May 06, 2022
Restaurants have been grappling with supply chain disruptions in recent years. Shutdowns in the food production industry, labor shortages, and shipping delays have all affected the typical movement of goods. Not only has the situation made menu planning challenging, but prices of key ingredients have risen.
Thankfully, there are ways for owners to work with supply issues while increasing revenue and improving operations.
4 Ways Restaurants Deal with Supply Chain Issues to Save Money
By the end of 2021, 95 percent of restaurants had experienced supply shortages and delays. With supply chain interruptions expected to continue in 2022, owners and chefs are developing creative ways to meet customer demand, while still driving revenue. From streamlining menus to combating food waste, we’ve compiled simple ways to help restaurant owners succeed in 2022 and beyond.
1. Economize Your Menu Offerings
Stat Fact: 75 percent of restaurant owners made menu tweaks in 2021 to handle supply chain disruptions
As chefs and restaurant owners know, intricate dishes and expansive menus use more ingredients and lead to higher costs. One way to combat the costs associated with supply chain issues is to streamline menus.
- Feature recipes showcasing high-quality wholesale products that can easily adapt to various preparations.
- Switch to cost-effective cuts of meats and seafood that pack big flavor.
- Go for multipurpose ingredients that can be utilized for entrees, appetizers, and even stocks. This will give you more control over portioning and pricing.
2. Perform a Plate-Cost Analysis
Stat Fact: 9 out of 10 foodservice operators stated their overall food costs are higher than they were before 2020.
Part of reengineering menus to adapt to supply chain issues, and the higher costs associated with delays and shortages, is to examine food costs. Take stock of your current menu items and analyze your profit margins per plate.
Keep your most popular and profitable dishes to maximize your returns. Plus, by keeping your most loved dishes, you’ll still be giving your customers what they crave — and boosting revenue.
3. Maintain Your Inventory Management
Stat Fact: As much as 10 percent of a restaurant’s purchased food inventory is wasted, which can translate to a 10 percent loss in potential revenue.
Keeping track of your restaurant inventory is crucial, even without supply chain challenges. Proper inventory management allows owners to take charge of their financials by identifying overspending, theft, and spoilage. All of these issues can skew food costs and profitability.
With unpredictable supply chains, tightening up your inventory tracking systems can shine a light on items with low-profit margins or ingredients on which you might be overspending.
4. Cut Out Food Waste
Stat Fact: Reducing food waste can help cut back a restaurant’s food cost by 2 to 6 percent.
Food waste is a reality in most restaurants; however, keeping it in check can do wonders for your bottom line. The most common causes of food waste in foodservice establishments are:
- Oversized portions
- Expansive menu choices
- Improper storage leading to spoilage
- Letting trimmings and scraps go to waste
Luckily, combatting unnecessary food waste doesn’t take much effort. With 50 percent of consumers preferring to support sustainable companies, reducing waste could help increase your customer base. Taking regular inventory and training staff on storage techniques can also help curb waste.
While supply chain demands might take a little longer to rebound, making a few simple changes can boost sales, help your restaurant manage food and equipment delays, and keep customers happy. Plus, by putting these practices in place, you’ll be set up for success, now and into the future.
Bulk Wholesale Food and Supplies for Your Restaurant
Looking to purchase high-quality products from a reliable supplier? US Foods CHEF’STORE has exceptional ingredients and supplies at competitive prices for all your needs. From meats and seafood, frozen foods, beverage essentials, and more, you’ll find it all at CHEF’STORE. We offer multiple locations near you, third-party grocery delivery, and easy online shopping.
