Our Scope

RYCO Kitchenworks is a Maritime-owned commercial kitchen design and equipment dealership headquartered in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada. Founded in 2024 by industry veterans with decades of frontline foodservice experience, RYCO helps independent restaurant operators, café owners, caterers, food truck operators, long-term care facilities, and other commercial foodservice businesses design, equip, and open their kitchens with confidence.

Design

RYCO produces permit-ready commercial kitchen layouts using AutoCAD and specialized foodservice design software. Plans meet Government of Nova Scotia food establishment permit requirements and are tailored to each client's menu, workflow, budget, and space - from compact food truck builds and café conversions to full production kitchens and restaurants seating 400+.

Supply

RYCO operates an online store shipping commercial kitchen equipment nationwide across Canada. Custom quotes are available for any product not listed in the online catalog. Freight is handled through Midland Freight and Midland Courier with per-order basic custom quotes. All prices are in Canadian Dollars.

Support

RYCO employs territory sales representatives who provide in-person consultations across Nova Scotia (Halifax, Dartmouth, New Glasgow) and New Brunswick (Moncton, Saint John), with inside sales and nationwide shipping available to customers across Canada. RYCO has also partnered with EconoLease to offer flexible equipment financing.

Another part of your team

What we do

Many first-time Restaurant owners are surprised to discover the scope of support we can offer. From fully custom commercial Kitchen design to Food Equipment Supply, Financing, and more. You don't need to go it alone. Explore the many ways we can help.

RYCO Kitchenworks

Learn our story

Our company was created as a bridge over the gaps we’ve seen in the Food Service Equipment Industry. We're not just a supplier, we offer full service Commercial Kitchen design and hands-on support. We'll be there before, during, and after you open.

Help wanted

1984

In 1984, Mike MacNamara didn’t have a five-year plan, let alone a business plan. He was 21 with a wedding to plan and a future to build with his high school sweetheart, Evelyn.

He answered a newspaper ad for a warehouse job and started a 34-year journey that took him from the loading dock to the design table.

Mike and his wife Evelyn in the 1980's celebrating with party hats at a festive event.

Figuring it out

For the people who matter

With a young family to support, he moved through the ranks - from the warehouse to sales and eventually management - by simply saying, “I’ll figure it out.” Even during design dept shortage, he didn't wait for a solution… he became one.

He taught himself AutoCAD, a complex software for spatial modelling. That determination to figure it out for the people who matter has shaped his entire career.

The turning point

2023

This path eventually led to Mike’s role as a National Sales Manager. When a private-equity takeover transformed his long-time, family-run employer into a multi-layered corporation, he moved to a new organization. There, he built a team that grew their firm from $3 million to $24 million in sales.

However, even with that massive success, he saw the same patterns repeating. He watched growth outpace the support structure, putting the livelihoods of good, dedicated people at risk.

A better Model

Inventing RYCO

Mike felt that responsibility deep in his gut. He had brought those people into the organization, and he knew they deserved better. He was going to figure it out one more time.

He knew there had to be a better model for independent operators. So, with the support of his wife, Evelyn, and their sons, Ryan and Connor (both of whom are part of the business and are the “RY” and CO in our name), he built one.

A leap of faith

2024

In 2024, Mike, his family, and the best team of foodservice professionals this side of the border launched RYCO Commercial Kitchenworks.

Our team is united under a single belief: Independent operators deserve a local advisor with skin in the game; not another faceless vendor.

A team who helps design the kitchen and keep it running after opening. People who succeed only when you succeed.

Contact the team

RYCO

Let us figure it out

We are comprised of former Red Seal chefs, baristas, and industry veterans. We understand what it’s like to work in a kitchen because we’ve been there.

Our experts provide commercial kitchen design, equipment supply, and support with hands-on experience in every corner of the food industry. Our competitors sell you equipment. RYCO delivers peace of mind. Let us take the worry off your plate.

