Menu Engineering Toolbox

Tools for menu mix analysis, contribution margin, placement, and A/B testing of menu changes.


Tool

Menu contribution margin grid & item prioritizer

A practical, step-by-step tool to calculate contribution margin and popularity, classify menu items into Stars / Plowhorses / Puzzles / Dogs, prioritize actions, and run safe A/B tests to improve menu profitability without harming guest satisfaction.

Members:
Calculator

Menu Mix & Contribution Spreadsheet

A practical, ready-to-use spreadsheet plus clear step-by-step guidance to import sales and recipe-cost data, calculate item-level contribution margins and popularity, visualize the popularity vs. profitability matrix (stars, puzzles, plowhorses, dogs), and decide which items to promote, price-test, rework, or remove.

Members:
Tool

Menu Mix Analysis Workbook (spreadsheet)

A ready-to-use spreadsheet workbook that combines sales, recipe cost, and portion data to calculate contribution margins, popularity, throughput impact, and GAP analysis. Includes A/B test design guidance, mapping and data-quality checks, and a recommended rollout checklist to safely test and implement menu changes.

Members:
Tool

Menu Mix & Engineering Workbook

A practical, step-by-step workbook that helps you record item-level costs and popularity, calculate contribution margins, classify menu items into quadrants, simulate price and placement changes, and run a safe menu launch with A/B testing and monitoring guidance.

Members:
Template

Recipe costing & portion control template

An interactive, standardized recipe template to capture ingredients, yields, costs, portion standards, prep steps, HACCP checks, allergens, photos, and notes needed for consistent plating and reliable cost-per-portion. Designed for saving, reuse, menu analysis, and later integration with supplier pricing and inventory.

Members: