What is the target for food variance in operations?

The target for food variance in operations is set at 0.5%. This precise figure is important because it reflects an optimal balance between managing food costs effectively while ensuring that the quality of food meets customer expectations. A variance target of 0.5% allows for minimal discrepancies in food costs, which helps in maintaining profitability without sacrificing quality or service.

A lower variance target, such as 0%, might be impractical due to inevitable minor fluctuations in operations. At the same time, a target of 1% or 2% could indicate that there are underlying issues in inventory management or food preparation processes that need to be addressed. Therefore, the 0.5% target serves as a realistic benchmark for teams to aim for while still allowing for operational flexibility. Achieving this target requires diligence in tracking ingredients and portion sizes, thus encouraging efficient practices within the restaurant.