Food Cost Control Framework Part 2

The table below recaps the information required for all items with an Impact rating of A (A, B, C scale).  At the bare minimum, you will want to know the correct specifications.  The table can also include multiple purchasing specifications if you use more than one supplier.  Some suppliers sell meat by the box with the weights written on the side.  Other suppliers sell by the piece with the weights on the packages.  It is very important to understand your options and then make an effort to restrict your purchases on these key items.

You won't want the specifications to be loose since these items (by their nature) have a very big impact on your food cost results.

The consistency issue is number one with regard to your key items.  Your customers make the trip to your restaurant specifically to order these popular items.  They expect a consistent portion size and quality level.  You can't expect a highly consistent end product if you buy different quality or specification each time you order.

The portion size information will help you forecast the number of cases or boxes to purchases.  I have seen certain pieces of meat used to cut steaks with a high yield variance.  In one example, the yield was 62% for the high and 54% for the low.  The average yield was 60%.  If you receive an entire box of meat with a low yield, you could require an extra piece of meat.  This is rare but possible.  Definitely mention the poor yield results to your supplier.  You may be entitled to a credit.

We will be exploring the purchasing model in the Part 3 section.

Don't Fear the Internet

So you want to start a blog or build your own website, but don't have a clue as to what you're doing? You could go the route of teaching yourself - like I did - or learn the proper techniques from the pros. Choose the latter way, trust me.

A new video series called Don't Fear the Internet presents simple, easy to follow video lessons on everything from CSS to HTML. In Episode 4 (above), you'll learn how to build a web page from scratch by using a good text editor.

Where was this when I needed it?!

(via Laughing Squid)

NPR Sunday Puzzle: August 28, 2011

Here's the solution to last week's NPR Sunday Puzzle (August 21):

Answer: HARBOR SEAL ( — H, S) → ARBOREAL

NPR Sunday Puzzle for August 28:
Rearrange the twelve letters of the words "AIR CUSHIONED" to name a person in the media, first and last names.

Submit your answer to NPR for a chance to be on next week's broadcast and be sure to visit Jenny's Noodle next Sunday to see the correct answer!

Lisa Frank, the Biopic Trailer

Lisa Frank	UCBcomedy.com
Watch more comedy videos from the twisted minds of the UCB Theatre at UCBcomedy.com

For those of us who decorated our Trapper Keepers with rainbow-colored unicorns and hot pink penguins...you will believe.

In this compelling biopic, artist Lisa Frank makes the school supply world safe for teddy bears with top hats.

(via UCB) 

Hurricane To Do List: The World vs. New York

(via THD)

Time Spent Using Tupperware [Infographic]

(via The Oatmeal)

The Original Spaghetti-Pasta-Noodle Fork

As far as practical inventions go, Bob Balow's Original Spaghetti-Pasta-Noodle Fork is a definite winner. Now I just have to decide whether I want stainless steel or gold-plated...

> Buy the Original Pasta Fork here

(via TDW)

100 Years Since the Mona Lisa Art Heist

One hundred years ago today, the world's most famous painting disappeared from the walls of the Louvre — Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa was stolen from the Paris museum on August 21, 1911. And do you believe it took 28 hours for anyone to realize it was missing?

One of the first suspects questioned in the heist was none other than Pablo Picasso! The artist's friend/poet Guillaume Apollinaire accused Picasso of the theft, but both men were later exonerated.

The thief turned out to be an Italian handyman named Vincenzo Peruggia, who wanted to return the painting to his native country. Two years after the crime, Peruggia showed up in Florence, handed the artwork over to the Uffizi and was surprised to find himself under arrest.

Today, the Mona Lisa is visited by millions every year and has become the subject of many variations.

NPR Sunday Puzzle: August 21, 2011

Here's the solution to last week's NPR Sunday Puzzle (August 14):

Answer: DACHSHUND ( — D x 2) → OXEN

NPR Sunday Puzzle for August 21:
Take the name of an aquatic animal, in two words, six letters in the first word and four letters in the second. Remove the first letter of each word, the remaining eight letters in order, will spell a word that might describe an animal that is not aquatic.

Submit your answer to NPR for a chance to be on next week's broadcast and be sure to visit Jenny's Noodle next Sunday to see the correct answer!

Comic of the Day: The Shortest Art History Lesson Ever

Credit: Grant Snider

> More: Incidental Comics by Grant Snider

(via Neatorama)

What's Inside Your Favorite Candy Bar?

From left: Snickers, Reese's Peanut Butter cups, Baby Ruth. Credit: Scandybars

What does the inside of your favorite candy bar look like?

"Like a blog in a candy store," the Scandybars Tumblr, is on a mission to photograph cross section views of various candies. And the results are delicious!

Note: It's nearly impossible to not click through each page of Scandybars. And it is impossible to not crave chocolate during the process. You've been warned.

The Evolution of Dancing in Movies (1921-2010)

It's Friday. Shall we dance?

> See the full list of 100 Greatest Dance Scenes in Movies

(via Buzzfeed)

PBS Arts Presents 'Off Book: Visual Culture Online'

PBS Arts presents Off Book, an original web series that expands the definition of art. The latest installment examines Visual Culture Online — Strutting Leo, rage comics, quirky cats, etc.

For decades now, people have joined together online to communicate and collaborate around interesting imagery. In recent years, the pace and intensity of this activity has reached a fever pitch. With countless communities engaging in a constant exchange, building on each others' work, and producing a prodigious flow of material, we may be experiencing the early stages of a new type of artistic and cultural collaboration. In this episode of Off Book, we'll speak with a number of Internet experts and artists who'll give us an introductory look into this intriguing new world.

Also includes an informative how-to guide on creating a meme — like this one, y'all.

> More: Watch other episodes of Off Book

MÖBIUS Stop-Motion Sculpture

Produced by ENESS, this collaborative stop-motion sculpture consists of twenty-one large triangles arranged throughout Federation Square in Melbourne.

MÖBIUS is a sculpture that can be configured into many cyclical patterns and behave as though it is eating itself, whilst sinking into the ground. The result is an optical illusion and a time-lapse of people interacting with the sculpture and moving through Melbourne's landmark location throughout the day.

> More: Watch the Making of MÖBIUS

How to Dice an Onion [Video]

Chopping onions = tears. But not if the proper technique is used. Watch this lovely video from Jensen Hande Studios and voila — no more tears!

(via Kottke)

Vote for Jenny's Noodle in CBS Detroit's Most Valuable Blogger Awards 2011

Jenny's Noodle is in the running to be Detroit's MVB! 

After much deliberation and careful consideration of many nominees, CBS Detroit has narrowed the field of Finalists down for this year’s Most Valuable Blogger. Jenny's Noodle made the cut!

You can vote once per day now through September 9.

VOTE FOR JENNY'S NOODLE 

Thank you!!

Butter Cow for President, Spread the Word

Unimpressed by the 2012 Presidential candidates?

A savior has entered the race — Butter Cow!

The Campaign Platform for a "Butter" tomorrow:

1. Butter Cow celebrates 100 years of iconic adulation.

2. Butter Cow is a candidate UDDERLY adored by all.

3. Butter Cow was crafted in the Midwest with GRASS root values.

4. Butter Cow campaigns at the Iowa State Fair.

5. Butter Cow is so endeared, there are 50 cement look-a-likes.

Well, there you have it. Now spread the word.

'Tweet Pie': The Twitter Cookbook

How short is the world's shortest recipe?

In the new book, Tweet Pie: The Word's Shortest Recipe book, each recipe (or twecipe) is ultra-abbreviated into 140 characters — the allotted space for a Twitter posting (tweet).

Crowdsourced entirely from the Twitter community, the book contains 50 different recipes for everything from appetizers to desserts.

International twecipe expert @tinyrecipes Craig Dugas helped to select the final entries.

Sample twecipes include:

• Spag Bol – Fry garl, onion, brwn mince+thyme, gls rd wine, tin toms, msrooms, sson, simr 40 min. Boil pasta 10 mins. Srv w/parmsn
• Pizza toast – cheese, onion, chilli's tom purée oregano, pile on top of toast and place under grill, top with herbs.
• Mug cake – Mix in a mug: 2T flour, 4t sugar, 1/4t baking powder, 2t cocoa, pinch salt, 2T milk, 1/4t vanilla, 3/4t oil. microwave 1 min

A glossary of Twitter abbreviations is in the back of the book to help readers decipher the shortened instructions.

Funded by Belling, the British cooker manufacturer, all proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to FoodCycle.

> Buy the book here

> Follow @JennysNoodle on Twitter 

(via Bites)

NPR Sunday Puzzle: August 14, 2011

Here's the solution to last week's NPR Sunday Puzzle (August 7):

Answer: EAT AT → ATE AT

NPR Sunday Puzzle for August 14:
Name a breed of dog that starts and ends with the same letter of the alphabet. Drop that letter at both ends, and if you have the right dog, the remaining letters phonetically will name some animals. What's the dog and what are the animals?

Submit your answer to NPR for a chance to be on next week's broadcast and be sure to visit Jenny's Noodle next Sunday to see the correct answer!

Behind the Scenes at Kittywood Studios

You're gonna want to paws and watch this. #LOLCATS

(via The Feed)

Theoretical Food Cost In Dispute

Joe,

I own a QSR pizza franchise in Ontario, Canada.  According to the franchisor, my standard food costs should be 39 - 40%.  My food costs based on the franchisors standard recipe is 1 - 3% below this standard consistently.  What is an acceptable margin for error in arriving at this calculation?  As you know, there are many variables which affect the food cost.  One of which is we have a medium one topping pizza which sells for $4.99 which has a food cost of 55%.  This is obviously a good seller and raises the standard.  How can I interpret these results?  On average, we process over 1200 orders per week with a time guarantee or its free. Every pizza is made by hand, no pre-measurements of any toppings with the exception of cheese cups and in my opinion not very accurate when you are in a hurry.  Personally, I feel I am over using and that their standard is far too high.  I feel their calculation is designed to increase their own profitability because all of our inventory is purchased from them.  The profit margin has disappeared.  How can I tackle this issue? I look forward to your response and I thank you in advance.

