Menu Engineering Matrix Calculator
Analyze your menu items based on profitability and popularity to optimize your menu mix and pricing strategy.
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Menu Engineering Matrix Calculator
Analyze menu items based on profitability and popularity
Add your menu items using the form above, then click Calculate to generate the menu engineering matrix.
The analysis will categorize each menu item as a Star, Puzzle, Plow Horse, or Dog based on its contribution margin and popularity.
Results
Enter values and click Calculate to see results
Understanding Menu Engineering
Menu engineering is a method of analyzing the profitability and popularity of menu items to optimize your menu mix. It helps you make data-driven decisions about pricing, promotion, and menu design.
Menu Categories:
- Stars: High profitability, high popularity - Feature prominently on your menu, maintain quality and consistency
- Puzzles: High profitability, low popularity - Reposition on the menu, improve descriptions, train staff to recommend, consider promotions
- Plow Horses: Low profitability, high popularity - Increase prices, reduce portion sizes, or find ways to reduce costs without affecting quality
- Dogs: Low profitability, low popularity - Consider removing from the menu, replace with new items, or completely redesign
Key Metrics:
- Contribution Margin (CM): Selling Price - Food Cost
- Contribution Margin Percentage: (Contribution Margin / Selling Price) × 100
- Menu Mix Percentage: (Item Quantity Sold / Total Quantity Sold) × 100
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