5 Ways Restaurants Can Save Money in 2025

 

As food costs continue to rise and economic pressures weigh heavily on the restaurant industry, many restaurant owners are looking for creative ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of their service or food. While cutting costs is important, it’s also crucial to focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction. Here are 5 ways restaurants can save money this year—and how Savvy Order Systems can be part of the solution.

1. Eliminate Third-Party Delivery Fees with Savvy Order Systems

Third-party delivery services like DoorDash, UberEats, and Grubhub are a convenient way for restaurants to offer delivery, but they come with hefty commission fees—sometimes as much as 30% per order. Over time, these fees can seriously eat into profits.

Savvy Order Systems offers a solution by providing restaurants with their own online ordering platform, cutting out the middleman. By using a customized ordering system, restaurants can process orders directly through their website or app, keeping 100% of the revenue. This can result in up to 30% in savings on delivery commissions, making it an invaluable tool for restaurants looking to maximize profits.

2. Optimize Menu Pricing and Inventory

Menu pricing and inventory management are key components in controlling costs. Restaurants often overlook the importance of regularly reviewing their pricing to ensure it covers rising food costs. Additionally, managing inventory effectively can help prevent over-ordering, food waste, and spoilage.

By using inventory management tools that track usage and sales patterns, restaurants can make smarter decisions about menu pricing and inventory levels. Many POS (point-of-sale) systems offer features to track stock levels and suggest price adjustments based on market trends, which can help restaurants avoid costly overstocking or underpricing.

3. Reduce Labor Costs with Technology

Labor costs are one of the largest expenses for restaurants. While maintaining excellent service is essential, smart scheduling and automating repetitive tasks can reduce labor costs significantly.

By investing in scheduling software, restaurants can better match staffing levels to demand, ensuring they’re not overstaffed during slow hours or understaffed during peak times. Additionally, automating tasks such as order-taking, payment processing, and even kitchen management can help reduce the need for additional staff and improve efficiency in the back of the house.

4. Implement Energy-Efficient Practices

Rising energy costs can be a hidden drain on restaurant profits, but there are several energy-efficient practices that can help lower utility bills. Simple changes like switching to LED lighting, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and improving insulation can drastically reduce electricity and heating costs over time.

Additionally, implementing energy-saving practices such as turning off equipment when not in use and monitoring thermostat settings can make a noticeable impact. Many local utility companies also offer incentives or rebates for businesses that invest in energy-efficient upgrades, so be sure to take advantage of these programs.

5. Leverage Social Media and Digital Marketing

Traditional advertising methods such as print ads, billboards, and TV commercials can be expensive and often yield minimal results. In today’s digital age, social media and online marketing offer cost-effective ways to reach a broad audience.

By engaging customers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Google My Business, restaurants can build their brand and attract new customers without breaking the bank. Regularly posting special offers, menu updates, and behind-the-scenes content can help foster customer loyalty and drive traffic to the restaurant, all while keeping marketing costs low.

In an environment where rising food costs and economic uncertainty are top concerns, restaurants must find ways to optimize operations and reduce expenses. Whether it’s cutting third-party delivery fees, optimizing menu pricing, or leveraging technology for efficiency, there are several effective strategies to improve profitability.

Savvy Order Systems can help restaurants achieve significant savings by eliminating third-party delivery fees, but it's just one of many tools available. By combining this solution with smart labor management, energy-efficient practices, and digital marketing strategies, restaurants can stay competitive and boost their bottom line in 2025.

Ready to see how Savvy Order Systems can help you save up to 30% on commission fees and streamline your ordering process? Click here to schedule a demo and discover how our custom food ordering system can transform your restaurant's bottom line!