Brand Supply Chain Expertise Archives

Increase Buying Power: GPO vs. Buying Group

To reduce costs, gain a competitive edge, and optimize operations, foodservice operators often turn to either a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) or a Buying Group. These entities share a common goal: helping businesses harness their collective buying power to secure cost savings and a range of other benefits when procuring goods and services. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of each choice to help you understand which option aligns better with your procurement needs and objectives: A Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) is an entity that negotiates contracts with suppliers on behalf of its member businesses. These contracts typically cover a wide range of products and services, such as medical supplies, office equipment, or industrial materials. A Buying Group, also known as a Purchasing Cooperative or a Cooperative Buying Group, is an organization formed by independent businesses or retailers with similar interests, typically within the same industry or niche, to pool

Save Big with Beyond Broadline Programs

Where flavors dance and dining experiences are meticulously crafted, your role as a foodservice operator is nothing short of an art form. You’re well aware that this dynamic landscape demands a delicate balance between creativity, quality, and efficiency. Yet, beneath the exquisite dishes and vibrant ambiances, lies an imperative that unites every aspect of your venture: the importance of saving money. What does saving money mean? Saving money refers to the act of setting aside a portion of your income or funds for future use rather than spending it immediately. It involves intentionally reducing expenses, finding cost-effective solutions, and making prudent financial decisions to ensure that resources are preserved for future needs, goals, and unexpected circumstances. The goal of saving money is to create a financial safety net, achieve long-term financial goals, and build a sense of financial security and stability. How can a foodservice operator save money? A foodservice

Myth vs. Reality: The Benefits of Group Purchasing Organizations

Buyers Edge Platform industry experts are unveiling the truth behind some of the common misconceptions swirling around Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) in the foodservice industry. Using resources strategically is important for the success of foodservice businesses. One strategy that is often overlooked is partnering with a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO). Article Summary: What is a GPO? What does a GPO do? #1 Myth: GPOs are exclusive to big players #2 Myth: GPOs limit your supplier options #3 Myth: GPOs prioritize savings over quality #4 Myth: Joining a GPO means surrendering control #5 Myth: GPOs can’t help with other essentials #6 Myth: GPOs cost money #7 Myth: GPOs are a scam Why use a Group Purchasing Organization? Unlock Exclusive Benefits with Buyers Edge Platform But what is a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO)? A Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) is an entity that aggregates the purchasing power of multiple individuals, businesses,

What is Launchpad?

Staying ahead of the curve is essential for foodservice success. One of the most powerful tools at a foodservice operator’s disposal is technology-driven insights that offer a deeper understanding of the health of their operation. By leveraging advanced data analytics, real-time monitoring, and intelligent reporting, businesses can gain valuable visibility into every aspect of their foodservice operations. This proactive approach not only enables them to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and cut costs but also empowers them to deliver an unparalleled dining experience to their customers. In this rapidly evolving landscape, harnessing technology insights is not just an option; it is becoming a necessity to thrive and flourish in the competitive foodservice market. At Buyers Edge Platform, we’ve been leading the forefront of leveraging technology to help restaurants save time and money. We’ve taken historically dirty food service data and disrupted the industry by applying our AI tech tools to clean

Restaurant Realities: 4 Factors Working Against Restaurants

The restaurant industry currently finds itself in a gripping tug-of-war with a host of formidable challenges. From labor shortages and soaring costs, to supply chain disruptions and changing consumer preferences, operators are battling an onslaught of hurdles that demand not just their resilience but also an unwavering display of creativity and adaptability. It’s a high-stakes game, and only those who can skillfully maneuver through this labyrinth of obstacles will emerge victorious. Within the bustling world of restaurants lies a battlefield of challenges, each shaping the daily business model of operators in profound ways. While progress has been made towards recovery, the lingering tremors of the pandemic have left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape. But this isn’t a tale of despair; it’s a story of tenacity and evolution. As the restaurant industry charts its course towards rebuilding and redefinition, operators are undeterred in their pursuit of success. Armed with

