In the fast-evolving world of the food service industry, staying ahead of the curve means not only offering delicious and high-quality meals but also ensuring that the packaging reflects the innovation and efficiency of your operation. At YES Group, we're at the forefront of introducing cutting-edge food packaging technology that caters to the dynamic needs of restaurants and catering businesses. This blog post delves into the latest trends in food packaging technology, showcasing how these innovations can transform your service, improve food quality, minimise waste, and elevate the customer dining experience.

Microwave-Safe Containers

The rise in demand for convenience among consumers has led to the innovation of microwave-safe containers. These containers are designed to withstand high temperatures without warping or releasing harmful chemicals, making them perfect for both reheating and cooking. By incorporating microwave-safe packaging, restaurants can offer a more convenient dining experience, allowing customers to enjoy their meals just as intended, whether at home or in the office.

Leak-Proof Packaging

Nothing detracts from the dining experience quite like a spill or leak. The latest advancements in leak-proof packaging ensure that soups, sauces, and beverages arrive at their destination just as they left the kitchen. These innovative solutions use tight seals and reinforced materials to prevent leaks, preserving the integrity of each dish and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Compartmentalised Trays

Compartmentalised trays are changing the game for meal delivery and takeout. By separating different components of a meal, these trays keep flavours distinct and textures intact, replicating the dine-in experience at home. This packaging solution is particularly beneficial for catering businesses that prioritise meal presentation and quality, offering a practical way to serve multi-dish meals without compromise.

Tamper-Evident Seals

In today’s delivery-centric dining culture, food safety and integrity are paramount. Tamper-evident seals provide peace of mind for both businesses and consumers by ensuring that meals are delivered without being opened or tampered with. These seals act as a guarantee of safety and quality, enhancing trust in your brand and protecting your reputation.

Sustainable Innovations

As environmental awareness grows, sustainable packaging solutions are becoming increasingly important. Innovations in this area include biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials that don't sacrifice functionality for eco-friendliness. Restaurants and catering businesses can leverage these sustainable packaging solutions to reduce their environmental impact while meeting the expectations of eco-conscious consumers.

Benefits of Innovative Packaging Solutions

• Improved Food Quality: Advanced packaging technologies maintain the temperature, texture, and flavour of food, ensuring that customers enjoy a high-quality dining experience.
• Minimised Waste: Durable, leak-proof, and appropriately sized packaging options help in reducing waste, both in terms of food spoilage and packaging materials.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Convenience features, such as microwave-safe containers and compartmentalised trays, add value to the customer experience, encouraging repeat business.
• Brand Trust and Loyalty: By using tamper-evident seals and sustainable packaging options, businesses can build trust and loyalty among their customers, who appreciate the commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.

Conclusion

The latest trends in food packaging technology are not just about keeping up with industry standards but about setting new benchmarks for quality, safety, and sustainability. At YES Group, we're dedicated to providing innovative restaurant supplies that meet the needs of today's businesses and consumers. By embracing these advancements, restaurants and catering services can enhance their operational efficiency, minimise their environmental footprint, and ultimately, delight their customers with every meal. Discover the future of food packaging with YES Group and elevate your dining experience to new heights. Let's work together to make your service not just efficient, but unforgettable

In today’s world, the demand for takeaway and delivery services is at an all-time high, bringing the issue of sustainable practices into the spotlight. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the food industry is facing a pressing need to adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions. At YES Group, we're dedicated to helping businesses reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on food quality or customer satisfaction. This blog explores a variety of sustainable packaging options and outlines how your business can make a positive impact on the planet.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Options

Compostable Containers

Compostable packaging, made from materials like bagasse (sugarcane fibre), PLA (polylactic acid), and other plant-based materials, offers an excellent alternative to traditional plastics. These materials break down in composting environments, turning into nutrient-rich soil within a matter of months. They’re perfect for businesses looking to minimise waste and support circular economy initiatives.

Biodegradable Packaging

Biodegradable containers are designed to decompose naturally, returning to the earth without leaving harmful residues. Materials such as paper, cardboard, and certain bioplastics are popular choices. While biodegradable options are a step in the right direction, it's essential to ensure they're disposed of in conditions that allow them to break down effectively.

Recyclable Packaging

Recycling remains a cornerstone of environmental sustainability. By opting for recyclable materials like paper, cardboard, and specific types of plastic, businesses can significantly reduce their impact on landfill waste. Encouraging customers to recycle packaging after use can further enhance your business's eco-friendly credentials.

The Environmental Benefits

Switching to eco-friendly packaging reduces reliance on finite resources and decreases pollution, both in production and disposal. Compostable and biodegradable options offer the added advantage of enriching soil when composted, promoting a healthier ecosystem. Moreover, using recyclable materials can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new products.

Transitioning to Sustainable Packaging

Assess Your Needs

Begin by assessing your current packaging needs and identifying areas where sustainable alternatives can be introduced without compromising food quality. Consider factors like durability, insulation properties, and the types of food you offer.

Engage with Suppliers

Work closely with suppliers like YES Group who specialise in eco-friendly packaging solutions. We can provide insights into the latest sustainable materials and technologies that suit your specific requirements.

Educate Your Customers

Inform your customers about the eco-friendly nature of your packaging and how they can dispose of it responsibly. Education plays a crucial role in ensuring that the environmental benefits of sustainable packaging are fully realised.

Pilot and Gather Feedback

Before fully transitioning, consider piloting the new packaging with a segment of your menu or customer base. Gather feedback to make any necessary adjustments, ensuring that the switch enhances both customer satisfaction and your environmental impact.

Market Your Commitment

Promote your commitment to sustainability through your marketing channels. Highlighting your efforts to reduce environmental impact can strengthen your brand image and attract customers who value eco-conscious businesses.

Conclusion

Adopting eco-friendly packaging solutions for takeaway and delivery services is a powerful way for catering businesses to reduce their environmental footprint. By choosing compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable containers, your business can contribute to a more sustainable future. Transitioning to sustainable packaging requires careful planning and commitment, but the benefits to the planet and your brand are immeasurable. At YES Group, we're here to support your journey towards sustainability with a wide range of eco-friendly packaging solutions. Together, we can make a difference, one takeaway at a time.

At YES Group, we understand the importance of selecting the perfect food containers for your catering business. The right containers not only ensure the safe transport and presentation of your dishes but also reflect your commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. With a variety of materials and designs available, choosing the ideal option can seem daunting. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different types of food containers, highlighting their benefits and considerations, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your catering needs and eco-friendly values.

Types of Food Containers

Plastic Containers

Plastic containers are widely used in the catering industry due to their durability and versatility. However, environmental concerns have led many businesses to seek out alternatives. If plastic is your choice due to its lightweight and sturdy nature, consider recyclable or bioplastic options that offer a lower environmental impact.

Foam Containers

Foam containers offer excellent insulation properties, keeping hot foods warm and cold items chilled. Despite their convenience, foam is not biodegradable and can be harmful to the environment. As the catering industry moves towards more sustainable practices, foam containers are becoming less popular.

Paper Containers

Paper-based containers are a popular eco-friendly alternative. Made from renewable resources, they are often compostable or recyclable. Paper containers are suitable for a variety of foods, though they may not provide the same level of insulation as foam or plastic. For greasy or liquid-heavy foods, look for paper options with a biodegradable lining to prevent leaks.

Compostable Materials

Containers made from compostable materials, such as bagasse (sugarcane fibre), cornstarch, or wheat straw, are gaining traction in the catering industry. These materials break down in a composting environment, reducing waste and the use of non-renewable resources. Compostable containers are ideal for businesses committed to sustainability, offering a practical solution without compromising on quality or functionality.

Factors to Consider

Durability and Insulation

Consider the durability and insulation properties of the container, especially if you cater to events where food needs to be transported over long distances or kept at a specific temperature for extended periods.

Eco-Friendliness

Eco-friendliness is a critical factor for many catering businesses today. Opt for containers made from recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials to minimise your environmental footprint.

Compatibility with Food Types

Different containers are suited to different types of food. For example, liquid or saucy dishes may require containers with tight-fitting lids or waterproof linings, while solid foods might be served in simpler, less robust containers.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the container should match the portion sizes and presentation style of your menu items. Consider stackable containers for efficient transport and storage, and choose designs that enhance the visual appeal of your dishes.

Tips for Choosing the Right Containers

• Assess Your Menu: Analyze your menu to determine the types of containers that best suit each dish.
• Sample Different Options: Obtain samples of different containers to test their performance with your menu items.
• Consider Custom Branding: Custom-branded containers can enhance your business's image and marketing efforts.
• Stay Informed About Sustainability Trends: Keep abreast of the latest developments in sustainable packaging to continuously improve your practices.

Choosing the right food containers for your catering business involves balancing functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. By considering the types of containers available and evaluating them against your business's needs and values, you can make a choice that benefits your customers, your business, and the planet. At YES Group, we're committed to providing catering companies, restaurants, and takeaways with eco-friendly and sustainable food packaging solutions. Explore our range of products to find the perfect containers for your catering needs, and join us in making a positive impact on the environment.

In the current era, where environmental concerns are at the forefront of consumer consciousness, the demand for sustainable practices within the food industry has never been higher. YES Group, a leading provider of catering supplies, takeaway bags, and restaurant supplies, is at the forefront of this shift towards sustainability. This article explores the rise of eco-friendly takeaway solutions and how businesses can adopt these practices to not only benefit the planet but also meet the growing consumer demand for greener options.

Understanding the Need for Sustainable Packaging

The takeaway industry has traditionally been a significant contributor to plastic waste, with countless single-use plastic containers, bags, and utensils ending up in landfills each year. As awareness of the environmental impact of such waste grows, both consumers and businesses are seeking alternatives that align with a more sustainable future.

The Advantages of Eco-Friendly Packaging

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Sustainable packaging, made from biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable materials, significantly reduces pollution and waste. This shift is crucial in the fight against plastic pollution, particularly in our oceans and waterways.
• Enhanced Brand Image: Adopting green practices can positively affect a brand's image. Consumers are increasingly loyal to brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility, making sustainability a competitive advantage.
• Compliance with Regulations: With governments around the world tightening regulations on single-use plastics, transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives is not only environmentally prudent but also a proactive compliance measure.
• Innovation and Market Growth: The push for sustainable solutions is driving innovation in packaging materials and design, offering businesses new opportunities to explore and grow.

YES Group's Eco-Friendly Takeaway Solutions

YES Group is committed to providing a wide range of sustainable packaging options that cater to the diverse needs of the food industry. Here's how we're making a difference:

• Biodegradable and Compostable Materials: Offering products made from plant-based materials like cornstarch, sugarcane (bagasse), and bamboo, which break down naturally without harming the environment.
• Recyclable Options: Supplying packaging solutions that can be easily recycled, thereby reducing the demand for virgin materials and supporting the circular economy.
• Reusable Solutions: Encouraging the use of reusable containers and utensils, which can significantly reduce waste over time. YES Group offers durable options designed for multiple uses.
• Innovative Design: Working to minimise material use without compromising on functionality or aesthetic appeal. Our designs focus on efficiency and versatility, reducing the carbon footprint associated with production and transport.

Implementing Sustainable Practices in Your Business

• Audit Your Current Packaging: Assess the environmental impact of your current takeaway containers and supplies. Look for opportunities to switch to more sustainable alternatives.
• Educate Your Customers: Use your transition to eco-friendly packaging as a marketing point. Educate your customers on the benefits of sustainable packaging and how they can contribute to its success by recycling or composting.
• Evaluate Cost Implications: While eco-friendly options may have different cost implications, consider the long-term savings from reduced waste management costs and the potential for increased business from environmentally conscious consumers.
• Stay Informed on Industry Trends: The field of sustainable packaging is rapidly evolving. Stay updated on new materials, technologies, and practices that can further enhance your business's environmental performance.

YES Group is proud to support the food industry's transition to a more sustainable future with our comprehensive range of eco-friendly takeaway solutions. By choosing sustainable food packaging, businesses not only contribute to the well-being of the planet but also align with the values of their customers, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in the food industry.

Running a successful restaurant requires more than just a great menu and a welcoming atmosphere. The backbone of any food service establishment is its array of supplies and equipment, ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently from the kitchen to the dining room. YES Group, a premier provider of catering supplies, restaurant supplies, and more, highlights the indispensable items every restaurant should have to guarantee seamless service and satisfied customers.

Kitchen Equipment

• Commercial Ranges and Ovens: High-quality, durable ranges and ovens that can withstand the rigours of daily use are crucial for any restaurant kitchen, enabling chefs to cook a variety of dishes to perfection.
• Refrigeration Units: Adequate refrigeration is essential for keeping ingredients fresh and ensuring food safety. Options include reach-in refrigerators, freezers, and specialised units like wine coolers.
• Food Prep Counters and Cutting Surfaces: Stainless steel prep tables and appropriate cutting boards (colour-coded for food safety) are necessary for efficient food preparation.
• Mixers and Food Processors: These save time and labour in the kitchen, especially for restaurants that prepare their ingredients from scratch.
• Cookware and Utensils: A selection of pots, pans, knives, and cooking utensils tailored to the menu will keep your kitchen running without a hitch.
• Dishwashing Equipment: High-efficiency commercial dishwashers ensure a steady supply of clean dishes, which is critical for health and safety as well as customer satisfaction.

Front of House Supplies

• Tableware and Servingware: Durable, stylish plates, glasses, crockery and utensils that match the restaurant’s theme contribute significantly to the dining experience.
• Table Linens and Decor: Quality tablecloths, napkins, and decor items like candles or vases add ambience and reflect the restaurant’s brand.
• Point of Sale (POS) System: An efficient POS system streamlines orders, payments, and kitchen communication, enhancing the overall service speed and accuracy.
• Furniture: Comfortable, well-maintained seating and tables not only affect how long customers stay but also how they perceive their dining experience.
• Signage and Menus: Clear, well-designed menus and signs (including digital displays or boards) inform and entice customers, contributing to their decision-making and overall satisfaction.

Health and Safety Equipment

• First Aid Kit: A fully stocked first aid kit is essential for handling minor injuries promptly.
• Fire Safety Equipment: Proper fire extinguishers, suppression systems, and smoke detectors are critical for preventing and responding to fires.
• Sanitisation Supplies: Especially important in today’s climate, having ample hand sanitisers, disinfectant wipes, and cleaning agents ensures a hygienic environment for both staff and customers.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Items like gloves and masks are essential for maintaining hygiene standards, particularly in food preparation areas.
• Food Safety Tools: Thermometers, food grade containers with lids, and labelling systems help maintain food safety standards and prevent cross-contamination.

Investing in high-quality restaurant supplies from a trusted provider like YES Group not only equips your establishment for day-to-day operations but also sets the foundation for exceptional service that customers will remember. By ensuring that your restaurant is well-stocked with these essentials, you can focus on delivering delicious food and a memorable dining experience, knowing the operational details are taken care of.

Catering an event, whether it's a small gathering or a grand celebration, requires meticulous planning and the right tools. From the initial setup to serving guests and cleaning up afterwards, the success of your catering endeavour hinges on having the appropriate supplies. YES Group, a leader in providing top-tier catering supplies, takeaway containers, and restaurant supplies, offers a comprehensive guide to selecting the right catering supplies that will ensure your event runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Understanding Your Event Needs

Event Scale and Scope: Assess the size and type of event you're catering to determine the quantity and variety of supplies needed. A formal dinner will have different requirements than a casual outdoor gathering.

• Menu Planning: The menu dictates much of the equipment and supply needs. Hot dishes may require chafing dishes for serving, while a variety of beverages might mean a need for different types of glassware.
• Venue Logistics: Consider the venue's facilities. The availability of a kitchen or serving area can impact what supplies you'll need to bring along.

Essential Catering Supplies

• Servingware: Choose serving dishes, platters, and utensils that match the event's style and can accommodate the types of food being served. Consider the material for both aesthetics and practicality, such as ceramic, glass, or disposable options for easier cleanup.
• Tableware: From plates and bowls to cutlery and glassware, ensure you have the right tableware that aligns with the event's formality and your menu needs. For eco-conscious events, explore biodegradable or compostable disposables.
• Beverage Service Supplies: Depending on your beverage menu, you may need coffee urns, teapots, pitchers for water and iced drinks, and possibly a bar setup with appropriate tools for mixed drinks.
• Chafing Dishes and Fuel: For keeping food warm throughout the event, chafing dishes are indispensable. Ensure you have enough fuel canisters to last the event's duration.
• Food Preparation and Storage: Portable cooking equipment, like induction burners or a portable grill, might be necessary for on-site preparation. Insulated carriers are essential for transporting hot or cold dishes safely.
• Linens and Decor: Tablecloths, napkins, and other linens contribute to the overall aesthetic of the event. Select colours and textures that complement the theme or decor.
• Cleaning and Sanitation Supplies: Have ample cleaning supplies on hand for setup, ongoing maintenance, and breakdown. This includes sanitising wipes or sprays, trash bags, and dishwashing supplies for reusable items.
• Transportation and Storage Containers: Durable containers and carts are crucial for transporting supplies and food to and from the venue safely.

