Are you a food venue manager searching for ways to enhance the efficiency and profitability of your establishment? Want to learn how a burger cafe in Melbourne, Victoria can save over $10,000 per year while maintaining high standards? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the world of meat portions and how meat wholesalers can significantly reduce costs while maintaining the highest quality for your customers.
The Importance of Meat Portion Control
When it comes to running successful venues, whether it be restaurants or facilities, every aspect matters, and portion control is no exception. Consistent meat portions are important in ensuring consistency, reducing wastage, and optimising kitchen operations.
Here’s why meat portions should be on your radar when thinking about reducing costs:
- Reducing wastage and costs
- Streamlining kitchen operations
- Tailored cuts for your venue
- Achieving consistency in every dish
A Quick Case Study on How a Meat Wholesaler Helps You Reduce Costs
Melbourne Meat Merchant works closely with its customers to deliver great meals while reducing costs.
Working with a burger shop , they calculated that it took staff 7 hours a week portioning the mince and pressing it into burgers. That’s a day a week for one person! Time that could be better spent doing other things (or needing fewer staff).
This cafe started ordering prepressed burgers from Melbourne Meat Merchant, saving $175-$200 per week in labour costs.
When you add that up over a year, that’s a cafe saving of over $10,000 per year from working with Melbourn Meat Merchant – and that’s just one product. Getting pre-packed trays in the sizes needed gives even more opportunity for savings.
Reducing Wastage and Costs
One of the significant benefits of using meat portions is the reduction in wastage. When you have meat cut precisely to the required portion size, you minimise the chances of overusing ingredients. This not only saves you money but also contributes to a more sustainable kitchen operation.
Reducing waste is a direct pathway to cost reduction in any business, and the restaurant industry is no exception. Melbourne Meat Merchant’s commitment to using the whole animal significantly minimises waste, which, in turn, reduces costs associated with disposal and inefficient use of resources.
Using the whole carcass is an inherently efficient approach to meat processing. It maximises the value derived from each animal and minimises the resources required to process meat.
One often-overlooked aspect that significantly contributes to reducing waste and costs is the meticulous process of boning beef before packaging. Properly boning beef not only ensures a superior end product but also plays a crucial role in the packaging phase.
By investing time and attention into working with skilled butchers at a meat wholesaler on the precision of meat preparation, restaurants, cafes and facilities can create a streamlined process by having neatly packaged, high-quality cuts. This not only enhances the overall presentation but also extends the shelf life of the meat, reducing waste and ultimately contributing to cost savings.
Streamlining Kitchen Operations
Beyond waste reduction we can also look at cost of production in the kitchen. Can the time spent in kitchen handling, storing, and preparing ingredients be optimised for efficiency?
Operational efficiency is crucial for cost reduction. Here are some strategies, with a focus on meat production, that can help achieve this:
- Meal preparation and planning
- Develop standardised recipes that clearly outline the quantity of ingredients required for each dish.
- Train kitchen staff to follow these recipes precisely, minimising variations and ensuring consistency in portion sizes.
- Reduce kitchen equipment
By partnering with suppliers who can provide ready to use ingredients, you can minimise the need for some kitchen equipment therefore minimising the need for ongoing maintenance costs. For example, meat wholesalers like Melbourne Meat Merchant can work with venues to deliver the precise cut of meat and packaged in the numbers and weights that work best with your kitchen’s requirements. Such customisations may not be available from all meat wholesalers so consider this carefully when selecting your meat suppliers.
- Energy-efficient kitchen equipment
- Having energy-efficient equipment to reduce utility costs. Modern appliances are designed to consume less energy while maintaining high performance.
- Implement a maintenance schedule to keep equipment in optimal condition, preventing breakdowns and additional repair costs.
Tailored Cuts for Your Venue
Whether you require premium steaks, specialty cuts, or unique portions for signature dishes, you can work with meat wholesalers to get your tailored cut.
This approach not only supports sustainability but also enhances the value proposition for your venue. You get the precise cuts you need, without excess or unnecessary costs.
Achieving Consistency in Every Dish
Consistency is key in the culinary world. Your customers expect their favourite dishes to taste the same every time they visit your venue. With consistent pre-portioned meat, you can maintain uniformity in your recipes, creating dishes that keep customers coming back for more.
