Restaurant Benchmarking: Key Metrics Every Operator Should Know
Running a restaurant requires making dozens of decisions every day, from how much inventory to order to how many employees to schedule for the next shift. But without the right points of comparison, it can be difficult to know whether those decisions are actually moving the business in the right direction. A specific food cost […]
Restaurant Fraud Prevention Tactics Every Operator Should Know
As operators manage more transactions, third-party ordering sites, tighter margins, tariffs, and more, restaurant fraud prevention has become a bigger priority. Fraud isn’t always a dramatic event. In fact, it typically shows up as small inconsistencies that are easy to overlook, especially during a busy shift or across locations. Unauthorized refunds, fake vendor invoices, restaurant […]
How to Prevent Internal and External Theft in Restaurants
Internal and external theft in restaurants is a serious issue. Not only does it create financial loss, it disrupts operations. While some losses stem from employee actions, others come from customers, vendors, or organized criminal activity. Even small inconsistencies in cash handling, inventory tracking, or transaction reporting can add up over time. Preventing theft starts […]
Restaurant Costs Breakdown: Where Your Money Goes and How to Save
To run a successful restaurant, you have to learn to balance dozens of moving pieces at once. Food costs fluctuate constantly, labor expenses seem wildly unpredictable, and operational overhead continues to climb, all while your guests still expect fast service, consistent quality, and a great overall experience every time they walk through the door. In […]
The Top Restaurant Technology Trends to Watch in 2026
Running a restaurant has never required more precision with fewer resources. Thanks in part to the mainstream rise of AI, the pressure to “do more with less” has intensified across every industry, including foodservice. Costs are rising, labor is harder to predict, and guest expectations continue to climb, yet operators are still expected to protect, […]
What Is the Average Restaurant Profit Margin?
Restaurant profitability begins with understanding where the money goes. From food and labor to rent and utilities, every expense affects what’s left at the end of the day. Understanding the average restaurant profit margin gives operators a benchmark—and more importantly, context—about where money is being made or lost. Here’s a breakdown of what those margins […]
CommodityOne Weekly Report – April 7, 2026
Poultry Chicken output dipped slightly week over week, but supply is still trending upward with Q2 production expected to increase by 300M pounds. Pricing firmed across most categories, with boneless skinless breasts up 17% in the past month, while eggs dropped below $1 and turkey softened. Outlook: Stronger supply should help stabilize pricing in the […]
Restaurant Audit: What to Review and How Often to Do It
In a busy restaurant, it’s easy for small issues to hide in plain sight. A few inventory items missing here and a few dollars in extra vendor charges there may not seem important to track down in the moment, but over time, those small gaps can eat away at your bottom line. The challenge for […]
A Practical Guide to Operations Management in a Restaurant
Behind every well-run restaurant are the not-so-glamorous systems that keep labor in check, inventory flowing, and finances on track. Operations management in a restaurant connects these moving parts so the business runs smoothly. Having consistent processes around staffing, purchasing, compliance, and performance tracking creates a strong business foundation that supports growth and long-term profitability. What […]
CommodityOne Weekly Report – March 17, 2026
Poultry Chicken supply remains strong, with production up 3.7% year-to-date, keeping breast meat prices relatively flat. Thigh pricing is climbing, while wings dropping below $1 signals softer demand in certain segments. With chicken continuing to gain share as a primary protein, operators are seeing more consistency in availability but mixed pricing across cuts. Outlook: Expect […]