Prime cost is food and beverage cost plus total labor cost. It is the biggest controllable expense in a restaurant.
Shop the equipment in this article: scales, refrigeration and food processors. Freight is included on every order.
What It Includes
Cost of goods sold for food and drinks, plus wages, payroll taxes and benefits.
The Formula
Prime cost percentage = (cost of goods sold plus total labor) divided by total sales.
Common Target
Many operators aim to keep prime cost around 60 percent of sales or below, depending on concept.
Why It Matters
What is left after prime cost must cover rent, utilities and profit.
Track Weekly
Weekly tracking lets you correct before a bad month closes.
Lower Food Cost
Portion control with scales and good storage in reliable refrigeration.
Lower Labor Cost
Scheduling to demand and labor-saving equipment like food processors.
Don’t Cut Quality
Cuts that hurt the guest experience reduce sales and raise the percentage.
Review with Managers
Share the number with your team and set targets together.
Popular models in these categories
These are the most popular models in the categories this guide links to, with the main points from each product page. Open a category above to see the full range.
Prepline PSPT40 40 lb. Digital Price Computing Scale (model PSPT40)
- Brand: Prepline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Prepline PSPS40 40 lb. Digital Price Computing Scale (model PSPS40)
- Brand: Prepline
- Prepline PSPS40 40 lb.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Coldline SPN-60 60″ Narrow Depth Sandwich Prep Table (model SPN-60)
- Brand: Coldline
- Narrow Depth Table
- Cutting Board and Food Pans
- Pre-installed Casters
- Warranty: 5-Year Compressor / 1-Year Parts & Labor
Westlake WKSR-48B 48″ Sandwich Prep Table Refrigerator (model WKSR-48B)
- Brand: Westlake
- Precision Temperature Control: Maintain food safety with a digital temperature system ranging from 33°F to 40°F .
- Eco-Friendly Performance: Utilizes R290 Hydrocarbon refrigerant , which is environmentally specialized for high efficiency and low GWP (Global Warming Potential).
- Automatic Defrost: Minimize maintenance and downtime with a fully automatic defrost cycle .
- Warranty: 6-Year Compressor / 2-Year Parts & Labor
Prepline MC32 #32 HUB 2 HP Meat Grinder Heavy Duty (model MC32)
- Brand: Prepline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Prepline HBS300 12″ Blade Commercial Manual Meat Slicer (model HBS300)
- Brand: Prepline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.