Scaling a restaurant chain is an exciting opportunity—but without the right strategies, it can also lead to wasted money, inefficiencies, and unnecessary costs. Multi-unit restaurant operators must be strategic with purchasing, labor, and operations to maintain profitability while expanding. 

The good news? With the right cost-saving strategies, you can grow your restaurant brand without letting expenses spiral out of control. 

At Consolidated Concepts, we specialize in helping multi-unit operators optimize purchasing, supply chain management, and operational efficiency to reduce waste and increase profits. Here’s how you can scale your restaurant smartly while keeping costs in check. 

1. Leverage Group Purchasing Power for Better Pricing

As you expand your restaurant chain, your purchasing power grows—but are you using it effectively? The more locations you operate, the greater your ability to negotiate better pricing. However, many restaurant operators leave money on the table by not leveraging their full purchasing volume. 

Instead of sourcing independently, multi-unit operators should: 

• Consolidate suppliers to secure volume-based discounts. 

• Join a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) like Consolidated Concepts for exclusive savings. 

• Negotiate better vendor contracts based on chain-wide buying power. 

Savings Impact: Multi-unit operators can reduce food and supply costs by 10%-35% by leveraging strategic purchasing programs. 

2. Optimize Supply Chain Management to Cut Waste

A growing restaurant chain means more suppliers, more orders, and more opportunities for inefficiencies. Supply chain mismanagement—such as over-ordering, inconsistent inventory, or redundant suppliers—can quickly inflate costs. 

To avoid waste and inefficiency, operators should: 

• Standardize ingredient selection across all locations to avoid excess inventory. 

• Use data-driven demand forecasting to ensure accurate ordering. 

• Streamline vendor relationships to prevent duplication and inconsistencies. 

By tightening supply chain processes, operators can reduce food waste, prevent stockouts, and save thousands annually. 

 3. Automate Price Auditing and Verification

Many multi-unit operators unknowingly overpay due to supplier pricing errors or invoice discrepancies. Without a system in place to verify pricing, you could be losing thousands of dollars per location. 

Instead of manually checking invoices, operators can: 

• Automate price verification tools to ensure contracted pricing is honored. 

• Monitor supplier compliance to catch overcharges and billing mistakes. 

• Prevent margin erosion by tracking cost fluctuations in real-time. 

With automated price verification, restaurant chains can protect profits and prevent unnecessary overcharges. 

4. Control Labor Costs Without Sacrificing Service

Labor is one of the largest expenses in the restaurant industry, and as you expand, labor costs can skyrocket. However, reducing labor costs doesn’t have to mean cutting staff—it’s about working smarter, not harder. 

Multi-unit operators can save on labor by: 

• Cross-training employees so staff can cover multiple roles, reducing the need for excess hires. 

• Using technology to streamline scheduling and eliminate overtime costs. 

• Investing in automation for time-consuming tasks like ordering, reporting, and invoicing. 

The key is balancing labor efficiency with customer experience—ensuring each location runs smoothly without excess labor costs. 

5. Engineer Your Menu for Profitability

Expanding your restaurant means more locations, more menus, and more opportunities for waste. Without proper menu engineering, operators risk higher food costs and lower margins. 

To optimize menu profitability, multi-unit operators should: 

• Standardize recipes to keep ingredient costs consistent 

• Promote high-margin items with strategic menu placement 

• Minimize perishable inventory by incorporating shelf-stable and frozen options 

A well-engineered menu maximizes revenue per guest and prevents costly food waste. 

6. Reduce Indirect Spend on Non-Food Expenses

Beyond food and labor, indirect spend—such as cleaning supplies, linens, uniforms, and packaging—can quietly drain profits if left unmanaged. 

Multi-unit operators can slash indirect costs by: 

• Negotiating better contracts on essential supplies. 

• Consolidating vendors to eliminate redundant spending. 

• Switching to energy-efficient equipment to lower long-term operational expenses. 

Many operators overlook indirect spend, but small savings across multiple locations add up to major cost reductions. 

7. Standardize Operations to Increase Efficiency

Scaling successfully requires operational consistency across locations. Inconsistent procedures lead to waste, inefficiencies, and unnecessary costs. 

To create operational efficiency, multi-unit operators should: 

• Develop clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline processes. 

• Train managers to implement cost-control strategies across all locations. 

• Use centralized reporting tools to monitor expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities. 

By standardizing best practices, restaurant chains can scale with efficiency—without financial waste. 

