Easy Menu Fixes to Help Cut Down Costs
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As we begin planning our approach for 2022, there are likely some exciting plans that lie ahead. To support such big goals, most caterers are considering methods to save more on overhead and cost of goods. Extra funds can support all types of growth, whether you’re considering hiring more staff, opening up a new storefront, or launching a new service line.
While certain expenses are set in stone—like insurance, rent, and taxes—others can be adjusted to scale down on costs so you can scale up in business.
Turn your attention to your menu and consider making these tweaks to cut down on costs.
Trim down on food waste.
Wasting food is akin to wasting money, so it can help to audit what comes into your kitchen and how it leaves. Does a vast majority make it into prepared meals, or is there a significant amount of ingredients ending up in the trash? If you’re noticing the latter, revisit your recipes and preparation techniques to see how your team can be more resourceful. Can kitchen scraps be reused to make stock bases, sauces, or pestos? Get creative and use what’s already on-hand!
Practice strategic menu planning.
Preparing several custom menus incurs greater costs and is more prone to waste than strategically planning menus to share ingredients and support batch preparation. Be mindful of how you present menu options to clients with events around the same time. Offering a smaller selection of meals to choose from gives you control over what needs to be purchased, stored, and prepared in the kitchen at any given time. This approach allows you to maximize savings on bulk purchases, reduce waste, and save time for your kitchen staff.
Rethink complementary ingredients.
Every dish has a star of the show — the pan-seared filet mignon, the glazed Mahi Mahi, or the crispy roast duck. It’s the piece that makes people’s mouths water. Naturally, you’ll want to use the best cuts with the perfect cooking techniques. The supporting roles, on the other hand, may not require a hefty investment in top-shelf, organic ingredients. Consider saving on the side dishes and additions that complement the main event — roasted vegetables, grains, salad dressings, and other ingredients can still serve their purpose without stretching the budget.
Consider alternative proteins.
With a significant market shift towards vegetarianism and veganism, plant-based proteins have become increasingly accessible and affordable for all types of events. Modern advancements have even perfected “faux meat,” replacing obvious imposters of the past with convincing alternatives that are as delicious as they are sustainable. Plant-based proteins, like beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and seitan, are all cost-effective options that will win over vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Replace with cost-effective brands.
If you aren’t married to a specific brand, consider looking for alternatives that are more budget-friendly. Of course, you won’t want to swap out any staples that influence the flavor profiles you’re known for — certain ingredients are irreplaceable. However, you may find products of an equal quality at a lower cost for ingredients that aren’t as specific, like grains, spices, yeasts, vinegars, and other key kitchen additions.
There’s no better time to shine a light on your budget than during the holiday season. While you may be busy with company parties and family get-togethers, this time of year tends to have more downtime than peak season. Get your finances in order and set yourself up for success in 2022 with smart cost-saving strategies.
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