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What is Menu Engineering? Key Menu Engineering Strategies 1. Raising Prices Without Alienating Customers 2. Increasing Perceived Value 3. Profitability Analysis How to Calculate Food Cost per Serving How to Calculate Contribution Margin 4. Item Placement & Visual Design 5. Pricing Psychology 6. Portion Control & Ingredient Substitutes 7. Seasonal Limited-Time Offerings 8. Monitoring and Adjusting with POS Data 9. Competitor Analysis In today's volatile economic climate, restaurant owners face relentless pressure to maintain profitability. Rising food costs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions continue challenging the industry, forcing many businesses to rethink their pricing and menu strategies. While some operators may be tempted to raise prices directly, menu engineering is a more strategic approach that can help maintain profitability without driving customers away. This framework uses design, sales data, consumer psychology, and item optimization to create profitable menus that appeal to customers. In this article, we'll explore the critical menu [...]

Increased Labor Costs Higher Ingredient Prices Due to Inflation Supply Chain Disruptions Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) - Why It Matters for Menu Pricing What is COGS? How to Calculate COGS Why COGS Is Important The Effect of Rising COGS on Menu Pricing Why Transparent Communication is Essential for Customer Satisfaction Saving on Food Costs In recent years, restaurant operators have grappled with various challenges, from inflation and labor costs to ongoing supply chain disruptions. As these pressures intensify, the rising cost of food has become a crucial issue, prompting restaurants to reassess their menu pricing strategies. Finding the balance between maintaining profitability and keeping customers satisfied has never been more important. Let’s examine the main drivers of rising food costs, explore how effectively managing the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) can help, and offer strategic insights on adjusting menu pricing to address these ongoing challenges. Factors Contributing to Rising [...]

Main Types of Legumes Beans Green beans Peas Lentils Legumes Seasonality Why Embrace Legumes in Your Kitchen? Legumes Tips & Inspiration for Chefs Legumes Cooking Time Tips for Properly Storing and Preserving Legumes Conclusion Valley View Produce – Delivering Quality Wholesale Legumes in New York Legumes are a staple in many cultures around the world. Versatile, affordable, and nutritious, this diverse family of plants offers chefs a treasure trove of culinary potential. Today, we explore everything you need to know about legumes, from their different types and uses to their nutritional benefits and cooking techniques, to help you get the most out of these nourishing plants.   Legumes vs. Beans vs. Pulses | What You Need to Know    The terms "legume," "bean," and "pulse" are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle distinctions. Here's a brief explanation of each term: Legumes: Includes all plants in the Fabaceae family, including [...]

When is Asparagus in Season Asparagus Types Best Asparagus Alternatives Similar Flavor and Texture Broccoli and Broccolini Green Beans Sugar Snap Peas Hearts of Palm Zucchini Brussels Sprouts Unique Substitutes Fiddlehead Ferns Mushrooms Leeks Celery How to Choose the Best Asparagus Substitutes Conclusion Source the Best Wholesale Asparagus with Valley View Produce With its elegant spears, tender texture, and earthy-sweet flavor, asparagus is a springtime favorite. However, only a few months per year can you enjoy its peak flavor and crunchiness. So, how can you replace asparagus when it is unavailable or out of season? Today, we explore some of the best asparagus substitutes that are similar in texture and flavor or give dishes a unique spin. Discover our 10 favorite asparagus alternatives and how to use them for delicious culinary offerings. When is Asparagus in Season? Asparagus is one of the quintessential spring vegetables that pops up after the [...]

New York Seasonal Produce Guide Spring Seasonal Produce Summer Seasonal Produce Fall Seasonal Produce Winter Seasonal Produce Benefits of Using Peak-Season Ingredients for Your New York Business Restaurants & Caterers Hotels Schools & Universities Retail Stores & Food Trucks Coffee Shops & Juice Bars How Can Companies in New York Find Seasonal Produce Suppliers? The Ultimate Freshness from Farm to Fork with Valley View Produce Experienced chefs know the secret to making exceptional dishes: fresh, peak seasonal produce has the best taste and quality. Seasonal menu planning is a great way to make the most out of what’s growing in a specific time of year and to create delicious dishes infused with the season’s special flavors. Want to know what’s in season? We’ve prepared a handy seasonal produce guide to help you get a clear overview of New York seasonal produce, month by month. Read below to find out when [...]

What are frying oils? How chefs choose frying oils for their kitchen Types of frying oils with a high smoke point What oils to avoid for deep frying? Can you reuse frying oils? Tips on how to reuse frying oils Does cooking oil go bad? How to store frying oil How to dispose of frying oils? Here’s how chefs and restaurant owners can dispose of cooking oil and grease responsibly: Best frying oils in your area In the culinary world, frying is a prevalent cooking method, especially in restaurant kitchens. Opting for the right type of frying oil in a commercial setting holds immense importance due to different oils' varied flavors, textures, and smoking points. This careful selection not only influences the taste and texture of the food but also impacts resource consumption, making it a pivotal choice in culinary operations. Here is how to choose the best frying oil [...]