8. Invest in Technology to Scale Smarter

Restaurant technology is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for cost control and scalability. Multi-unit operators can save money and improve efficiency by investing in: 

• Procurement software for supplier management and cost tracking 

• Back-office integrations for real-time sales and inventory data 

• AI-powered demand forecasting to optimize ordering and labor 

By embracing tech-driven solutions, operators can scale without unnecessary overhead costs. 

Scale Your Restaurant Smart with Consolidated Concepts

Growth doesn’t have to come with wasted money. By implementing smarter purchasing strategies, optimizing labor, reducing waste, and leveraging technology, multi-unit restaurant operators can scale profitably. 

At Consolidated Concepts, we help multi-unit operators reduce costs, negotiate better pricing, and optimize operations. Whether you need group purchasing power, supply chain solutions, or cost-saving strategies, we’ve got you covered. 

In the wake of rising food costs—up by more than 20%—and with 45% of restaurant operators cutting costs in other areas—managing indirect spend and savings effectively is crucial. Consolidated Concepts is here to help multi-unit restaurant operators optimize their indirect spend savings across all locations.

What is Indirect Spend?

Indirect spend encompasses the non-food and non-beverage expenses essential for restaurant operations. Categories include:

• Kitchen Supplies: Utensils, cookware, and appliances
• Tableware and Dining Supplies: Plates, cutlery, and napkins
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Cleaning products, pest control, and waste management
• Restaurant Supplies: Menu printing, packaging materials, and promotional items
• Utilities: Electricity, gas, and water
• Technology and IT Services: POS systems, software, and IT support
• Marketing and Advertising: Campaigns, online promotions, and printed materials
• Insurance and Legal Services: Liability insurance, permits, and legal consultations

How Do I Manage Indirect Spend?

To effectively manage indirect spend across all locations, consider these 9 solutions that can streamline procurement, optimize spending, and enhance operational efficiency

1. Centralized E-Procurement Platforms: Streamline purchasing with a comprehensive platform, featuring automated ordering and electronic approval workflows.
2. Advanced Spend Analysis Tools: Gain actionable insights into spending patterns and supplier performance to identify consolidation opportunities and negotiate better contracts.
3. Efficient Supplier Management Systems: Maintain an organized supplier database, track performance, and manage contracts effectively to consolidate purchasing power and secure better pricing.
4. Optimized Inventory Management: Automate tracking and control of indirect spend items to reduce waste, prevent stock issues, and enhance demand forecasting.
5. Streamlined Digital Invoicing and Expense Management: Automate invoice processing and expense tracking to improve accuracy and provide real-time visibility into spending.
6. Empowering Technology for Managers: Simplify ordering and management with technology that allows managers to place orders, monitor budgets, and track deliveries.
7. Comprehensive Data Analytics and Reporting: Utilize data analytics tools to gain insights into spending trends and performance metrics, driving informed decision-making.
8. Integration with Point-of-Sale Systems: Align procurement with sales data to optimize inventory levels and reduce excess stock or shortages.
9. Continuous Improvement and Feedback: Adapt and refine processes based on feedback to continuously enhance efficiency and cost savings.

Leveraging solutions like these can help you manage and control indirect spend and maximize your indirect spend savings effectively across all your restaurant locations.

To learn more about the differences between direct and indirect spending, check out this article!

 

 

Maximize Indirect Spend Savings Across Locations

Front of House Savings

Consolidated Concepts helps you access exclusive discounts on:

• Uniforms: Cost-effective uniforms that enhance your brand image.
• Signage: Attractive signs that drive customer engagement.
• Television/Sports Packages: Entertainment options that enrich the guest experience.
• Payment Processing: Efficient systems that reduce transaction fees.

Back of House Savings

We offer big savings on:

• Sanitation: Effective cleaning solutions that maintain hygiene and reduce costs.
• Pest Control: Comprehensive programs that prevent infestations and maintain a clean environment.
• Waste Removal: Optimized waste management services that lower disposal costs.
• Utilities: Technologies that monitor and control utility usage for reduced bills.

Employee Benefits Programs

Consolidated Concepts supports retention with unique programs:

• Reward Programs: Tailored rewards to recognize and incentivize employees.
• Health and Wellness Benefits: Programs that support employee well-being and job satisfaction.

With food costs climbing and 18% of operators identifying them as their biggest challenge, optimizing indirect spend through technology is essential. By adopting e-procurement platforms, spend analysis tools, and efficient supplier management systems, multi-unit restaurant brands can achieve substantial savings and enhance operational efficiency.

