier. We’re your neighbors, your support team, and your hometown partner in food service.

Ready to get fair-ready—or keep your business running strong all year?
👉 Visit our showroom or call us today. REI is here for Pueblo, 24/7.