
Episode 8: The Importance of Customer Feedback in Menu and Brand Changes
In this episode, we emphasize the critical role of actively listening, responding, and acting upon customer feedback following any menu or brand change. Customer feedback is invaluable in assessing the success of changes and in guiding future improvements. Listening...

Episode 7: Projecting and Validating Profitability Gains from Menu Engineering
In this episode, we discuss the importance of creating a pro forma to project potential profitability gains from your menu engineering project, and the process of validating these projections after the menu changes are implemented. Creating a Pro Forma A pro forma is...

Episode 6: Enhancing Your Menu with Discount Strategies and Competitive Pricing
In this episode, we explore how understanding discount strategies and competitor pricing can round out your new menu, ensuring both profitability and competitiveness in the market. The Role of Discount Strategies Discounts can be a powerful tool for attracting...

Episode 5: The Critical Role of Labor Costs in Menu Engineering
In this episode, we delve into the importance of incorporating prep and line labor costs into any menu engineering project. Understanding and analyzing these costs is crucial, as they often constitute more than half of the cost equation in a restaurant's operations....

Episode 4: Misconceptions about Menu Engineering
Despite its proven benefits, several misconceptions about menu engineering can deter restaurant operators from utilizing this powerful tool effectively. Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for realizing the full potential of menu engineering. 1. It's Only...

Episode 3: The Untapped Potential of Menu Engineering
In this episode, we discuss why menu engineering is considered the easiest and highest return on investment (ROI) effort in the restaurant industry today. Despite its proven benefits, many restaurant operators still overlook this powerful tool. Why Menu Engineering...

Episode 2: Retaining Customers While Maximizing Profits
In this episode, we focus on the dual objectives of menu engineering: retaining customers and maximizing profits. Both goals are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary, driving the overall success of a restaurant. Balancing Customer Retention and Profit...

Episode 1: Introduction to Menu Engineering
In the first episode of our blog series, we'll explore the fundamentals of menu engineering and its vital role in enhancing a restaurant's profitability. Menu engineering is a strategic approach that goes beyond merely adjusting food costs. It involves a comprehensive...