The History of Taylor Arizona
Taylor Freezer Sales of Arizona® (Taylor Arizona™) has built a respected legacy as a market leader in foodservice equipment over the course of seven decades. More than a distributor, the company lives its mission through service, partnership, and innovation. Their story is not just about machines, it’s about empowering restaurants and businesses of all sizes with the expertise and tools to succeed.
How It All Began
Taylor Arizona first opened its doors in 1958, establishing itself as the exclusive distributor for the Taylor Company within the state of Arizona. From the very beginning, Taylor Arizona pledged to deliver more than just products: they committed to delivering value, reliability, and a trusted partnership to local foodservice operators through industry expertise and timely service.
Behind that commitment was a deeper heritage rooted in the history of the Taylor Company itself. The Taylor Company was founded in 1926 in Rockton, Illinois, when Charles Taylor, an inventive ice-cream maker, developed a countertop freezer that automated the process of producing soft-serve ice cream. Over time, Taylor evolved into a global leader in frozen-dessert equipment, expanding its capabilities into batch freezers, beverage units, and commercial grills.
Becoming Part of a Larger Family
More than a decade ago, Taylor Arizona joined the DSL Northwest family, a move that strengthened its infrastructure and operational capacity while keeping its focus local and customer driven. Through this partnership, Taylor Arizona gained extended support and resources without disrupting the deep relationships it had already forged with its existing customers.
Taylor Arizona preserved its identity as a dedicated Arizona distributor. Jim Neil and Mike Barbes, who now lead the company, bring decades of experience and a clear commitment to customer success. Their leadership has reinforced the company’s reputation for providing quality equipment, thoughtful guidance, service excellence, technical expertise, and a genuine dedication to helping commercial kitchens build profitable menus.
In 2021, Taylor Company itself was acquired by Middleby Corporation. This acquisition opens new opportunities for innovations and product offerings, while Taylor Arizona remains firmly committed to supporting its customers with the same level of excellence and care. They now represent additional premier brands—not only Taylor, but also Flavor Burst and Emery Thompson among others—making it a one-stop source for high-quality foodservice solutions.
Evolution of Facilities & Capability
Over the years, Taylor Arizona has continued to invest in its physical presence and in the tools it makes available to its customers. Their modern showroom, test kitchen, training facility and 15,000 square foot warehouse in South Phoenix reflect not only innovation in product but commitment to long-term partnership.
Their facility is more than a sales floor. It is a workspace where clients can experiment, taste, test, and learn. It gives businesses the confidence to select equipment that not only meets their current needs, but also supports growth, menu innovation, and profit optimization.
Beyond this, Taylor Arizona provides certified, factory-trained technicians who continue to serve clients after a sale. Parts, supplies, and consumables are all stocked through their service arm, ensuring that customers’ equipment remains operational in real-world foodservice environments, day in and day out.
On top of technical support, Taylor Arizona delivers training, menu planning assistance, and even marketing materials for point-of-sales. They help operators decide how to promote and sell frozen desserts, beverages, and grilled foods in a way that protects and grows their bottom line.
Recent Developments & Future Direction
In recent years, the foodservice industry has continued to shift. Taylor Arizona has adapted by leaning into its dual strengths: industry expertise and technical service. Under the DSL Northwest umbrella, the company continues to deepen its training offerings and expand its inventory offerings.
Looking ahead, Taylor Arizona remains dedicated to supporting commercial kitchens with smart, profitable solutions. Whether a customer is launching a dessert concept, expanding a drink menu, or optimizing operations, Taylor Arizona seeks to support not only today’s success but tomorrow’s growth.
Taylor Freezer Sales of Arizona has charted an impressive journey—from its founding in 1958 to becoming a trusted, full-service resource for foodservice operators across Arizona and the Southwest. Through decades of change, the company has continued to provide premium kitchen equipment, technical excellence, comprehensive training, strong partnerships, and a value-driven culture. Taylor Arizona not only delivers equipment, it delivers opportunity.
As Taylor Arizona moves into the future, its legacy of innovation and service continues to fuel the success of its customers, solidifying its role as a true partner within the industry.