Tips for Choosing Catering Supplies

• Invest in Quality: High-quality supplies not only perform better but also convey a sense of professionalism to your clients.
• Versatility: Opt for supplies that can be used for various types of events to maximise your investment.
• Consider Your Brand: Choose supplies that reflect your catering business's style and ethos, especially if sustainability is a key part of your brand identity.
• Plan for Extras: Always have extra tableware and serving pieces on hand to accommodate unexpected guests or replace items that may become damaged or soiled during the event.

Conclusion

Selecting the right catering supplies is a critical step in event planning that can significantly impact the overall experience for your clients and their guests. By considering the specific needs of your event, investing in quality supplies, and choosing items that reflect your brand and values, you can ensure a successful and memorable catering experience. YES Group is here to support your catering business with a wide range of supplies that meet the diverse needs of today's events such as eco-friendly bags and containers, helping you to create exceptional dining experiences every time.

All restaurants and other catering establishments can benefit from having an outdoor dining area, you can create a unique selling point of an alfresco dining area, and increase your restaurant’s capacity to generate further revenue. There are many ways restaurants, hotels, bars and pubs can plan for outdoor dining to delight and impress your customers. Below are some ways how you can create and prepare your outdoor dining areas this year.  

Apply for a pavement licence

Before you start creating a comforting outdoor dining area, you’ll have to apply for a pavement licence if you want to offer outdoor dining in an area that is owned by the council. The pavement licence is a way to get permission from your local council to be able to seat your customers outside your premises. It sounds complicated but don’t worry, due to the pandemic the process has been made more efficient and cheaper. The pavement licence fees differ depending on the area you’re in, but it’s usually a maximum of £100. When you apply for the pavement licence, you are asked to state exactly where you would like to place your restaurant furniture like your restaurant tables and chairs. As expected, you will have to make sure you follow social distancing guidelines and that your outdoor dining area does not block the paths of the public.  If you are like most restaurants and planning to offer alcohol outside, you will need to apply for a separate licence to serve alcohol. Once you receive these licences, you can start start creating your alfresco dining area.  

Create a shelter for your outdoor area

For your outdoor dining area, you can use your gardens, yards, car parks, closed roads and pavements but one thing to bear in mind, is that fast changing great British weather. The uncertainty of the weather means you’ll likely need a shelter for your outdoor dining area such as canopies or awnings - anything to prevent the rain from coming down on your customers and making them leave.  To make your guests even more comfortable particularly in the colder months, you can install infrared heaters to keep them toasty and allow them to enjoy your delicious food and drinks outdoors.  

Make your outdoor restaurant area welcoming

Outdoor areas can be made to be as welcoming and cosy as the indoor area of your restaurant. You don’t want to appear like you’ve just put a few tables and chairs outside, you want to make an effort to create a comfortable setting for your guests.  Decorate your outdoor restaurant tables, chairs and other outdoor restaurant furniture, and why not use benches and cushions to make the outdoor seating comfortable. You can also decorate the outdoor dining space with plants, outdoor lighting and other restaurant decorations. Make sure you don’t forget to have the restaurant dining essentials in your outdoor area such as restaurant napkins and restaurant crockery. However you choose to decorate your outdoor dining area, remember to try to match the area with your brand and your indoor restaurant area. Consistency is usually key with decoration, and that applies to your outdoor area too.  

Market your outdoor dining area

After you’ve created your beautiful outdoor dining area, you need to make sure people know about it so now comes the marketing part. The best way to advertise your restaurant’s outdoor seating area is through social media. Regularly post pictures of your new outdoor area on all of your social media platforms. Don’t forget to also update your Google My Business page so that when users are searching for outdoor restaurants in your area, your restaurant is listed with an outdoor dining area. If you further want to advertise your restaurant, you can do pay per click campaigns on Google and social media, where you advertise your restaurant’s outdoor dining area to potential customers. This will cost but it’s a great way to gain you new customers.  

