Time. Money. Important foods and ingredients. Electricity. Water. Food.
If we're on a game show in the late 70s or early 80s -- or even now, for that matter -- the answer might be "things you shouldn't waste in a commercial kitchen." And whether or not we win the 100,000 Dollar Pyramid bonus round is insignificant when compared to how much money a foodservice operation might waste over the course of time.
In the bustling world of commercial kitchens, waste isn't just confined to spoiled produce and leftover scraps. The hidden costs of waste extend far beyond the kitchen's back door, infiltrating operational efficiency, driving up labor expenses, and impacting the bottom line. In essence, there's a triumvirate of waste -- food, utilities, and labor -- that can help enhance profitability.
Understanding the Scope of Food Waste in the Foodservice Industry
The numbers surrounding food waste in the foodservice industry are staggering. In the U.S., it's estimated that 40 percent of food is wasted every year. The financial implications are compounded when considering labor costs associated with managing excess inventory and disposing of unsold or spoiled food, but more on labor in a second.
Relating all of that to the financials, it's like throwing away two $20 bills every time you receive five of them. This doesn't even take into consideration the harm done by food insecurity. Nor does it include the marketing benefits of committing to sustainable processes. The bottom line? Waste less food for a healthier bottom line.
Reducing Utility Spend Will Increase Profits
Reducing utility consumption is paramount for achieving a healthier bottom line in restaurants and foodservice operations. The impact of energy and water waste extends beyond environmental concerns; it directly influences operational costs, affecting the financial health of businesses.
Inefficient equipment usage, lack of maintenance, and suboptimal operational processes also contribute to inflated utility bills, placing an unnecessary burden on the bottom line of foodservice establishments. By prioritizing energy-efficient appliances, implementing smart operational practices, and conducting regular maintenance, businesses not only reduce their environmental impact but also experience substantial savings on utility costs.
Labor Can Also Be a Wasted Resource
As mentioned above, labor is often a connector to other areas of waste within a foodservice operation. In fact, reports show that food waste can be a direct result of inefficient labor practices.
The most often overlooked aspect of waste is the labor that goes unused. From overstaffing to inefficient work processes, wasted labor translates directly to increased operational costs. Streamlining staffing levels and optimizing workflows can significantly impact the bottom line while ensuring the workforce's productivity is maximized.
How can an operation reduce the costs of inefficient labor? By making it more efficient, of course. A crucial aspect of waste reduction is the empowerment and training of staff. Addressing the labor shortage trends in the restaurant industry, well-trained employees play a pivotal role in minimizing food waste and its associated labor costs.
How can operators reduce waste on all three fronts?
Foodservice equipment. Ultimately, selecting and sourcing the right commercial kitchen equipment can help reduce the amount of food we waste. It can help lower utility costs. And it can help labor gain new efficiencies within the operation. And these savings can be significant. Much more than winning the bonus round on a game show, to be sure.
We encourage you to learn more about how the right foodservice equipment plays a direct role in your profits. Get started by scheduling time today to meet with one of our expert team members:
