Tariffs and inflation aren’t just global headlines, they’re daily challenges for restaurant operators. When ingredient costs jump unexpectedly, the ripple effects can seriously impact your bottom line. Whether you're running a fine dining kitchen or a fast-casual concept, it’s no longer enough to “set it and forget it” when it comes to food prices and supply orders.
This is where powerful tools like food costing software and reliable restaurant inventory apps become more than nice-to-haves - they’re essential. Here's why.
Don't Let Your Orders Run on Autopilot
Most chefs rely on vendor relationships and weekly routines to manage reorders. But with fluctuating tariffs, that standing order for produce, proteins, or imported ingredients might cost significantly more than last week. If your ordering process is on autopilot, you're flying blind.
Instead, smart restaurants are using modern restaurant inventory apps that provide live visibility into on-hand supply and flag unexpected cost spikes before the invoice arrives. When you can see your inventory and compare price changes in real time, you gain the power to pivot - whether that means changing your menu, swapping suppliers, or adjusting portion sizes.
Track Prices Over Time, And Adjust Accordingly
If you’re not tracking ingredient prices consistently, it’s easy to miss creeping costs that eat into margins. A few cents per ounce adds up fast over hundreds of dishes. And when tariffs suddenly drive up costs on imported goods like seafood, cheese, or packaged goods, your profit margin can evaporate overnight.
That’s why food costing software that includes historical pricing and vendor trends is critical. With opsi, for example, you can track your ingredient costs week over week and immediately spot where you’re losing ground. It empowers your kitchen and finance teams to ask the right questions:
- Has a key vendor raised prices multiple times in a month?
- Are there seasonal alternatives that offer better value?
- Should we push a special to move overstocked items before they expire?
Look at Inventory Counts Every Day
Tariffs don’t wait for the end of the month. If you're only reviewing food cost reports after the fact, you're reacting instead of adapting.
That’s why the best operators are now reviewing their COGS, waste, and supply levels daily and adjusting their purchasing, prep, and portioning in near real-time. A powerful restaurant inventory app makes this possible without adding hours to your day.
With opsi, your team can:
- Get automated alerts when costs spike on items
- Review prep guides and order sheets with real-time updates
- Track waste and shrinkage in real time
- Collaborate across teams with clear visibility on ingredient usage
This level of insight allows you to stay ahead of cost increases - whether they're driven by global tariffs, local disruptions, or seasonal availability.
Price Changes Should Be Strategic, Not Reactive
When margins shrink, the instinct is often to raise prices. But price hikes without data can backfire. Will customers still pay $4.50 for a side they used to get for $3.95? Are you at risk of losing volume?
Using food costing software with built-in price elasticity tools helps you model different scenarios before updating your menu. Combined with point-of-sale data and waste tracking, you can see how a small price adjustment might improve profitability - or hurt sales.
Opsi gives you the tools to test changes smartly and make adjustments with confidence. For example:
- Raising prices slightly on premium items while bundling high-margin sides
- Identifying low-performing dishes with high ingredient volatility
- Shifting recipes to ingredients with more stable costs
Stay Nimble with the Right Tools
In an unpredictable economic environment, visibility is power. Whether you're facing tariffs on imported goods, vendor price shifts, or unpredictable supply chains, having real-time insight into your inventory and costs is non-negotiable.
The combination of restaurant inventory apps and food costing software like opsi gives your team the flexibility to respond fast, protect your margins, and make smarter day-to-day decisions. With the right tools, you can stop reacting and start optimizing.
Ready to take control of your kitchen costs?
Try opsi today and see how modern tools can help you manage your inventory, costs, and menus - all in one place.