In the fast-paced world of the restaurant industry, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are vital factors for success. One area where restaurateurs can significantly improve their operations is by leveraging the power of an online store for wholesale restaurant supplies.In the fast-paced world of the restaurant industry, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are vital factors for success. One area where restaurateurs can significantly improve their operations is by leveraging the power of an online store for wholesale restaurant supplies.

5 Ways Wholesale Food Distributors Help Reduce Food Waste They Can Optimize Ordering and Inventory Management They Can Provide Customized Portion Control and Packaging They Can Educate and Collaborate with Chefs They Can Share Innovative Solutions and Product Utilization Techniques They Can Help with Tracking and Analyzing Waste Data What Do Restaurants Do with Food Waste? What Are the Benefits of Reducing Food Waste in Restaurants? Valley View Produce: Ready to Help Reduce Food Waste Food waste is a major problem — and restaurants are some of the worst culprits. Luckily, working with wholesale food distributors can help chefs quickly reduce food waste. Food waste is a major problem in the culinary industry. In the U.S. alone, we waste 119 billion pounds of food each year, which is roughly 40% of all food in the country. Not only does food waste mean families in need can’t always put food on [...]

In the competitive and dynamic food industry landscape, wholesale food suppliers play a vital role for restaurants, providing them with the ingredients and products needed to operate smoothly and efficiently.    These suppliers simplify the complexities of procurement, logistics, and food safety, allowing restaurant owners to focus on what they do best – delivering an exceptional dining experience.    Choosing a wholesale food supplier in your area has many benefits for food businesses. From access to high-quality, fresh produce to significant cost savings, here are ten reasons restaurants should partner with a local supplier.     1. Access to High-Quality & Fresh Produce Maintaining the highest standards of ingredient quality and safety as a chef is non-negotiable. Due to their proximity, local wholesale food suppliers provide faster delivery times – often the very next day. The rapid delivery reduces the time ingredients spend in transit, ensuring they arrive at your kitchen at their peak [...]

The subtle mild onion flavor of leeks lends itself well to numerous applications for chefs, but it’s not one of those vegetables that are ever on the top of anyone’s produce order lists. Leeks are also notoriously dirty, requiring a good scrubbing to remove dirt between their tight leaves, and they are also relatively expensive compared to other alliums with a similar flavor profile. Luckily, they have a flavor profile that can easily be substituted. So, if you are tired of scrubbing and prepping leeks, your wholesale produce supplier is out of stock, or you are looking to save a buck, here is a look at the 10 best alternatives to leeks. Shallots Shallots are by far the best alternative on this list as they have the closest flavor comparison to leeks. Shallots, similar to leeks, have a delicate mild onion flavor with a hint of garlic and could be […]

From order delays, incorrect deliveries and low-quality spoiled products- making sure your restaurant has all the ingredients you need can be a nightmare if your ordering process is not streamlined and your suppliers are not consistent.

Not all salts are created equal, and using the right finishing salt can make all the difference in your dishes. Here is a look at the differences between fine salt, coarse salt, sea salt flakes and how to make sure you are choosing the right one to bring out the best flavors in your dishes.

The holidays are coming, so it’s time to start planning your drinks menu. After all, you’ll soon be catering holiday parties or simply serving guests in search of a festive drink.

More than a decade ago, veganism appeared to be just some passing trend that many people were quick to dismiss.

The mighty avocado has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the last few years, due mainly to its status as a superfood. According to a recent survey, over 70% of American grocery shoppers decide to buy avocados simply because they are a healthy addition to their diets.

Running a bar is no easy business. But having the right tools and ingredients at your disposal surely makes the job feel a thousand times easier.

Over the past few summers, we have seen many food trends emerge and fade, more than ever before. It’s no secret that the pandemic did a number on the food industry, first by massively disrupting supply chains, then by changing people’s needs and expectations when it comes to food.

Looking to add some colorful flair to your restaurant dishes? Look for beets! These vibrant little root vegetables with a unique texture and taste are a real star among summer crops.

Could a produce supply chain issue cause rising prices?  

A massive blockade along the Texas border is expected to cause supply chain issues and lead to higher prices for produce and perishable goods in the coming weeks.

When buying produce for your restaurant, the ultimate goal is to get the best fresh ingredients for your dishes, while cutting down on costs and supporting the local economy. This in turn will bring in more customers that appreciate the farm-to-table experience and quality you offer. The practice of purchasing from local suppliers and farmers near you has game-changing benefits for your restaurant.

Spring is upon us, finally! Every year, we’re inspired by warm weather to make changes in our lives, be they big or small. We’re also keen on welcoming the arrival of the new season by celebrating, whether through an open-air BBQ party with friends or a lazy weekend spent on the porch sipping on some refreshing spring cocktails.

Fruits and vegetables are nature’s gift that keeps on giving. They come with a wide range of health benefits and should be a staple in everyone’s diet. However, we don’t always have the time and energy to consume fruits as they are, so we turn to juices.