Strategies On Controlling Food Cost In Bistro Cuisine

By Angela Price


It is difficult to grow the profits margin when running a restaurant unless your management skills are very great. The margins are not high in most cases. However, there are several tactics which can be brought into play to reduce the costs incurred when dealing with bistro cuisine.

You should not assume that the accountant is making the right decisions when it comes to expenditure. You ought to keep an eye on inventory and cost of food to ensure that you are not using more than is necessary. The activity should be done on a daily basis because there are many supplies which have to be bought on a daily basis.

You must be wise when ordering. Ensure that only the items which are essential are outsourced. You can only understand this when you are actively involved in the daily operations of the bistro. Apart from knowing the needed items, be aware of the necessary quantities. Non-perishables can be bought in large quantities for the sake of the discounts.

The portions need to be controlled closely. The staff should be sensitized on the need to ensure that only the right amount of protein is used in the meals. Extras will leave you with deficits. Reacting to such a situation by increasing prices so as to avoid loses will drive the customers away. It is not a wise move as far as business is concerned.

Wastage of food should not be tolerated. Cuisines which need expensive items which are also highly perishables should be prepared taking this into account. The chefs have to understand that each piece counts and encouraged to be creative in making use of the scraps. Preparing them on request and buying only what is enough for that day is encouraged.

A balanced menu is easy to work with. When there are many items to be prepared then it might be a challenge. The cost should be kept below 30%. If the expenditure is beyond 40% then you will have to review the menu because it means that you are treading on shaky grounds. It is good to take your time to streamline this before opening the bistro.

The food items can be seasonal depending on what you are selling. Therefore, ensure that you have alternatives to sell to the clients during the low seasons. Many will be at ease trying out new items which are suggested by the waiters. Therefore, use this tactic to push sales during the off-season. Nonetheless, the major cuisine should not be touched.

Good planning and management skills are essential in keeping a restaurant afloat. However, you need to find a certain cuisine which the bistro will be known for. You cannot cut down on this despite the times. Good marketing of the business will ensure that customers keep coming back. However, this can only be true if the customer service is great. Do not expect anyone to come back when he or she was treated below the expected standards in the city Evergreen CO.




About the Author: