6 Ways on How to Save Money in a Restaurant Kitchen

When it comes to running a business, every owner will try to search for ways to save money. In today’s economy, costs only seem to be rising with every passing year. Money can get pretty tight, even in the least amicable of circumstances. Those who run restaurants are all too familiar with this sentiment.

You don’t have to let go of an employee, or resort to other means, just to cut down on costs. Frankly, there are a ton of practical ways in which you can save money. This is especially true in regards to the kitchen, since it is a major space within your business.

Here are the best ways on how to save money in a restaurant kitchen effectively:

1. Save money on the restaurant menu

In order to save money in a restaurant kitchen, your menu should be your number focus. Even though you may fancy a large assortment of dishes, restaurant owners know this can be pricey. The dishes you make are completely contingent on the inventory you have to purchase to make them. As such, having a grandiose menu may not be such a good idea, especially if you need to save money.

Try taking a look at your menu, before having a discussion with your kitchen staff on what can be cut. The dishes that require the most ingredients should be given your attention. If it is too much trouble trying to modify the dish, simply get rid of it. You can reallocate that saved money towards optimizing your kitchen.

2. Save money on restaurant equipment

Kitchen expenses make up the most of many restaurant owner’s costs. As a result, the equipment and supplies in your restaurant can make or break your expenses. Is there a cheaper food processor that can do the same job as the expensive one you possess? If there is, in this example, swap them out to cut down on unneeded costs!

3. Save money on social media marketing

This may seem like a no brainer, but many restaurant owners have not yet made the jump to social media. Having a digital presence is key, in order to make the restaurant and, by extension, the kitchen successful. In addition, it isn’t as expensive to get the right digital tools either, in order to market the business.

By learning the right skills, you can effectively build your platforms for free. There is a treasure trove of information available on the internet, which can be practically implemented. Or, you can outsource the marketing of your unique kitchen to a professional. Negotiate accordingly, so that marketing doesn’t have to be a financial deal breaker.

4. Save money on conserving water

Even though the water has to be used throughout most of the day, there are ways to conserve it. For instance, it is as simple as not turning on the sinks when they are not needed. Dishwashers are also a huge way in which your utility costs can increase. To save some money, use it when you require them.

Fill your main sink once, and let all used dishes soak within the water and soap that is present inside. Not only does this method help with conserving water, but you’ll find that it also cuts down on wasting cleaning products too! To really improve your conservation techniques, consider using low-flow faucets. A large percentage of water can aptly be saved in this light.

5. Save money on light efficiency

Though it may seem as if your low-cost lights can save you money in the long run, consider your options. Purchasing energy efficient lighting options can be pricey at first glance. However, over the course of their usage, you will find that they actually cut down on your kitchen utility costs significantly.

Moreover, you can save more on your lighting costs by simply not using them. Turn off your kitchen lights when the space is not being used at full capacity. This simple trick can be glossed over, especially for new restaurant owners getting their business set up. Don’t forget to have your lighting setup working in tandem with natural light as well!

6. Save money on training restaurant staff

Your kitchen needs to be run with competent staff members. As such, you’ll have to think about ways in which you can allocate time towards training. By training multiple prospects together, you can save a ton of time and money. Time is a precious resource, especially if you run things by yourself.

Get all of your in-house workers together, and go over the kitchen operations with them during a quiet period. This helps out with their performance, so that they aren’t flustered during busier periods. Your kitchen staff will appreciate this in the long run as well, once business picks up!

Although it may seem daunting, going over your restaurant costs every so often can be in your benefit. You don’t have to risk losing staff, just to make ends meet. Always take a look at what isn’t needed, so that your budget can be increased overtime!