Insights / Operators

Hospitality Procurement

Hospitality Procurement Fundamentals: Your First Step to Successful Sourcing

Procurement is the backbone that keeps the supply chain running smoothly. From restaurant operators to manufacturers and distributors, sourcing the right products efficiently and cost-effectively is a vital part of success. At Buyers Edge Platform, our experts are here to guide you through the fundamental principles of hospitality procurement that will set you on the path to success.     What is hospitality procurement? Hospitality procurement refers to the process of acquiring goods and services required by businesses in the hospitality industry, including but not limited to hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other related establishments. The primary goal of hospitality procurement is to ensure that these businesses have access to high-quality products and services while optimizing costs and maintaining efficiency. The Foundation of Hospitality Procurement The foundation of hospitality procurement is built upon several key principles and practices that are crucial for the smooth functioning of the hospitality industry. These principles

increase buying power

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:   What is a Group Purchasing Organization or GPO? 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.   What is a Buying Group? A Buying Group, also known as a Purchasing Cooperative or a Cooperative Buying Group, is an organization formed by independent

Group Purchasing Organizations

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

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

Switch and Save Opportunities

3 Reasons Why You Should Utilize Switch and Save Opportunities

One of the benefits of working with the Buyers Edge Platform is that you have access to many switch and save opportunities and a catalog of savings on over 165K items from over 350 manufacturers.  Whether you are a small independent restaurant or a multi-unit chain, restaurants of all sizes are able to easily take advantage of our cost savings opportunities to lower their costs and increase profits. Our “Switch and Save Opportunities” is just one way that our members can maximize their savings within the member portal. What are Switch and Save Opportunities? “Switch and Save Opportunities” is a feature that lives within the Buyers Edge member portal, Launchpad.  When a Buyers Edge member makes a purchase from their food distributor, Buyers Edge collects those purchases and loads them into the customers portal. We’re able to determine the items a customer purchased, the pack size of that item, the

food cost management

Fuel Your Bottom Line with Effective Food Cost Management Technology

In the high-stakes world of foodservice, where every dollar counts, keeping a tight grip on costs while delivering top-notch quality is the recipe for long-term success. Managing food costs effectively isn’t just important—it’s essential for maximizing profitability. And in a fast-paced industry like ours, there’s little room for inefficiency. With 76% of operators reporting higher food costs in 2023, food cost management can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re relying on manual processes. Human error and outdated methods can lead to unnoticed mistakes that eat into your profits, creating operational inefficiencies that impact your bottom line. Fortunately, technology has stepped in to offer a solution. Back Office Technology: Simplifying Food Cost Management At Buyers Edge Platform, we understand that you need more than just a patchwork of solutions—you need a complete system that integrates seamlessly into your operations. Our Back Office technology steps in as your all-in-one solution, removing the uncertainty from

spend management

Maximize Profitability and Streamline Your Spend Management with Technology

Foodservice spend management isn’t just about tracking expenses—it’s about strategically optimizing every dollar spent to fuel profitability without compromising quality. In a highly competitive industry where margins are razor-thin, operators face increasing food costs, labor shortages, and rising overhead expenses. The key to thriving in this environment lies in mastering spend management. With 47% of operators expecting technology to play a larger role in addressing labor challenges this year, implementing a robust spend management system is more crucial than ever. By leveraging advanced technology and data-driven insights, foodservice businesses can unlock opportunities to streamline processes, optimize spending, and gain a clear competitive edge.     The Importance of Spend Management in Foodservice Successful spend management encompasses more than just cost control; it’s about implementing a comprehensive strategy that aligns with business goals. Whether it’s managing vendor contracts, tracking inventory, or analyzing menu profitability, having full visibility into your spending patterns

benefits of joining buyers edge platform

Benefits of a Foodservice Operator Partnering with Buyers Edge Platform

3 Benefits of Joining Buyers Edge Platform Foodservice success hinges on a complex interplay of factors such as sourcing quality ingredients, optimizing costs, enhancing efficiency, and staying ahead of ever-evolving industry trends. One indispensable ally that can help foodservice operators thrive is Buyers Edge Platform. From sourcing ingredients to managing costs, the challenges that foodservice operators experience daily can seem overwhelming. Partnering with Buyers Edge Platform comes with undeniable benefits that can be the catalyst for your success. At Buyers Edge Platform, we’re more than just a group purchasing organization; we are your strategic partner, committed to helping you achieve operational excellence and financial success. In this blog, we’ll explore five key benefits of partnering with Buyers Edge Platform – benefits that can not only transform your bottom line but also provide a solid foundation for growth and innovation.     1) Cost Savings Beyond Compare In an industry where

Technology

Technology Over Tradition: Why Restaurants Should Automate As Much As They Can

In a world of technological marvels such as automated virtual assistants, self-driving vehicles, and drone delivery, why would anyone want to manually run their restaurant the old fashioned way? If you haven’t already, it’s time to adapt to a more digital world and take what once were manual processes and turn them into a more streamlined way of operating. There are many different areas of your restaurant where food service technology can be adopted to make the workload on your staff a lot lighter and easier. From the back-of-house to the front-of-house, technology is the answer to creating a more efficient environment. When candidates see that your restaurant uses different technology solutions throughout the operation, it lets them know you’re prioritizing technology over traditional ways of operating, making things quicker and easier for them. Using technology could make your restaurant stand out from others, be the deciding factor for foodservice