From Source1: 5 Hotel Trends to Watch for in 2022

2022 is just a few short weeks away and it’s likely there will be an increase in travel in the coming new year, whether it’s for business or leisure. As challenges continue to grow within the supply chain and labor shortages are at an all-time high, it’s important to take advantage of solutions that will help you run a profitable hotel operation. Let’s take a look at 5 hotel trends you should watch for in 2022: Partnering With Supply Chain Experts One trend to adopt in the coming new year is to partner with Supply Chain Management experts, such as Source1. With the unpredictable state of the supply chain, hotel operators are having trouble procuring the necessary supplies to keep their operation up and running – including food and beverage products By leveraging supply chain management experts, you can reduce costs, optimize your purchasing, and ensure you’re getting high-quality products at

From Consolidated Concepts: How to Run an Efficient Restaurant During a Labor Shortage

To run a restaurant operation during the current labor shortage is one thing. Running an efficient one is another. With the continuation of the pandemic and no relief in sight, especially before the holidays, restaurant operators are seeking alternatives to what was once known to them as their traditional, every-day way of running their operation. There’s no doubt that times are changing, and everyone is doing their part to keep up. These changes are fairly easy to make and will not only help you run a more efficient business, but will also put money back in your pocket. Let’s take a look at three different ways Consolidated Concepts experts say you can run an efficient restaurant during the current labor shortage: Technology Can Streamline Processes Technology has played a massive role in restaurant operators lives, especially since the beginning of the pandemic. From QR code menus and mobile ordering to inventory management, there’s nothing technology can’t do to help streamline your operation. One way we encourage restaurant operators to

From Dining Alliance: Look Out For These Menu Trends in 2022

With the new year right around the corner and restaurant operators preparing for what’s ahead, we thought it would be a great idea to introduce some menu favorites to look out for in 2022. According to the new 2022 Culinary Forecast from the National Restaurant Association, many food items, beverages, flavors, and much more will be hitting menus in the coming New Year. Some trends new, some old. Some that may be surprising, and some not so much! Let’s take a look at a few menu trends you should be prepared for come the New Year: Three Meals of the Day Everyone knows breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s a great way for customers to earn energy bright and early and an easy way for you to put money in your pockets. If you weren’t already serving breakfast at your restaurant operation, now’s your chance! Top 3 trends to

From Dining Alliance: 3 Challenges the Produce Industry is Currently Navigating

In partnership with Produce Alliance Due to the pandemic, many challenges continue to be identified in all areas of the foodservice industry—with produce being one of them. Even before COVID hit, there were already issues that growers and shippers were presented with such as unexpected weather conditions and low wages. Ever since the peak of the Pandemic in March of 2020, the produce industry has taken significant hits that may take months or even years to recover. Even though the industry is still experiencing various negative impacts from the Pandemic, the following continue to get more challenging to navigate. Labor Shortage The Produce Industry is facing issues in its ability to find qualified workers. As the worry for labor shortages in the industry continues to grow, operations in all other areas involved are now affected as well. From restaurants to food retail, filling positions is more complicated than it was pre-COVID when farm

From Dining Alliance: Solutions to Tackle Labor and Supply Chain Shortages

The restaurant industry continues to experience inflation driven by supply/demand, labor challenges, and driver shortages. According to Tyson Foods, restaurants are still short 1.5MM jobs and labor costs are forecasted to rise in 2022. The Labor Shortage is impacting many areas of the industry. Not only does the shortage in workforce affect the front-of-house and the back-of-house, but it even challenges the trucking and transportation companies who move your ingredients from one location to another as they are seeing a critical shortage in drivers. As an operator, you can’t control what happens in the supply chain – but you can control how you prepare for and handle the challenge of minimized staff and shortage of ingredients. Keep consistent customer satisfaction and decrease the time spent on prep with these menu solutions! Speed-Scratch Items Prepping for the busy morning or afternoon rush can be time consuming and require a lot of

Insights / Brand Supply Chain Expertise