Strategies for Successful Menu Optimisation 

As a chef, you want to make sure that your venue is running at its most profitable. One effective way to do this is by optimising your menu options. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you work to create a menu that will improve your bottom line. 

Simplify your offerings

Overcomplicated menu items can lead to increased prep time, higher food costs and waste, which negatively impact profitability. Instead, focus on a few dishes that you're good at making and streamline your kitchen operations. 

Embrace seasonal ingredients

Using seasonal ingredients in your dishes not only provides a unique flavour profile, but it also helps reduce costs. For example, in summer, you could use locally sourced produce like tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers. This approach will lower costs and give customers a taste of the season. 

Get creative with cost-effective ingredients

Don't limit your menu to high-end ingredients; instead, get creative with lower-cost ingredients like chicken legs or root vegetables. This will help reduce costs and give customers a variety of options. 

Daily specials

As long as there have been restaurants there have been specials, and for good reason. It’s a great way to take advantage of surplus ingredients, special buys, reducing waste and cutting costs. 

Consider portion sizes

Portion sizes can greatly impact profitability. Larger portions can reduce the number of dishes you need to prepare to save time. While smaller portions can increase the number of dishes sold and reduce unnecessary wastage 

Promote drink options

Drinks can be a major profit centre for your venue, and they are an easy upsell, especially if you have your own menu creations. You can offer smart drink options such as house-made soft drink, lemonades, and iced teas to increase profits without increasing food costs. Offer drink specials during slow times to encourage customers to stay longer and order more. 

In the end there are many strategies that chefs can use to improve their profitability through smart menu options. From using seasonal ingredients and promoting drink options to simplifying offerings and utilising all ingredients, there are many tactics that can help you save money and give customers a memorable dining experience. By focusing on your menu, you can keep costs low, increase profits and ensure the success of your restaurant, cafe, bar, pub or club. 

With over 6000 products available for chefs to choose from, Moco Food Services stocks quality ingredients to cater to your function needs. Learn more about Moco’s online ordering platform designed for food businesses - here.