Cost Control Checklist
About This Resource
Most restaurants leak money through small, untracked inefficiencies. This checklist gives you a systematic approach to controlling your three biggest cost centers. The food cost section covers inventory management, waste tracking, and supplier negotiation. The labor section includes scheduling optimization and productivity benchmarks. The overhead section addresses utilities, maintenance, and vendor contracts. Each section includes red-flag indicators that tell you when something needs immediate attention.
What's Included
Who Is This For?
Restaurant operators who want to improve margins without cutting quality. Especially valuable for restaurants with food costs above 32% or labor costs above 30%.
Quick Start Guide
- 1Print the weekly review template and post it in your office
- 2Complete the food cost tracking section every Monday
- 3Review labor costs every pay period using the benchmarks provided
- 4Run the full overhead audit quarterly
The Resource
Food Cost Controls
0/9 completed
Labor Cost Controls
0/7 completed
Operational Cost Controls
0/6 completed
Key Ratios to Track Weekly
| Metric | Target | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Food Cost % | 28-35% | Cost of Goods Sold ÷ Food Revenue × 100 |
| Labor Cost % | 25-35% | Total Labor Cost ÷ Total Revenue × 100 |
| Prime Cost % | 55-65% | Food Cost + Labor Cost ÷ Total Revenue × 100 |
| Beverage Cost % | 18-24% | Beverage COGS ÷ Beverage Revenue × 100 |
| Waste % | Under 2% | Waste Cost ÷ Food Purchases × 100 |
Pro Tip
Prime cost (food + labor) is the single most important number in your restaurant. If it's above 65%, you're in trouble regardless of how busy you are. Check it weekly, not monthly — monthly is too late to fix a bleeding prime cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your restaurant type. Fine dining: 28-35%, casual dining: 28-32%, fast casual: 25-28%, pizzeria: 20-25%. The checklist includes benchmarks for each category.
Food costs should be tracked weekly, labor costs every pay period, and overhead quarterly. The checklist includes templates for each review cycle.
Yes — the food cost section includes a waste tracking system that helps you identify the biggest sources of waste and implement reduction strategies.
Cost Control Checklist
PDF Checklist · 20 min setup
Download coming soon — document is being finalized.
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