Start taking online bookings

Due to the pandemic, online booking has become the norm so it’s important to stay with the trend and offer online bookings for your indoor and outdoor restaurant area.  There are many software you can use to be able to do online bookings, and you should also allow guests to book online on your website and through Google. Online bookings can be a good indication of how busy you might be that evening.   YesGroup have offered a few outdoor dining area ideas to help your restaurant plan for outdoor dining, which has become particularly important because of the Covid pandemic. However you decide to create your outdoor dining area, having a plan will save you both time and money. To help create your beautiful outdoor dining area, why not have a browse of some high quality:

• Restaurant crockery
• Restaurant furniture
• Front of house restaurant essentials

Starting and opening a restaurant is an exciting and fun venture, but can be a big challenge and usually requires a large investment of both time and money. Knowing what areas of your restaurant to spend your precious money on can be a daunting task.  There are two main types of restaurant costs: the initial one-time startup costs and the ongoing operating costs. Both of these types of expenses include restaurant labour costs, equipment costs, food costs, rent costs, utility costs and many more different types of costs. It is important to have a restaurant budget and be aware of how much the restaurant startup costs and the restaurant operating costs can be.  Therefore YesGroup have created the Ultimate Restaurant Costs Breakdown guide to simplify the financial costs of starting and running a restaurant.  

Restaurant Startup Costs Breakdown

When opening a restaurant or catering establishment, there will be some initial expenses to expect, but most of these would usually be one-time costs, the things which you only normally have to buy once.  They can include purchases such as kitchen equipment, tables and furniture, security deposits, business licences and initial marketing costs. Below are the restaurant startup costs breakdown.

Restaurant kitchen and cooking equipment costs: £25,000 - £40,000

If you are creating a restaurant from scratch, then for smaller restaurants, you can expect to pay £25,000 - £40,000 to buy restaurant equipment and restaurant kitchenware.  For larger restaurants, then you can expect to pay £60,000 - £100,000 but this depends on the equipment type, whether it is used or new, or if you are buying or leasing the equipment. Used equipment can be significantly cheaper than new equipment, but might not last as long.

Furniture, interior design & decorations costs: £15,000 - £35,000

Before your grand opening, you will need to invest in restaurant furniture, interior design and restaurant decorations so your restaurant can show a consistent brand and delight your guests. This will include restaurant tables, chairs, restaurant crockery and front of house catering supplies. Depending on the size of your restaurant and how much furniture and decorations you require, you can expect to pay between £15,000 - £35,000.

Deposit for property: £2,000 - £5,000 (for renting) or £25,000 - £50,000 (for buying)

If you are renting the property, then it is usually a deposit of 1 month or 2 months worth of rent, which would usually be between £2,000 - £5,000 depending on which property you choose to rent. However, if you are buying the property for your restaurant, then the usual deposit is 10% of the asking price to get a mortgage to purchase the property, but you can give 15% or even 20% deposit if you can afford it. This can be between £25,000 - £50,000. The higher the deposit amount you give, the less money you have to pay back each month for the mortgage.

Initial marketing costs: £2,000 - £5,000

Many restaurants spend some money on marketing before the official restaurant launch and this can include flyers, advertisements like banners and billboards, social media advertising, creating a website and other online advertising.  Depending on how much initial marketing you’d like to do, pre-launch marketing costs are usually between £2,000 - £5,000 but if you want to make a bigger impact for the grand opening, then expect to pay £10,000 - £20,000.

Ordering and payment systems: £1,500 - £2,000

All restaurants require ordering and payment systems, also known as POS (Point of Sale) systems such as Epos Now. They allow you to manage inventory, take and process orders, as well as collecting payments from guests. The POS systems include the hardware like tills, components like the barcode scanner, credit card readers and receipt printers, and the software.  In total, the POS systems will likely be a fixed cost of about £1,500 - £2,000 or you can purchase the POS systems on a monthly deal for about £100 - £150 per month, depending on the quality of the POS systems you choose.

Building renovations and improvements costs (not essential): £40,000 - £100,000

This only really applies to those who will be buying a property for their restaurant. If you are buying a cheaper property to save money, it is likely you will have to pay for some building renovations and improvements before the grand opening of your restaurant.  Depending on how much work you want to get done, the renovation costs for your restaurant can range from £40,000 - £100,000.    

Restaurant Operating Costs Breakdown

After the initial restaurant startup costs comes the ongoing restaurant operating costs that are usually paid every month. They include food and drink costs, labour costs, mortgage or rent costs, utility costs, marketing costs, insurance costs and licencing costs. Below is a breakdown of the restaurant operating costs.

