The innovative app is available to download for the Apple iPhone and iPad, as well as for Android phones and tablets.
The app calculates menu prices for chefs in two ways. By keying in the cost of ingredients and the target percentage Gross Profit (GP), chefs can quickly find the correct price to charge on the menu. The app can also ‘reverse engineer’ a dish by working out the GP when the chef keys in the menu price and food costs.
John Pinder, managing director of Lynx Purchasing, said: “Achieving the right GP is fundamental to the success of any catering business. Many chefs are now also expected to be kitchen managers and purchasing experts, but a passion for food doesn’t always go hand-in-hand with the ability to do rapid calculations in a busy kitchen.
“With high food inflation forecast for the coming year and the cost of many menu staples fluctuating from week to week, it’s very easy for the target GP to slip on both core dishes and specials. Once margins come under pressure, a business can find itself in trouble very quickly.
“Our laminated GP calculator, which uses a simple grid and can be pinned to the kitchen wall, has been a huge success with everyone from student chefs to experienced kitchen managers. The app is even more flexible, allowing any chef to calculate the GP whether they’re working in the kitchen, ordering from suppliers, or shopping at the cash & carry.”
Corin Earland, group chef operations manager for Lynx customer Peach Pubs, said: “We’ve been trialling the GP app for a couple of weeks. It’s easy to use and takes the human error out of calculating GP, which makes it perfect for a busy kitchen.
“I’m in charge of the chefs in 16 pubs, so to know that they have the GP app at their fingertips is hugely reassuring. I can also see it being of value to our front of house teams, as they’re not necessarily trained in menu costing but as they move up to management roles it’s something they have to understand.”
Lynx Purchasing works with more than 1,200 businesses including hotels, pubs, restaurants, care homes and education providers. Lynx offers caterers access to the best prices in the market, with no fees or contracts. Lynx customers also benefit from detailed market insight, enabling them to plan menus more effectively.
To download the free Lynx GP App, go to:
For iPhones: Lynx Purchasing GP Calculator App for Apple iPhone and iPad
For Android: Lynx Purchasing GP Calculator App on Google Play