Our History
A Legacy of Growth and Reliability
For decades, L&R Distributors has built a trusted legacy—delivering consistent service, strong partnerships, and innovative solutions that stand the test of time.
Our Journey
1956
L&R Distributors opens its doors for business. Founded by the Lucas family its mission, to service the NYC market as a “Rack Jobber” of General Merchandise and Hair Appliances.
1964
L&R moves to its first distribution center on Atlantic Avenue and begins running its own trucks for delivery and pack out service.
1982
Mike Lucas Jr. takes on the role as VP of Sales for the company. Under Mike’s leadership, L&R begins to dominate the East Coast market, specifically the NYC Metro area.
1996
L&R contracts to supply a large regional chain. Until now, L&R was primarily focused on independent and small chains on the East Coast. This leads to L&R contracting and servicing several regional chains and growing its customer base.
2003
Mike Lucas Jr. becomes President of the company, leading L&R’s strong management team in sales, operations and finance. L&R is now has a strong East Coast presence in independent retailers as well as many regional chains.
2007
L&R Purchases Allied Supply Co., a 60+ year old national non-foods distributor, helping launch L&R’s strong, broad national presence.
2008
L&R moves its West Coast operation from a 3rd party warehouse into a state of the art distribution facility in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. L&R now operates 3 distribution centers on the East & West coasts.
2011
L&R purchases the non-foods division of UNFI, further expanding its national reach and growing its product mix to include expanded general merchandise, HBC, cosmetics, ethnic, and housewares categories.
2013
L&R acquires the assets of SAJ Distributors along with the private label Select Brand from Walgreen Co. The L&R acquisition of SAJ has given L&R the geographic location to continue its growth model across all facets of its business.
2017
L&R launches state-of-the-art distribution center in Monroe Township, New Jersey.
2019
L&R onboards Largest Grocery Chain in the United States, Kroger Co.
2020
Platinum Equity acquires L&R
2022
L&R begins its partnership with SJ creations