Operators Archives

What Is the Real ROI of Tip Management Software and How Does It Save Time, Reduce Risk, and Boost Team Satisfaction?

If your managers are still spending hours a week buried in spreadsheets, double-checking calculations, or troubleshooting tip disputes, it’s time to rethink your approach to tip management. Manual tip processes are not only time-consuming and error-prone, they also carry significant compliance risks and often lead to inconsistent payouts that frustrate staff. In a labor market where retention and efficiency matter more than ever, automating your tip distribution isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a strategic business decision. And while many restaurants view automation as a future goal, the reality is this: the ROI of tip management software is already here, and it’s measurable. Let’s dive into how the right tool such as fully automated tip management software created by our partners at TipHaus, can save time, reduce risk, and build a more motivated team, and why restaurants of all sizes are seeing big returns by making the switch. Say Goodbye to

Hard Truths from the Booth: 11 Challenges Operators Shared at the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show

If you walked the floor of the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show, you likely heard a lot of buzz about innovation, flavor trends, and new tech. But behind the booths and brand activations, the real story came straight from operators—sharing the hard truths of what’s weighing them down in today’s foodservice industry. At Buyers Edge Platform, we had honest conversations with restaurant leaders and operators from every segment—and they weren’t shy about what’s keeping them up at night. These candid discussions gave us a direct line to the everyday obstacles operators are up against. It wasn’t about theory or speculation; it was about the operational stressors they face right now, and the real consequences of not having the right support in place. Here’s what we heard: Difficulty attracting and retaining staff: The labor crisis isn’t over. Operators continue to struggle to hire and keep reliable workers, which puts pressure on

A Foodservice Expert’s Takeaways from the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show

If you’ve ever been to the National Restaurant Association Show (NRA), you know it can be a bit of sensory overload. This year was no exception—and as I walked the floor, one thing became clear: innovation is everywhere, but so is the pressure to make the right choice for your operation. From tech to sustainability to booth theatrics that rival Broadway sets, here are some of the top trends that caught my attention—and what they mean for foodservice operators looking to level up. Booth Bragging Rights: From Sauce Taphouses to Shoe Stores Some booths didn’t just show off products—they created full-blown brand worlds. Kraft Heinz built a multi-window restaurant experience where attendees could walk up and order dishes featuring different sauces, all served from their “sauce taphouse.” It was an immersive (and delicious) way to showcase how their products shine across menu applications. Hormel brought the same energy with a

How Buyers Edge Platform Can Help Operators Navigate Tariffs

With a new wave of tariffs taking effect, foodservice operators across the country are faced with a tough decision: raise menu prices or absorb rising costs. Either option creates operational challenges—but the real question is, how can you get ahead of the impact before it hits your bottom line? At Buyers Edge Platform, we believe that cost volatility doesn’t have to dictate your margins. With the right data, supplier relationships, and procurement tools, you can build a smarter, more resilient strategy—even during tariff uncertainty. What Are the New Tariffs—and Who Do They Affect? On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a sweeping set of tariffs, including: A 10% baseline tariff on all imported goods, effective April 5, 2025 (White House). Increased “reciprocal” tariffs ranging from 11% to 50% on imports from 57 countries identified as having nonreciprocal or discriminatory trading practices, effective April 9, 2025. For instance, imports

On the Menu: Top 5 Growing Ingredients Operators Should Know About

On the Menu: From the back-of-house to the customer’s plate, growing ingredients can tell us a lot about what’s driving operational decisions and consumer preferences. Whether it’s to reduce prep time, meet flavor expectations, or streamline ordering, smart operators keep a pulse on what’s gaining traction. Based on recent data pulled from Buyers Edge Platform, here are the five growing ingredients that saw the most growth within our member operators at the end of 2024—along with tips on how you can make them work harder in your kitchen. 1. Westminster Oyster Crackers 📈 +16% in Concepts | +7% in Locations These classic crackers are making a comeback—likely thanks to seasonal menus featuring soups, chowders, and bisques. They’re cost-effective, easy to portion, and add to that nostalgic crunch guests crave. This item is a perfect example of growing ingredients being driven by seasonal demand and comfort food trends. How to Use

Buyers Edge Platform Launches Foodservice Rewards – The Only GPO Program That Rewards Loyalty

