Sauce consistency
Today's marinara tastes right. Tomorrow's batch simmers differently—and nobody documented what changed at the pass.
Fresh pasta production
You made too much tagliatelle again—or not enough for a Saturday with two tops of twelve. Both cost you.
Protein yields
Trim weight on veal and fish never matches the recipe card—and food cost tells a story the chef doesn't believe.
Wine inventory
Bottles sit in the cellar while the BTG list stays static. Dead stock grows; pairing opportunities pass.
Seasonal menu changes
Spring asparagus specials launch before costs are updated—and margin erodes before anyone re-costs the plate.
Recipe consistency
The new line cook portions risotto differently than your sous. Same recipe name, different plate—and different food cost.
Multi-course timing
Antipasti linger while pasta waits. The dining room and kitchen speak different languages—and guests feel it.
Food cost
Imported olive oil and San Marzano tomatoes move weekly. Menu prices don't—and prime cost drifts before the P&L.
Kitchen communication
86s, course fires, and reservation notes live in three places. The expo finds out last.
Labor
Too few on pasta Friday, too many on Monday. Overtime shows up after the damage is done.
Multi-location drift
Location two's bolognese doesn't taste like location one—and you can't see the recipe variance until someone visits.
Central sauce production
Your commissary batches for three stores—but stores still prep their own when they don't trust the numbers.