Ready to maximize your indirect spend savings across all your locations? Partner with Consolidated Concepts and leverage our advanced technology solutions to streamline procurement, enhance operational efficiency, and drive significant cost reductions.

Fill out the form below to get started and discover how we can help you optimize your indirect spend and stay ahead in the competitive restaurant industry. Let’s work together to achieve substantial savings and elevate your operational performance!

 

38% of operators say their restaurant was not profitable in 2023.

Are you effectively balancing exceptional dining experiences with healthy profit margins across your multi-unit restaurant? 

In this industry, where profitability is a constant challenge, mastering spend management is crucial. But how can you ensure that every dollar spent contributes to your bottom line?

Understanding the intricate differences between direct and indirect spend is key.

While the terms “direct” and “indirect” might sound straightforward, their application within the context of foodservice procurement can be multifaceted and nuanced.

What is Direct Spend?

Direct spend refers to the procurement of goods and services that are directly involved in the production and preparation of food and beverages for a restaurant or food establishment.

These are the expenses incurred on items that are essential for the core operations of the business.

Examples of Common Direct Spend Categories

• Food Ingredients: Raw materials like vegetables, meat, seafood, and spices for dish preparation.
• Beverages: Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea fall under direct spend.
• Kitchen Equipment: Expenses for ovens, refrigerators, knives, and utensils.
• Packaging: Costs for containers, takeout boxes, napkins, and disposables.
• Cleaning Supplies: Expenditure on cleaning products for kitchen and dining area maintenance.

Efficient management of direct spend is crucial for controlling costs and impacting the profitability of a restaurant or foodservice establishment.

What is Indirect Spend?

Indirect Spend refers to the procurement of goods and services that are not directly involved in the production and preparation of food and beverages but are essential for the overall functioning and support of the restaurant or food establishment.

These are the expenses incurred on items that are necessary for the smooth running of the business but are not directly related to the core operations.

Examples of Common Indirect Spend Categories

• Facility Maintenance: Covers expenses for building repairs, renovations, and equipment upkeep.
• Cleaning Services: Includes outsourcing for regular and deep cleaning of the restaurant premises.
• Office Supplies: Expenditure on administrative essentials like paper, pens, and printer ink.
• Marketing: Costs for advertising campaigns, social media, and promotional materials.
• Staff Training: Expenses for employee training programs and workshops.
• Utilities: Costs of electricity, water, gas, and internet services.
• Insurance: Payments for property, liability, and worker’s compensation insurance.

Indirect spend, while not directly impacting the food preparation, plays a vital role in the overall efficiency and success of the foodservice business.

Proper management of indirect spend can contribute to cost savings and improve the overall performance of the restaurant.

How do I manage my Direct and Indirect Spend?

At Consolidated Concepts, we understand the challenges of managing direct and indirect spend across multiple locations.

With our innovative technology and centralized approach to procurement, we offer actionable strategies to enhance your spend management practices and drive sustainable growth.

• Leverage Technology and E-Procurement: Implement technology to streamline processes, centralize supplier databases, and automate orders, ensuring efficient spend management.
• Centralized Procurement: Establish a dedicated team to oversee purchasing decisions for all locations, providing better coordination and streamlined processes.
• Standardized Supplier Agreements: Negotiate agreements covering all locations to secure consistent pricing and terms, minimizing spend variations.
• Implement Spend Analysis and Reporting: Utilize analytics tools to track spending, identify patterns, and uncover cost-saving opportunities effectively.
• Supplier Consolidation: Consolidate suppliers to negotiate better terms and achieve economies of scale, reducing administrative overhead.
• Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs): Join GPOs to pool purchasing power and access exclusive deals negotiated on behalf of members.
• Regular Reviews and Audits: Conduct frequent reviews to ensure compliance with policies and identify areas for improvement.
• Implement Budget Controls: Set clear spending budgets and approval processes to maintain financial control.
• Training and Communication: Educate staff on spend management policies and promote adherence to guidelines.
• Share Best Practices: Foster collaboration between managers to share successful strategies and drive continuous improvement.
• Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: Emphasize responsible sourcing practices to meet consumer demand and enhance brand reputation.
• Stay Updated on Market Trends: Access timely insights on market trends and emerging technologies to optimize spend management.

By partnering with Consolidated Concepts and implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage direct and indirect spend, optimize costs, maintain consistent quality, and drive sustainable growth across your restaurant locations.

Fill out the form below and join Consolidated Concepts today to transform your spend management practices for success.