What is Seasonality’s Effect on a Restaurant’s Bottom Line

2 Min Read By Wade Winters

 "Ask the Expert" features advice from Wade Winters, Vice President of Supply Chain for Consolidated Concepts Inc. Please send questions for this column to Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine Executive Editor Barbara Castiglia at bcastiglia@modernrestaurantmanagement.com.

 

Q: How should seasonality play a role in regard to the purchase of ingredients for certain menu items? Are products more or less expensive when they’re in season or does it matter?

 

A: Seasonality plays a big part for many food products.  There are literally 'seasonality charts,' and peak seasons for all products and that includes produce, seafood, beef, grains, etc.  For example, below is a seasonality chart for many fruits and vegetables.  There are variances to the availability based on weather, international conflicts, politics, and many other issues.  However, this gives you an idea of when to plan for items for your menu.

The cost of seasonal items is normally an advantage. For example…