Revenue shows how much money came into the till. But you only see how much your venue actually earned once you know the cost of every dish. That's what recipe cards are for.
What is a recipe card
A recipe card (also called a technical card) lists what goes into a dish or drink: which ingredients and how much of each per serving. For example, a cappuccino is a shot of coffee, milk and a cup; a burger is a bun, patty, cheese, sauce and vegetables.
How a recipe card gives you the cost
Each ingredient has a purchase price from the latest delivery. Multiply the quantity by the price, add it all up, and you get the cost per serving. In Goovii, recipe cards do this automatically and update whenever supplier prices change.
Semi-finished items
Dough, sauces, stocks and other prep are made in advance and used in many dishes. Set them up as semi-finished items with their own recipe cards — then the dish cost includes them too, and your inventory knows how much prep is left.
Modifiers
Plant-based milk, double cheese or a larger portion change both the price and the ingredients. A modifier in Goovii changes both — so your margin stays accurate even for "complicated" orders.
What recipe cards give you beyond cost
- Automatic write-offs — each sale deducts ingredients from stock on its own.
- Finding losses — a stock count shows the gap between what should be left according to recipe cards and what's actually there.
- Consistent portions — cooks and baristas work to a single standard.
- Menu prices based on numbers — you see which dishes bring in margin and which sell at almost a loss.
How to get started
- Enter your ingredients and prices from the latest invoices.
- Create semi-finished items for your prep.
- Write recipe cards for your most popular dishes — start with the 20 % of the menu that brings in most of your revenue.
- Do an initial stock count.
Then ABC analysis will show which items are worth reviewing. Step-by-step guides are in the "Menu" section of the knowledge base.
Frequently asked questions
Does a small coffee shop need recipe cards?
Yes. Even with a twenty-item menu, recipe cards show which coffee or dessert brings in margin and let you track coffee bean and milk stock without manual counting.
How often should I update costs?
In Goovii, costs update automatically when you enter a new delivery at a different price. You just need to check whether the recipes themselves have changed.
What if kitchen portions differ from the recipe card?
A stock count will show the gap between your records and reality. If it's consistent, adjust the recipe card or the portion standard for your cooks.