A systematic method for analyzing menu items by profitability and sales volume to maximize restaurant revenue and reduce waste.
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Menu Engineering
A systematic method for analyzing menu items by profitability and sales volume to maximize restaurant revenue and reduce waste.
Related terms
- Menu Engineering Matrix — A four-quadrant classification tool mapping menu items by popularity and profitability to identify stars, plow horses, puzzles, and dogs.
- Star Menu Item — High-popularity, high-profitability dishes that drive restaurant success. These high-margin winners should get prominent menu placement.
- Contribution Margin — Revenue minus variable costs for a specific item, showing actual profit per sale. This is the key metric for menu engineering decisions.