what is food cost variance

What is Food Cost Variance?Food cost variance is a measure of the difference between the actual cost of food used in a restaurant or catering business and the expected cost of food.

Published on 01/01/2023Sébastien Vassaux
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What is Food Cost Variance?

Food cost variance is a measure of the difference between the actual cost of food used in a restaurant or catering business and the expected cost of food. It is an important metric for restaurant and catering businesses to track in order to ensure that their food costs are in line with their budget.

How to Calculate Food Cost Variance

Food cost variance is calculated by subtracting the expected cost of food from the actual cost of food. The formula for calculating food cost variance is:Food Cost Variance = Actual Cost of Food - Expected Cost of Food

Why is Food Cost Variance Important?

Food cost variance is an important metric for restaurant and catering businesses to track because it helps them to identify areas where they may be overspending on food. By tracking food cost variance, businesses can make adjustments to their budget and operations to ensure that their food costs remain in line with their budget.

Tips for Managing Food Cost Variance

Here are some tips for managing food cost variance:
  • Track food costs regularly - Regularly tracking food costs can help businesses identify areas where they may be overspending on food.
  • Monitor inventory levels - Monitoring inventory levels can help businesses identify areas where they may be overstocking or understocking food.
  • Negotiate with suppliers - Negotiating with suppliers can help businesses get better prices on food.
  • Reduce waste - Reducing food waste can help businesses save money on food costs.

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