And you can apply the same repeatable processes every single time. That way your staff know exactly what to do and how much time each step will take. So you can coordinate meals coming out of the kitchen stress-free.
Melbourne Meat Merchant’s History
Before we proceed deeper into the advantages of meat portions and how they can reduce costs, let’s take a moment to get to know Melbourne Meat Merchant.
Melbourne Meat Merchant was born out of the collective experience of three passionate individuals – Darren, Jordan, and Ben. Having worked in their respective retail butcher shops for years, they decided to combine their expertise and create a wholesale butcher with a unique philosophy.
Their paddock to plate and nose to tail approach ensures that every piece of meat they provide is of the highest quality, with a focus on provenance. Melbourne Meat Merchant caters to cafés, pubs, restaurants, grocery stores, aged care homes and hospitals offering a personalised service that goes beyond delivering meat.
Why partner with a supplier like Melbourne Meat Merchant?
Long-Term Relationships
Just as Melbourne Meat Merchant maintains strong, long-term relationships with their farmers, they are committed to building lasting partnerships with their customers. When you work with them, you can rely on their consistent quality week after week, year-round.
No Minimum Order Requirement
Flexibility is crucial in the food industry. Melbourne Meat Merchant understands this and does not impose a minimum order requirement. Whether you need a small batch or a large supply, they’ve got you covered.
Free Samples for Quality Assurance
Quality is non-negotiable, and Melbourne Meat Merchant knows it. They offer free samples so you can experience the excellence of their meat firsthand. This commitment to transparency and quality assurance sets them apart.
Year-Round Delivery, Even in Holidays
Reliability is vital, even during holiday seasons. Melbourne Meat Merchant ensures uninterrupted delivery year-round, so you can keep serving your customers without disruptions.
FAQs
How do I ensure I am working with the right meat supplier?
Ensuring that you are working with the right meat supplier is crucial for proper portioning and reducing cost of your kitchen operations. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right meat supplier –
Reliability and Reputation
Choose a meat supplier with a proven track record of reliability.
Quality and Safety Standards
Verify handling and storage practices to ensure the meat reaches your kitchen in optimal condition. Ask if they prepare the meat themselves.
Product Range and Customisation
Assess the variety of meat products offered by the supplier. Ensure they can provide the specific cuts and types of meat that align with your menu requirements. Why not ask for a sample now?
Consistency in Supply
Reliability in supply is essential to avoid disruptions in your kitchen operations. Enquire about the supplier’s capacity to handle your volume requirements
Transparency in Communication
Look for a supplier that maintains transparent communication. They should be responsive to your enquiries, provide clear information about their products, and be open about any potential challenges or changes in supply.
Distribution Logistics
Evaluate the supplier’s distribution capabilities. A supplier with efficient logistics can help reduce delivery lead times and ensure timely deliveries to your kitchen, reducing how much stock you need to have in the fridges.
Are there any minimum order requirements?
Some suppliers may have a minimum requirement. However, Melbourne Meat Merchant (MMM) gives venues the flexibility they need to there are no minimum order requirements.
Can I request samples before making a commitment?
Yes, MMM offer free samples to ensure you are satisfied with the quality before ordering.
What types of venues do they cater to?
MMM cater to all kinds of food service venues, independent grocers and supermarkets. They pride themselves on delivering customised options for venues and facilities.
Do they provide year-round delivery, even during holidays?
Yes, MMM ensures uninterrupted delivery throughout the year, including holidays.
How can I be sure of the quality of their meat?
Melbourne Meat Merchant’s commitment to quality is backed by their long-standing relationships with farmers. Request a free sample to ensure the quality.
How to Order from Melbourne Meat Merchants?
Ordering is easy. Simply contact their team, discuss your needs, and they’ll guide you through the process of setting up scheduled meat deliveries for your venue.
Conclusion
The importance of proper portioning cannot be overstated when it comes to optimising your venue’s kitchen operations.
By leveraging pre-portioned meat, you can ensure consistency in your dishes, reduce wastage and costs, and streamline your kitchen operations.
So, if you’re looking to reduce costs while consistently maintaining the highest quality, consider Melbourne Meat Merchant as your trusted partner. Contact us today, and take the first step towards a more efficient and profitable kitchen. Your customers will thank you, and your bottom line will too.