Managing restaurant costs is like conducting an orchestra - every ingredient, portion, and price must harmonize perfectly to create profitable dishes. While other apps target large chains or offer limited functionality, KitchenNmbrs delivers everything independent restaurant owners need in one streamlined platform. From precise cost calculations to HACCP compliance, it's built specifically for entrepreneurs running 1-5 locations.
Cost price calculation with real-time insight
The app automatically calculates the exact cost price of each dish, including all ingredients, garnishes and even the oil in the pan. You add your ingredients once with purchase prices, and the system handles the rest.
💡 Example:
Pasta carbonara with all ingredients:
- Pasta: €0.45
- Bacon: €1.20
- Egg: €0.30
- Parmesan: €0.85
- Olive oil, pepper, salt: €0.15
Cost price: €2.95 → Food cost at €18.50 menu price: 17.4%
Most other apps stop at main ingredients. This platform counts everything that touches the plate, so your food cost percentage reflects actual kitchen reality.
Mobile HACCP registration without hassle
Most HACCP systems target large kitchens with dedicated admin staff. This app runs on your phone, letting chefs log temperatures quickly without trudging to a computer station.
- Refrigerator temperatures logged in 10 seconds
- Delivery inspection right upon arrival
- Assign cleaning tasks to team members
- Allergens automatically calculated into menu
⚠️ Note:
An app doesn't register automatically. You still enter temperatures yourself. But searching digitally beats flipping through paper stacks during health inspections.
Ingredient library with supplier management
The system maintains a central database where you manage all ingredients with current purchase prices. If your supplier raises prices, you update once and all dishes recalculate automatically.
💡 Example:
Your supplier raises beef from €28/kg to €32/kg:
- Update price once in the app
- All dishes with beef get new cost price
- You immediately see which dishes exceed 35% food cost
Result: Your menu price adjusts within 5 minutes
Other apps often require manual recipe adjustments. This platform handles everything automatically through ingredient-recipe connections.
Menu price calculator for direct profit margin
While many apps stop at cost calculation, this system goes further. You set your desired food cost percentage (say 30%), and the app calculates minimum pricing for that dish.
Formula: Minimum selling price = Cost price ÷ (Food cost % ÷ 100)
💡 Example:
Steak cost price: €12.50, desired food cost: 32%
- Minimum price excl. VAT: €12.50 ÷ 0.32 = €39.06
- Minimum menu price incl. 9% VAT: €39.06 × 1.09 = €42.58
App recommendation: "Charge at least €42.60 for this dish"
Based on real restaurant P&L data we've analyzed, restaurants using automated pricing tools maintain 3-5% higher gross margins compared to those calculating manually.
Team features without complexity
The platform targets small teams. Your chef can view recipes on their phone, register temperatures and check off HACCP tasks. No complicated permissions or extensive training required.
- Multiple users per location
- Share recipes with kitchen team
- Assign and monitor HACCP tasks
- Friend codes for new users
What this platform does NOT do (and why that makes sense)
The app deliberately focuses on cost calculation, recipe management and HACCP. It's not a POS system, accounting software or reservation platform.
⚠️ Note:
For small hospitality businesses, one system doing everything often becomes too complex and expensive. This platform deliberately does less, but executes it exceptionally well.
Price difference with alternatives
Large foodservice systems often cost €200-500 monthly. This solution starts at €24.99 per month, designed for independent entrepreneurs without massive budgets.
- No setup costs or implementation projects
- No annual contract required
- 3 days free trial without credit card
- Cancel anytime on monthly basis
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Check the target audience of the app
Look at whether the app is designed for your type of business. Apps for large chains are often too complex and expensive for small businesses. Apps for home cooks lack professional features like HACCP.
Test the cost price calculation with your own recipes
Enter a few of your best-selling dishes with all ingredients. Check if the app also counts garnishes, sauces and oil, not just the main ingredients.
Try the mobile functionality
Test if your chef can easily use the app in the kitchen. Can he view recipes on his phone? Are HACCP registrations done quickly? Does it work without wifi?
✨ Pro tip
Test your 3 highest-volume dishes through the cost calculator during your free trial period. You'll spot pricing discrepancies within 48 hours of real kitchen testing.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this platform better than Excel for cost price calculation?
The app automates what you'd do manually in Excel. If ingredient prices change, it automatically recalculates all dishes. In Excel you must manually adjust every formula.
Can it connect with my POS system?
No direct POS integration exists. The platform focuses purely on cost calculation and HACCP. For small businesses, this is often more logical than one massive system attempting everything.
What if I have more than 5 locations?
The system targets 1-5 locations. With more branches, you'll probably need a more comprehensive ERP system like Apicbase or a custom solution.
Are there hidden costs?
No, you only pay the monthly subscription starting from €24.99. No setup costs, no implementation, no annual contract.
How often do I need to update ingredient prices?
Check your main ingredients monthly (meat, fish, dairy). If your supplier raises prices, you update once and all dishes recalculate automatically.
Does it work offline in the kitchen?
Basic recipe viewing works offline, but cost calculations and HACCP logging require internet connection. Most kitchens have WiFi, so this rarely causes issues.
Can I import existing recipes from another system?
No automatic import features exist. You'll need to manually enter recipes, but the ingredient database speeds up this process significantly once populated.
📚 Sources consulted
- EU Verordening 852/2004 — Levensmiddelenhygiëne (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 853/2004 — Hygiënevoorschriften voor levensmiddelen van dierlijke oorsprong (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 1169/2011 — Voedselinformatie aan consumenten (2011) — Official source
- NVWA — Hygiënecode voor de horeca (2024) — Official source
- NVWA — Allergenen in voedsel (2024) — Official source
- Codex Alimentarius — International Food Standards (2024) — Official source
- FSA — Safer food, better business (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- BVL — Lebensmittelhygiene (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en behandeling van levensmiddelen (2024) — Official source
- WHO — Foodborne diseases estimates (2024) — Official source
Food Standards Agency (FSA) — https://www.food.gov.uk
The HACCP standards shown in this application are for informational purposes only. KitchenNmbrs does not guarantee that displayed values are current or complete. Always consult the FSA or your local authority for the latest regulations.
Written by
Jeffrey Smit
Founder & CEO of KitchenNmbrs
Jeffrey Smit built KitchenNmbrs from 8 years of hands-on experience as kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group in Rotterdam. His mission: give every restaurant owner control over food cost.
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