Locate a Rep

Our team

 

Staff Photos by Nathanial Cole of Studio204

Our team came together under a single belief: Independent operators don't need another faceless big-box vendor. They deserve a local advisor with skin in the game; our success depends on yours.

Proudly serving the Maritimes and beyond, our team has experience in every corner of food service. Let us help you avoid some of the challenges faced by new operators. Odds are, we've been there!

Locate a local Rep

Mike MacNamara

With 42 years of experience in foodservice equipment, Mike's journey began in 1984 as a shipper/receiver at one of Canada’s largest foodservice equipment dealers. He advanced through various roles, including branch manager and national sales manager. Having built incredible sales teams from the ground up and proven himself a successful leader in growing businesses in the Atlantic region. Now owner of RYCO Kitchenworks, Mike is taking the next step towards delivering unparalleled client service, valuing his team, and fostering key industry relationships.

Connor MacNamara

Connor’s passion for cooking fuels the enthusiasm he has for his position at RYCO Kitchenworks. While just beginning his career in the foodservice equipment industry, he is eager to learn from our seasoned team of pros and hopes to one day take on a role in Contract Sales.

Victoria Forsyth

Victoria comes to Ryco Kitchenworks after many years in the foodservice industry, working in both front and back of house positions. Her experience has helped her excel on the foodservice dealer side for the past 8 years. Victoria is thrilled to be channeling her passion for the industry and supporting local businesses into managing operations for Ryco, where she will guide and assist the sales team wherever necessary to take care of our customers.

Trish Manthorne

Trish has 20 years of experience in the food service industry, from fast food to fine dining, and obtained her Red Seal in 2010. Since 2016, she has sold restaurant equipment, kitchenwares, and janitorial supplies. Trish is passionate about helping chefs and restaurant owners find the right tools and ensuring post-purchase satisfaction.

Andrew Fisher

Andrew Fisher, a seasoned food service professional, began his career at 15 with McDonald’s. With 21 years at PepsiCo, he gained extensive industry knowledge. Now at RYCO Kitchenworks, Andrew leverages his expertise in food service supply to deliver tailored solutions and build strong client relationships.

Danny Hoskin

With over 40 years in food service, Danny's experience ranges from dishwasher to Executive Chef and Food Service Manager. Since the late '90s, he's specialized in restaurant equipment sales, continually updating his skills and collaborating with clients on diverse projects. Known for his “Old School” approach, Danny values trust and service. Now based in Saint John, he enjoys playing guitar in his free time.

Luc Chouinard

Luc started in the foodservice equipment industry in 2002 and has received extensive factory training from brands like Garland and Rational. His experience allows him to serve as a trusted advisor for all smallwares and equipment needs, building lasting, multi-generational relationships. He stands out by solving client problems and fostering valuable friendships.

RYCO Staff, Luc, wearing glasses and a dark shirt in an indoor setting with blurred lights

Kelly MacLeod

Kelly began her foodservice career in 1993, gaining experience from unloading trucks to bank reconciliations. At Ryco, she now works supporting our sales team, excited to embark on this new journey. Her diverse background has instilled a passion for the ever-evolving challenges of the industry.

Lauren Sangster

Lauren started her foodservice career over 10 years ago as a barista, gaining frontline experience and a focus on customer service. With post-secondary degrees, she transitioned to foodservice project management, commercial design, and sales. At RYCO Kitchenworks, Lauren designs efficient, ergonomic environments, collaborating with clients to create innovative solutions tailored to diverse foodservice facilities.

General Questions?

Reach out

We are based in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia but we are partnered with vendor and manufacturing partners across Canada.

To best serve our customers, our RYCO Kitchenworks website operates 24/7. However, we’re all humans behind the scenes here. Reach out and we'll reply in no time!

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  • Hours of Operation

    Monday – Friday:
    9am – 5pm (Atlantic)

  • Warehouse Address:

    78 First Lake Dr, Lower Sackville,
    Nova Scotia, Canada
    B4C 3E4

  • Direct

    info@RYCOKITCHENWORKS.com
    (902) 222 3827

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