Mirella

Thanks for your question Mirella!

Let's take a look at the issues:

Franchisors View:
1.  Consistent portion size across the entire company.
2.  Profit motive has a link to franchisee purchasing behavior in your organization.

Franchisees View:
1.  Profit motive is highly correlated with a consistently low food cost.
2.  Portion control is a critical factor in achieving a consistently low food cost.

Taking the franchisor's side briefly, I would be unhappy if my franchisees had agreed to buy dough balls, pizza sauce and cheese from my commissary and they decided to purchase these items from alternative sources.  There would be consistency issues on each of these critical components.  They need to monitor ratios to prevent this activity.

It is evident from your letter you are watching your costs very carefully.  The franchisor's ratios may have built in inefficiency numbers.  If you run your operation more efficiently than the norm, you would beat their ratios.

I favor pre-portioning for cheese and dough balls.  In addition, all pizza bakers should use standard ladles for the pizza sauce.  The reason I favor pre-portioning is due to the peak period factor.  A tremendous percentage of sales volume is achieved during peak periods.  Sloppy portion control during these high volume periods can be very costly.

You have a second motive in pre-portioning the cheese.  The accurate portion control records may be used to support your case against the franchisors actions.

The portion work should be done during down time.

The Pizza Lover's Map of Manhattan

Slice Harvester — the fanatical pizza connoisseurs/my new heroes? — created this Google map pinpointing all of the pizza places in Manhattan. Awesome.



(via Doobybrain)

World's Most Expensive Flip-Flops

What's the highest price you've ever paid for a pair of flip-flops? $20? $30? Chipkos, the eco-friendly sandal company, hopes someone will spend $18,000!

The world's most expensive "unconventionally square" one-of-a-kind collector's pair of flip-flops was hand-painted by contemporary American artist David Palmer. Proceeds from the sale will go toward protecting 100,000 square feet of endangered rain forest land in Costa Rica.

> Buy them here

Happiness Happens, Even on Mondays

Smile! It may be Monday [insert groan/profanity/yawn], but August 8 is Happiness Happens Day!

In 1999, the Secret Society of Happiness — it's real, I did not make that one up — declared August 8 as Admit You're Happy Day (now Happiness Happens Day).

Thanks to an overwhelming response of not-so-secretly-happy people from around the world, in 2000, the celebration was expanded to include the entire month of August.

There are three purposes of Happiness Happens Day/Month:

1. Recognize and express happiness;
2. Listen to others talk about their happiness;
3. Don't rain on other people's parades.

So if you're happy and you know it... you know what to do.

'The Bather' in the World's Largest Tub?

Measuring 13 feet high by 98 feet wide, "Die Badende" ("The Bather") is soaking in what may be the world's largest bathtub. The giant sculpture was installed this week in Hamburg, Germany's Alster Lake.

"Die Badende will become a landmark of the city for the short time she's with us," explained the sculpture's creator Oliver Voss. "Hamburg and the water belong together. People live by, and off, the water. My team and I wanted to demonstrate this relationship in a fun and entertaining way. We also hope she will encourage more people to rediscover and experience our city by the water – after all, if the Inner Alster is the living room of Hamburg, of course someone should make themselves comfortable in it!"

Truthfully, this "lady of the lake" immediately reminded me of not exactly a "lady," but this person. Am I right, or am I right?!

(via PR Newswire)

NPR Sunday Puzzle: August 7, 2011

Here's the solution to last week's NPR Sunday Puzzle (July 31):

Answer: JOHN DEERE and DEAR JOHN

NPR Sunday Puzzle for August 7:
Take a common two-word phrase that's the present tense of a verb. Move the last two letters to the front without making any other change, and you'll get a new two-word phrase that is the verb's past tense. What phrases are these?

Submit your answer to NPR for a chance to be on next week's broadcast and be sure to visit Jenny's Noodle next Sunday to see the correct answer!

Jimmy Fallon Explains the Debt Ceiling, Slow Jams Style

What is the debt ceiling and how will it affect me? Who cares! Honestly, I'm beyond tired of hearing about it. Or at least I thought I was, until I saw this bit from Late Night.

(via BWE)

MTV Turns 30 [Video Retrospective]

Remember when MTV used to play music videos? Remember when The Real World was a watchable program? Remember when Jersey Shore actually took place at the Jersey Shore? Ah, those were the days.

Happy 30th Birthday MTV!

(via CBS)

Chemistry Cat Meme

If you enjoy Business Cat, you'll certainly like Chemistry Cat.

> Many more examples at Know Your Meme