A bill of fare is a document that lists the dishes and prices offered by a restaurant, hotel, or other food service provider. It is also known as a menu, a carte, or a carte du jour. A bill of fare can be used to inform customers about the available options, to attract them with appealing descriptions and images, and to persuade them to order more or higher-priced items.

There are different types of bills of fare, depending on the purpose and the format. Some common types are:

• A table d’hôte bill of fare, which offers a fixed number of courses for a set price, usually with limited or no choice.
• An à la carte bill of fare, which allows customers to choose individual dishes and pay according to their selection.
• A buffet bill of fare, which displays a variety of dishes in a self-service manner, usually for a fixed price or by weight.
• A special bill of fare, which features dishes that are not part of the regular menu, such as seasonal, promotional, or themed items.

To create an effective bill of fare, one should consider the following aspects:

• The target market and the customer preferences. The bill of fare should reflect the type of cuisine, the level of quality, and the price range that suit the intended audience.
• The layout and design. The bill of fare should be easy to read, visually appealing, and consistent with the brand identity. The use of colors, fonts, images, and symbols can help to highlight certain items or categories.
• The content and wording. The bill of fare should provide accurate and clear information about the dishes, such as the ingredients, the portion size, the preparation method, and the allergens. The use of descriptive and persuasive language can help to entice customers and increase sales.
• The profitability and cost control. The bill of fare should balance the popularity and profitability of the dishes, as well as the availability and cost of the ingredients. The use of techniques such as menu engineering, psychological pricing, and suggestive selling can help to optimize the revenue and profit margin.

A bill of fare is an essential tool for any food service provider. It can help to communicate the value proposition, to create a positive impression, and to influence customer behavior. A well-designed bill of fare can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as increase sales and profits.

How to create a bill of fare?

Creating a bill of fare can be a challenging task, but it can also be a rewarding one. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Research your market and your competitors. Find out what your customers want and expect, and what your competitors offer and charge. Identify your unique selling proposition and your competitive advantage.
2. Develop your concept and your cuisine. Decide on the type, style, and theme of your food service, and the kind of dishes you want to serve. Choose a name and a logo for your bill of fare that reflect your concept and your cuisine.
3. Select and test your recipes. Choose recipes that are suitable for your concept and your cuisine, that are easy to prepare and serve, and that use fresh and quality ingredients. Test your recipes for taste, appearance, consistency, and cost.
4. Determine your prices and your portions. Calculate the food cost and the contribution margin of each dish, and set your prices accordingly. Consider the perceived value, the demand, and the competition. Determine the portion size and the presentation of each dish.
5. Design and print your bill of fare. Choose a format and a layout that fit your concept and your space. Use colors, fonts, images, and symbols that match your brand identity. Write clear and enticing descriptions for each dish. Proofread and edit your bill of fare for accuracy and clarity.
6. Evaluate and update your bill of fare. Monitor the performance and the feedback of your bill of fare. Analyze the sales data, the customer satisfaction, and the profitability of each dish. Make adjustments and improvements as needed.

A bill of fare is not a static document, but a dynamic one. It should be reviewed and revised regularly to keep up with the changing trends, preferences, and costs. A successful bill of fare is one that meets the needs and wants of both the customers and the business.