Lynx Purchasing launches GP calculator app for smartphones
Buying specialists Lynx Purchasing has launched a new free GP calculator app to support chefs in achieving their target gross profit (GP) and instantly work out menu prices.
The app calculates menu prices for chefs in two ways: By keying in the cost of ingredients and the target percentage GP, chefs can quickly find the correct price to charge on the menu; or it can "reverse engineer" a dish by working out the GP when the chef keys in the menu price and food costs.
John Pinder, managing director of Lynx Purchasing, said: "Achieving the right GP is fundamental to the success of any catering business. Many chefs are now also expected to be kitchen managers and purchasing experts, but a passion for food doesn't always go hand-in-hand with the ability to do rapid calculations in a busy kitchen.
"With high food inflation forecast for the coming year and the cost of many menu staples fluctuating from week to week, it's very easy for the target GP to slip on both core dishes and specials. Once margins come under pressure, a business can find itself in trouble very quickly."
Corin Earland, group chef operations manager for Peach Pubs, said, "We've been trialling the GP app for a couple of weeks. It's easy to use and takes the human error out of calculating GP, which makes it perfect for a busy kitchen.
"I'm in charge of the chefs in 16 pubs, so to know that they have the GP app at their fingertips is hugely reassuring. I can also see it being of value to our front of house teams, as they're not necessarily trained in menu costing but as they move up to management roles it's something they have to understand."
To download the free Lynx GP App: For iPhones: Lynx Purchasing GP Calculator App for Apple iPhone and iPad and for Android: Lynx Purchasing GP Calculator App on Google Play
Hospitality must prepare for more increases in food and drink prices >>
Operators take hit on margins as meat prices soar >>
By Lisa Jenkins
E-mail your comments to Lisa Jenkins here.
Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
