20 easy ways to save more

This year, Dining Alliance will be celebrating 20 years as one of the nation’s largest group purchasing organizations. Throughout those years, we’ve been using our collective buying power to drastically lower costs while increasing quality and service for our members. As we embark on the next twenty years of service, here are some ways you can start saving in your operations as a Dining Alliance members.

1. Reduce accidents

Slips and falls account for more injury and workers’ compensation costs than any other accident type in the foodservice industry. Research has shown that slip-resistant shoes reduce the rate of slips and falls by over 50%. We recommend Skechers, an industry leader in reducing costly and painful slip and fall accidents.

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2. Know what’s up with your inventory

As all chefs and owners know, improper maintenance and upkeep of the walk-in can severely impact your bottom line. Knowing when you’re low on your goods is not only crucial to keeping your business afloat but essential to your profit margins. Using digital restaurant inventory management software like Orderly can help you stay on top of your food inventory. Plus, you can compare pricing from multiple vendors and find the best pricing options and products for you.

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3. A work wardrobe with style and quality

Whether you’re operating with an open kitchen concept or simply want to ensure quality from Front of House to Back Of House, investing in quality kitchen aprons and uniforms is a must. Beyond member discounts, Chef Works includes proprietary uniform designs including moisture-wicking Cool Vent™ technology.

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4. Get your staff to upsell

Annual food and beverage purchases at full-service restaurants are projected to be at $263 billion for the year. How can you get a bigger piece of those profits? Turn your waitstaff into an extension of your sales team by offering them digitally accessible incentives for selling more through systems like Tipzyy.

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5. Get those credit card payments done without crazy fees

When paying for low-cost to high-cost items, consumers mainly choose to use their credit cards (60% for low-cost and 90% for high-cost). With 0% markup on credit card processing fees, transparent transactions, and no contracts or added fees, FattMerchant is one way to start bringing pennies back into your pocket.

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6. Don’t let anyone rip off your cash delivery!

Saving money while ensuring your cash is safe? It’s possible with Dunbar. They offer trusted armored service for your cash at a reasonable rate to our members.

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7. Maintain your appliances and equipment to keep it longer

When things break at home it’s annoying, but when things break at your operation it can be critical to your sales. HumRun offers you a way to quickly order a reliable handyman to help you fix what’s broken – from your coolers to your lighting. Plus, it’s a mobile app so you can order your maintenance, check up on pre-scheduled appointments, and work from wherever you are.

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8. Buy from top manufacturers with our great pricing

From avocados to spices we work with manufacturers that have what you want. Explore our extensive list of manufacturers like Unilever or Idahoan, and more to see where you can begin saving on products you’re already buying.

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9. Stock your operation with specially priced supplies  

From the office to front of the house, members receive special pricing and discounts with Staples products. Beyond the typical office supplies, there are savings in items like trash-can liners, soap, cleaning products, and more.

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10. Get your patrons dancing the night away with amazing tunes at amazing prices

Set the right mood for your restaurant at a price you’ll be happy about and a beat your diners will love to dance and dine too. MoodMedia offers customized music, lighting, and more for restaurants allowing your operation to excel in the atmosphere as well as cuisine.

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11. Answer every call

If you’re operating a full service or quick service restaurant, take-out and delivery may be part of your bread and butter. Never miss an order or an important call with Ring Central, a forwarding and automated call system that allows you to take every call on your cell.

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12. Earn points with the things you buy

Purchasing certain commodities on a regular basis? FoodService Rewards offers rewards points for buying products from participating manufacturers.  You can redeem those points for electronics, restaurant equipment or anything else you need. As a Dining Alliance member, you’ll automatically review 500 bonus points for signing up and be set up with an automatic point deposit account.

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13. Give back to your staff

Inspiring a positive work culture among staff is not only good for your restaurant, but also saves you time in hiring, management, and more. While you continue to foster that positive work environment, give your staff something a little extra back. You and your employees can save 20% on Verizon service if you’re a Dining Alliance member, among a wide variety of other Verizon services offered.

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14. Know who you’re buying from

While buying from familiar faces is easy, it may not always be the most cost-efficient method of business. At Dining Alliance, we not only show our members products and manufacturers that can save them money, but we take opportunities for them to learn more about the products their buying. Get to know what makes a Mission tortilla better for you or try out McCain and McCormick on your appetizer menus. Making smarter product choices can save you more and put you at ease.

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15. Get rebates on products that you probably already buy

Dining Alliance’s Manufacturer Appreciation Program secures rebates on products you’re already purchasing. These rebates are “found money,” and are delivered to our members in the form of a periodic check. As part of our MAP program, you have insights into 350 manufacturers and product optimization software, and it’s free to become a member.

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16. Don’t be the next Food Safety Recall Scandal – Invest in Safe Product

From eggs to romaine, recent food recalls have caused restaurants like Panera and Chipotle untold dollars in food-loss, market cap, publicity, and more. Order the freshest product with Fresh Concepts. Fresh Concepts offers its clients the most comprehensive produce program in the industry. Their expertly managed team of field reps are with you every step of the way from produce inspection to the time the product hits the table.

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17. Stock your fridge with the latest soft drink innovations

As a Dining Alliance member, you can get Pepsi products at your operation at a discounted national rate with free equipment. With popular brands like Lipton, Ocean Spray, Pepsi and more, you can add the newest beverages to your lines and keep your customers satiated.

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18. Stay on top of what’s best for your operations

Make the smartest purchasing decisions by staying informed with insights and tips provided by our DA101s. These weekly insights into things like the best grade eggs for your operations or premium oils to purchase can help you start saving money towards your bottom line by making small changes in the kitchen.

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19. Keep your dishes clean and your profits intact

Receive national pricing on cleaning and sanitizing items by joining our Chemical Program. Membership includes a free site survey & titration analysis. Plus, there’s no charge for routine maintenance or labor.

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20. Join a group purchasing organization

Not a Dining Alliance member yet? Join us today to start taking advantage of the purchasing power of over 18,000+ restaurants and operations like you. Click here for more details.

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