One of the key elements of success for food service businesses is saving money by reducing waste. Think back to some of your recent events. Were there certain items that many people didn't touch, and did you end up with a lot of leftovers that were ultimately thrown away? If the answer is yes, then you can benefit from rethinking your menu and portion sizes. This article provides some ways to cut down your amount of food waste, which will keep more money in your pockets.
Quality Over Quantity
Many catering businesses and restaurants emphasize quality in
their marketing. One way to ensure quality is to reduce quantity, which could
refer to menu size, portion size, or both. A large menu requires a large food
inventory, and if certain menu items don't sell, chances are there will
eventually be some ingredients that go unused and get thrown out. The same can
be said for portion sizes. Adjust your portions accordingly if you start to
notice large amounts of leftovers or food being discarded at your events.
Crunch the Numbers
Proper event planning includes doing the math to reduce waste
and maximize your profits. According to Geoff Beers, of The Balance, the number of "no shows" for free events can be 25% or more
of the estimated attendee total. The average attrition rate for ticketed events
is about 10%. By utilizing these averages - and incorporating a 2% buffer zone
- you can more accurately predict how many guests will actually partake in the
meal. With this knowledge, you can prepare just the right amount of food.
Follow the Trends
Reducing menu and portion sizes is a win-win for food service
businesses because it cuts back on waste, and it's also what many of today's
consumers are looking for. According to Restaurant Engine, shorter menus are becoming more
popular. In the
past, lengthy menus were a differentiator, but now diners - particularly
Millennials - want selecting a meal to be an easier, quicker process. They
value a small selection of memorable meals over a large assortment of meals
that are easily forgotten. In addition, there's been a renewed focus on healthy
eating, so a large portion isn't the selling point that it used to be.
Sanitation is Key to Quality, Too
Sanitation is vital for food service professionals. Visit FoodSinksTB.com to download our Free Health
Department Compliance Solutions Bulletin. You can also request a Free
Handwashing Compliance Sign to post in your workplace or by your portable sink
when you work off-premise.
You will also receive 10% Off on All Online Orders when you
use promo code FS2017TB.