Vasilios Sinagridis • Founder + CEO, Orama Digital Design
Feb 28, 2025 • 4 min read
The Problem: Unpredictable Food Costs
Food prices have always fluctuated, but recent years have seen extreme volatility, particularly with staple ingredients like eggs. Supply chain disruptions, avian flu outbreaks, inflation, and increased demand have all contributed to unpredictable price swings.
For restaurant operators, these fluctuations can significantly impact profit margins and menu planning. They face tough choices: absorb the cost, raise prices, or adjust their menus. Static menus make this process even more challenging, potentially leading to lost profits or frustrated customers.
Eggs Crushing your Profits? Same.
The Need for a Flexible Menu
Traditional printed menus can be costly and time-consuming to update. If an ingredient’s price surges, operators must decide whether to eat the cost or invest in reprinting menus with new prices. This rigid structure makes it difficult to respond quickly to market changes, which can negatively impact a restaurant’s bottom line.
A nimble menu, one that is easily and frequently updated like a Digital TV menu or QR Code Menu, provides a crucial advantage in today’s unpredictable food market. With digital menus, restaurant owners can adjust prices in real time, swap out ingredients based on availability, and test new pricing strategies without the cost of reprinting.
How Digital Menus Solve the Problem
Digital menus offer an efficient and cost-effective solution to food price volatility. Here’s how they help:
Real-time Price Adjustments: Update menu pricing instantly to reflect current food costs.
Ingredient Flexibility: Replace items or modify recipes based on availability and affordability.
Enhanced Customer Experience: Ensure customers always see accurate pricing and menu options, reducing confusion or disappointment.
Data-Driven Decisions: Track which menu items are most profitable and make informed adjustments based on sales trends.
Practical Tips for Implementing a Nimble Menu
Adopting a flexible, digital menu system doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some of the best practices:
Use a Digital Menu Platform: Choose a user-friendly platform that allows for quick edits and updates.
Monitor Food Costs Regularly: Keep track of ingredient prices and adjust your menu accordingly.
Incorporate Seasonal & Market-Based Pricing: Feature seasonal ingredients or dynamic pricing for high-cost items.
Communicate with Customers: Use digital signage or online menus to explain price adjustments when necessary.
Test and Optimize: Experiment with different pricing strategies and track sales data to refine your approach.
Final Thoughts: Adaptability is Key
With food costs continuing to fluctuate, restaurant operators must embrace flexibility to maintain profitability. Digital menus provide a smart, cost-effective way to stay agile in a dynamic industry. By investing in a nimble menu strategy, restaurants can ensure they remain competitive while offering customers the best possible experience.
Are you ready to make your menu more adaptable? Implementing a digital menu could be the key to navigating the ever-changing food industry with confidence.
About The Author
Vasilios "Billy" Sinagridis is the founder and CEO of Orama Digital Design, a Florida-based agency specializing in digital and print solutions for businesses.
He established the company in March 2020, leveraging his background in hospitality to create digital tools like QR menus and online ordering systems, assisting restaurants during the pandemic.
Under his leadership, Orama Digital Design has grown into a seven-figure enterprise, offering a wide range of services to empower small businesses across the globe.
He has shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey on platforms like the Seven Figure Journey, Tampa Bay Creator & The Small Bizz Buzz, discussing strategies for building resilient teams, leveraging market trends, and creating exceptional customer experiences.
Connect with him on LinkedIn, or visit Orama Digital Design to learn more.
