The Maryland Wholesale Food Center is an integral part of the food distribution system in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. The Food Center encompasses many segments of the food industry, including the Maryland Wholesale Produce Market, the Maryland Wholesale Seafood Market, a distribution center for a regional supermarket chain, and other independent wholesalers. This paper focuses on a comparison of characteristics and operating costs of wholesale firms located on the Food Center, firms located in other sections of the metropolitan area, and firms operating in 1964. The paper illustrates differences in product movement, distribution, and facilities among the types of firms. A major finding is that firms located on the Maryland Wholesale Produce Market are more cost efficient in several areas of operation relative to other firms. As a result, locating a food distribution center may improve the competitive position of wholesalers.