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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

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

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

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.

Highlights from the 2024 Buyers Edge Platform Summit

Each year, the Buyers Edge Platform Summit unites industry leaders including operators, suppliers, and key foodservice stakeholders. This multi-day event is more than just a gathering—it’s an immersive experience designed for meaningful connections, collaborative discussions, and an in-depth exploration of the latest Buyers Edge Platform innovations. With a spotlight on cutting-edge solutions and industry advancements, the summit serves as a vital forum for exchanging insights, tackling current challenges, and unveiling transformative strategies. Here’s a look at the standout moments that made this year’s summit truly exceptional. Recognizing Excellence: Honoring Our Award Winners We had an absolute blast at the Summit this year, especially when it came time to give out awards to our amazing partners and clients! It was fantastic to celebrate and thank them for their incredible efforts and innovative approaches that truly set them apart. From embracing new technologies to maximizing the value of our platform, these outstanding

Buyers Edge Platform Solutions to Control Tail-End Spend

While rising food costs grab headlines, don’t overlook the hidden profit drain of tail-end spend in your foodservice business. Have you ever wondered about the silent money drainers lurking in the corners of your operation? Those seemingly inconsequential expenses that, when left unchecked, stealthily nibble away at profit margins. What if we told you that these seemingly trivial expenditures, often dismissed as ‘tail-end spending,’ could hold the key to substantial savings and operational efficiency? Tail end spend can account for up to 20% of a company’s annual expenses, which explains why it’s becoming a major problem. And with three out of four procurement leaders considering tail-end spending a priority inside their business, the urgency to address this issue has never been more apparent. In this blog, we’ll look into the intricacies of tail-end spending, explore its impact on businesses, and unveil strategies to effectively tackle it head-on, ensuring a

PROMPT LIKE A PRO: How ChatGPT Boosts Restaurant Leaders’ Productivity

With the rise of Generative AI, like ChatGPT, restaurant leaders have a powerful tool at their disposal to revolutionize their operations and boost productivity like never before. Understanding ChatGPT Unlike traditional search engines such as Google, ChatGPT offers a more conversational approach to obtaining information and assistance. With its natural language processing capabilities, ChatGPT can understand and respond to full sentences, making it feel like you’re having a conversation with a knowledgeable assistant rather than conducting a search query. Crafting the perfect prompt is key to unlocking ChatGPT’s full potential. By providing context, specifying tasks, and refining prompts, restaurant leaders can harness the power of ChatGPT to streamline their workflows and accomplish tasks more efficiently. How ChatGPT Helps Restaurants Let’s explore how ChatGPT can boost productivity and drive innovation in restaurants. Imagine you are a Chief Operating Officer for an international fried chicken franchise. With the demands of overseeing operations

Produce Powerhouse: Buyers Edge Platform Approach to Fresh Solutions

Efficient produce management plays a crucial role in the success of foodservice operations. It involves the careful procurement, handling, and distribution of fresh produce, which is vital in an industry where quality and timely delivery are key. Fresh ingredients are the heart of culinary establishments, impacting the taste, presentation, and overall satisfaction of customers. Last year, Buyers Edge Platform produce brands came together to form our Fresh Solutions. Buyers Edge Platform Fresh Solutions At Buyers Edge Platform, our Fresh Solutions take a multi-faceted approach to produce management by integrating technology, offering dedicated support services, and placing a strong emphasis on food safety. These solutions aim to address the unique challenges associated with sourcing, handling, and distributing fresh produce efficiently and sustainably. Designed to meet the specific needs of the industry, Fresh Solutions provides a comprehensive program that surpasses traditional business models and empowers operators to achieve heightened levels of efficiency

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