Monthly food and beverage costs: 25% - 35% of food and drink sales

Your food and beverage costs will be a large part of your total costs, and even though you want the highest quality ingredients for your customers, it is always good practice to buy from wholesalers to help minimise your food and drink costs. Food and beverage expenses usually amount to about 25% - 35% of your food and drink sales and price of your food, depending on the type of restaurant you have.

Monthly employee salaries / labour costs: £2,100 per employee

Employees are an important part of any business and for restaurants, labour costs are usually around 30% of the restaurant’s revenue. The average salary of a restaurant worker in the UK is about £25,200 for the year, which comes to about £2,100 per month.  Based on the role of the employee, the salary will vary slightly. Here is a breakdown of the average yearly salaries of restaurant workers in the UK, based on their role:

• General restaurant manager - around £31,000
• Restaurant assistant manager - around £23,000
• Head chef - around £27,000
• Sous chef - around £25,000
• Waiter / waitress - around £23,000

Monthly rent or mortgage payments: £2,000 - £5,000

If you are renting the property of your restaurant, then you will have to pay rent monthly to your landlord. But if you have bought the property with a mortgage, you will have to pay monthly mortgage payments to your mortgage provider (assuming you have a mortgage). Either way, these would likely cost between £2,000 - £5,000 each month depending on many factors such as the size and location of your restaurant.

Monthly utility costs: £1,000 - £1,500

 Every restaurant will have monthly utility costs which includes electricity, gas and heating, water, trash removal, phone and internet. If you are renting, some of these costs may be included in the rent. Utility costs vary depending on many factors such as the size of your restaurant and the area your restaurant is in, but usual utility costs are around £1,000 - £1,500 per month.

Monthly marketing and advertising costs: £500 - £800

Every business requires some sort of ongoing marketing and advertising to gain new customers and even retain customers. Marketing for your restaurant can include advertising on leaflets, billboards, radio and tv, and in more recent times it includes more modern digital marketing such as Google ads, social media marketing, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and website management.  Depending on the extent of your marketing campaigns, ongoing monthly marketing costs can be around £500 - £800.

Yearly insurance costs: £750 - £1,500

Insurance is a cost that many restaurant businesses do not factor in when calculating their ongoing costs. Property insurance, inventory insurance, liability insurance and other types of insurance can mount up, and can cost around £750 - £1,500 for the year, depending on which types of insurances you choose for your business.

Yearly business licence and registration costs: £250 - £500

There are licences and registrations that are required for opening and operating a restaurant. You would need to apply for a food business registration that covers all food operations and food premises approval from your local council if your catering business would be handing meat, fish or dairy products but these licences would not cost anything.  Your restaurant would also likely need a premises licence that covers selling alcohol as well as providing entertainment such as live music, recorded music and sporting events but this usually costs between £100 - £200 for the year.  If your restaurant also has a bar area, you might want to consider buying a TV, and with it you’ll need a TV licence which will cost around £160 per year.  For marketing purposes, you might also want to consider a permission to distribute leaflets licence to distribute leaflets, flyers, other printed material or even to display takeaway menus. Overall, licences usually cost between £250 - £500 per year depending on the number of licences your restaurant requires.   When opening a brand new restaurant and keeping it going, there will be a numerous amount of costs that can be difficult to get your head around initially. From renting costs to furniture costs, from food and drink costs, to marketing costs, understanding where your restaurant expenses lie is critical to managing your restaurant’s expenses and ensuring your business stays within your initial budget. Hopefully this restaurant cost breakdown guide has helped you understand the main restaurant start-up costs, as well as the main restaurant operating cost.

Hi everyone, Sorry for the delays caused by the global pandemic, global shipping has been heavily affected and it has been a nightmare to receive goods into the UK.   We are finally starting to clear up backlog with our shipping couriers and we hope that we will have a consistent flow of new incoming stock to meet all demand in the near future. Certain items may still be limited in stock.   Popular items include: 750cc Round Black 750cc Round Clear 1050cc Round Black 750cc 2 Section Rectangular   1000cc 2 Section Rectangular 995ml 4 Compartment Square   As well as our NEW Clear Marquee Range in 2 sizes: 500cc Clear Marquee Rectangular 1000cc Clear Marquee Rectangular If you see any items that you are interested in but not yet available please send us an enquiry, so we can keep you updated.   All the best, The YES Group team.