What if your everyday foodservice purchases could earn you more than just savings? Buyers Edge Platform just made that possible with the launch of Foodservice Rewards—a first-of-its-kind loyalty program integrated directly into our Digital Procurement Network (DPN). This division combines traditional group purchasing organization (GPO) benefits—such as price savings and rebates—with advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and now, loyalty rewards. Foodservice Rewards is the first loyalty program of its kind in the GPO industry. It enhances rebate earnings by offering additional value from participating manufacturers on top of what operators already earn. Loyalty points earned through Foodservice Rewards can be redeemed for items that support restaurant operations or used as employee perks—turning everyday purchasing into meaningful rewards. With Foodservice Rewards, operators can now: Earn points automatically on qualifying purchases—no extra steps required, no reduction in rebates. See and claim valuable and exciting rewards in real time within your Launchpad (our member

How Buyers Edge Platform Can Help Your Restaurant Stay Profitable

With 39% of restaurant operators reporting unprofitability in 2024, it’s clear that food costs, supply chain challenges, and operational inefficiencies are taking a toll. To stay ahead, restaurants need strategic solutions that cut costs, streamline purchasing, and optimize spend management. And with 48% of operators expecting competition to be more this year, standing out through operational efficiency and strategic cost management is more important than ever. That’s where Buyers Edge Platform comes in. Through our four key divisions—Digital Procurement Network, Fresh Solutions, Supply Chain Management, and SaaS Software—we empower restaurants to reduce costs, enhance supply chain resilience, and improve margins on the items they already buy. Here’s how our solutions help maintain your restaurant profitability and navigate today’s industry challenges: Instantly Reduce Costs and Earn Cashback with Our Digital Procurement Network Save big on over 175,000+ food and supply items through strategic supplier partnerships. Cashback rebate programs turn everyday purchases into

Scrambling for Egg Solutions? 6 Ways Buyers Edge Platform Can Help

Are skyrocketing egg prices putting pressure on your food costs? The foodservice industry is no stranger to supply chain challenges, but the current egg crisis is sending shockwaves through restaurant operations, retail, and manufacturing alike. With egg prices projected to increase by another 20% in 2025—currently trading over $7 per dozen for conventional white eggs and nearly $9 per dozen for cage-free eggs—operators must take strategic steps to mitigate financial strain. At Buyers Edge Platform, we equip foodservice businesses with the tools, data, and partnerships needed to navigate these market disruptions efficiently. Understanding Egg Prices: Market Insights & Cost Drivers Egg prices continue to soar, largely due to the ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which has significantly reduced the U.S. egg-laying hen population—over 30 million birds have been lost in just 30 days, marking the highest number of cases ever for the virus. The rapid spread of

Simplify Foodservice Operations with Buyers Edge Platform Brands

Every plate served tells a story—but behind the scenes, the true challenge lies in managing the complex web of operations, costs, and suppliers that keep your foodservice business running smoothly. Success today isn’t just about great food; it’s about leveraging the right tools, insights, and partnerships to stay ahead in a competitive industry. That’s where Buyers Edge Platform steps in. With decades of expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a collaborative network of specialized brands, we help operators like you simplify foodservice operations, cut costs, and gain visibility into your business. Expertise Backed by Collaboration What sets Buyers Edge Platform apart is our unique ecosystem of brands, each offering specialized solutions to address the most pressing challenges in the foodservice industry. Our expertise spans the entire foodservice landscape, from procurement and supply chain management to fresh produce and software solutions. The Buyers Edge Platform network of brands includes: Digital Procurement

Buyers Edge Platform Acquires Parsly to Expand Tech for EU Restaurants

Buyers Edge Platform is proud to announce its latest European acquisition—Parsly, a Swedish company that offers AI-driven procurement solutions for restaurants. This marks our fifth acquisition in Europe this year, further strengthening our technology portfolio and expanding our presence across the continent. Parsly’s cutting-edge AI technology automates procurement processes for restaurant operators, helping them save time and optimize profitability. Parsly has seen impressive growth, with over 500 restaurants using their platform, which has analyzed more than 1.3 billion SEK in purchases. By joining the Buyers Edge Platform family, Parsly will gain the resources to accelerate innovation and continue to deliver unparalleled value to restaurants across Europe. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE and learn more about how this acquisition enhances our mission to revolutionize procurement in the foodservice industry through technology and partnerships.

Insights / Operators