How to work out your restaurant food cost percentage
A simple, step-by-step way for restaurant owners to calculate food cost percentage and use it to protect their margins.
Read article →19 October 2026 · Restaurant Accountant
Most restaurant owners only hear from their accountant at the end of the year. A good restaurant accountant should be involved much more than that - helping you understand what is happening in your restaurant while there is still time to do something about it.
Restaurant sales come in from many places: dine-in, takeaway, card terminals, cash and delivery apps. Each one settles differently and takes its own fees. A restaurant accountant matches your POS reports to your bank so that what you think you sold is what you actually banked.
Food cost, beverage cost and wage cost decide whether a restaurant makes money. A restaurant accountant sets up your accounts so those costs are reported separately and compared with your sales every month.
Your restaurant's returns and lodgements need to be accurate and on time. A registered tax agent who works with restaurants knows the common problem areas and keeps you on track.
Opening a second restaurant, buying an existing one, changing your menu prices or signing a new lease - these are the moments where good numbers and an outside view are worth the most.
If your restaurant is busy but you are not sure where the money goes, a specialist restaurant accountant is usually one of the best investments you can make. Talk to us about your restaurant.
General information only. Not personal tax advice. Contact us for advice on your situation.
A simple, step-by-step way for restaurant owners to calculate food cost percentage and use it to protect their margins.
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