Increasing the Bottom Line with Portion Control

Increasing the Bottom Line with Portion Control

These days, the list of things we can control is shorter than it once was. But there are things we can do to keep a better handle on the bottom line. One of those is portion control. We’re not talking about Thanksgiving. Everyone gets a pass on that! What we are talking about is weighing ingredients instead of using the “eyeball” method to ensure a level of consistency from meal-to-meal or location-to-location if you’re part of a multi-unit chain.

Why is portion control so important?

Quality and Consistency: Many of us are creatures of habit. We frequent the same restaurants and often order the same dish. Regulars will notice if flavor or texture has changed, which might make them reconsider their favorite dish and their favorite restaurant.

Fairness: This concept goes back to childhood for anyone who grew up with siblings. And if you’ve ever experienced “food envy” because your dining companion got a larger filet of salmon or a heftier chop than you did, this one will also resonate with you. Fairness also matters from table to table, since it’s common practice for diners to check out what others’ meals look like, especially prior to ordering.

Calorie count: If you post a calorie count on your menu, having weight or measurement standards that are consistently followed is essential to accuracy.  

Inventory management: Set standards make it a lot easier to forecast consumption and order accurately, reducing the risk of running out or losing inventory due to spoilage.

Cost control: Serving size expectations are likely to vary across staff. Over-generous employees may be serving up super-sized portions that may prematurely deplete inventory and cut into your margins.

Portion Control Options to Scale up the Bottom Line

Edlund offers a wide range of user-friendly, durable, and hygienic scales designed specifically and strictly for foodservice. Here are a couple of our favorite models to help you right-size your portions.

BRAVO! BRV Series Digital Portion Scales are affordably priced and NSF listed, high performance scales. Their exclusive, ClearShield^TM Protective Cover feature keeps these scales looking newer longer by protecting them from damaging grease, dust, and excess juices that can cause corrosion. Buttons are easy to use, the large LCD display is easy to read, and the stainless steel platform removes for easy cleaning. Offered in 10, 20, and 30-pound field re-calibratable models, Bravo scales operate on dual voltage AC power or 4 AA batteries. If you need to weigh larger items, the 10-pound BRV-160 OP model features an oversized 5.65" X 6.9" removable stainless steel platform.

Poseidon™ Submersible Stainless Steel Digital Portion Scales are safely at home in busy commercial kitchens. This rugged, waterproof, and NSF listed line of scales features a dual stainless steel housing that protects internal components from corrosion and accidental shock. Submersible for quick and thorough cleaning and self-calibrating with a quick upside-down flip, this scale is about as easy care as it gets. Available in 5, 10, and 20-pound capacity models with standard or oversized platforms, Poseidon scales operate on dual voltage AC power or 4 AA batteries.

If you need help weighing your portion control options to help manage the bottom line, we’re here to help. Contact us!