Software: MenuManager (FHG International)

excerpt:
“MENUMANAGER© is a user-friendly software program which can assist restaurant managers reduce their food costs, increase product consistency and reduce considerable time of manual bookkeeping.

While the program has several sophisticated aspects which enable the restaurateur to access and manipulate a plethora of information which will be the basis for better decision making, the restaurateur need only use one of the nine reports to immediately experience a time and cost saving.

The program allows you to develop a series of controls and standards over food cost and quality which have not been available before…”

link: MenuManager (FHG International) [free download link is on the bottom of the page]

Article: “Do Restaurants With No Web Sites Have Something To Hide?” (May 2006)

excerpt:
"Think what a Web site could do for a restaurant: It could inform potential customers, like myself, of the restaurant's dress code, wine list, opening hours, ambience, reservation policies and menu (with prices … though we know most chefs think their culinary creations are priceless and talking about money is pedestrian, I’d like to know in advance how much a meal is going to set me back).

I could put my e-mail address on a mailing list via the Web site, and the restaurant could send me an e-mail update periodically: “Chef’s Special Today: Sea Scallops!” “Every Tuesday Night: A Complimentary Glass Of Wine With Every Entrée.” “We Have Added New Low-Carb Menu Items!” A more sophisticated restaurant Web site could even allow diners to book their own reservations and automatically e-mail reminders the morning of the reservation date.

The restaurant could post coupons for slow, early-midweek nights to tempt diners: “Every Monday And Tuesday: 15 Percent Off All Entrées.”

source: "Do Restaurants With No Web Sites Have Something To Hide?" by Tracey E. Schelmetic (May 18,2006)

You want a web site, but you don't have the programming skills or the money for software, web designer, and a hosting service, no problem. The one thing that will cost you money is your domain name (e.g. www.your-name.com) which can cost you as little as $10 a year.

There are many ways to put an acceptable restaurant web site for $10 in less than 24 hours. While web design may impress some customers, many times people are looking for general information about your web site.

For restaurant owners who would like to test the web waters before making a bigger investment, or for those stretching dollars, we will be posting a small guide to get your restaurant online with a fast, cheap (in cost, not look), and effective web site.

Programs: Tech Support Alert’s The 46 Best-ever Freeware Utilities

excerpt:
"There are a lot of great freeware products out there. Many are as good or even better than their commercial alternatives. This list features my personal pick of the "best of the best."

Listed below are 46 different freeware categories with my selection of the best products in each category. The list is ordered by program function rather than merit so you'll get the most out of it by browsing down this page at leisure. The pathologically impatient can consult the index below."

link: Tech Support Alert's The 46 Best-ever Freeware Utilities

For any restaurant owner who doesn't have a large software budget, you can probably find a free alternative program that can do the job just as well.

Freeware (or free programs) usually come with no strings attached, they are free to download and yours to use. This site is helpful in providing multiple freeware alternatives and reviews.

Free Program: PrimoPDF - Create PDFs from any printable file

Here is a free program we use called PrimoPDF:

PrimoPDF

excerpt:
"Convert to PDF from any application by simply 'printing' to the PrimoPDF^® printer - it couldn't be easier! Within minutes, you can create high-quality PDFs by converting from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtually any other printable file type."

It is easy to install and use. PrimoPDF appears in your printer choices when you decide to print a file. Simply choose PrimoPDF, press print, and pick a place to save the document.

The value of using the PDF format is that it is fast and easy way for others to view, save, and/or print a file. An example of using PDF is posting a one-page lunch menu on your restaurant web site for someone to print or save.

PrimoPDF is one of many free PDF creator/converter programs.

note: We are not specifically endorsing a particular program over another. The main purpse of these types of posts is to let restaurants know that they can accomplish or make a task easier using low cost, or even free, programs.