How to Save Labor, Time, and Money
Labor is money, especially in this socio-economic climate, and will become more costly in the future. More and more bakery and restaurant businesses are leaning toward automation, from the order process to pick up. While the investment for automation may sting initially, the long-term result will save you in labor dollars. The following are ideas and tips to formulate a plan to save on labor, management time, and cost of goods.
Identify employee tasks. Where are they spending their most time? Are they making products from scratch, and if so, are they doing so efficiently? Are they shopping for goods? If so, how? Online or going to big box stores? Are they waiting tables and greeting customers?
Solutions:
Consider a digital order / menu for your customers to save on the order process. The investment is not only a labor-saver, it also is a great add for tracking orders and busy times, it is a great bookkeeping tool. For dine-in customers for Cafes and casual dining, consider a pickup area once their order is ready. This will save on wait staff. Instead of a team of wait staff, you can cut down to an employee to help with the order process and one for the pickup area. Also allow 1 or 2 employees to bus tables and greet/seat customers if there is a wait.
Evaluate your menu. Consider using a ready to use product or proof and bake to save time and labor to create scratch items. There are many wholesale bakeries and food manufacturers creating scratch / frozen items that are healthful and cost effective. Also, consider limiting your menu offerings. A vast menu requires many ingredients and processes. Keep your menu streamlined while offering customer favorites as a limited time offer or seasonally.
Utilize a local food service distributor. Are you or your employees shopping at big box stores? The drive time, shopping, waiting in line, not to mention the fuel adds up. Using a local distributor also is preferable to distributors out of the city. Due to supply chain and other issues, distributors can be short on items. When placing your order, ensure there is proper stock for your order. Plan ahead. Make sure you have enough products on hand to fulfill customer orders, that way you do not have to leave your business to go shop.
Consumer trends and shopping patterns are ever-changing. Many are used to picking up their orders or having them delivered by a food delivery service. There are still those customers that may enjoy the full customer service touch. As a business owner, it is your task to identify which business model works best for your business. Consumers are used to change, especially in these post-pandemic times. Technology has allowed business owners to streamline their processes from ordering goods to serving their customers more efficiently. For more tips, ideas and news, subscribe to our monthly newsletter at www.buchmannegg.com and go to our Trends tab for our “On The Rise” informational blogs. Buchmann Bakery & Restaurant Supply is a San Diego based food service distributor. 619-443-6875