The Society for Foodservice Management (SFM) has released its latest Industry Standards & Benchmark Comparisons study. The project, conducted by the Corporate Dining, Inc., research firm, analyzes data gathered from business dining operators across all sizes and types of B&I locations. For the first time, it segments the data by region, building type and population to provide a more useful comparison tool for individual operators. Among the findings, between 2000- 2005:
- breakfast meal occasions have been on the rise, with participation overall growing from 23% to 26.7%, while the check average lept from $1.67 to $2.10
- lunch occasions have been stagnant, with a participation decline, from 46% to 41%, and a very modest check average increase from $3.48 to $3.64
- the average deficit per day (subsidy) has declined substantially, from $747 to $306
- the total operating cost per transaction has increased from $3.89 to $4.71
The study found that among subsidized operations (about three fourths of the total sample), subsidy reductions came from increased operational efficiencies, not higher sales. Among non-subsidized operations, the average profit was $953 a day, with New York City leading the way with an average daily profit of $1,280. (On the flip side: the Big Apple also led with the largest average daily operating loss among subsidized operations: a whopping $1,987).
To purchase copies of the report, contact SFM Executive Director Mary Gratzer at (502) 583-3783.
