Challenge
FARE needed help deciding which smoothies to keep, whether modifiers added value, and how pricing changes could improve margins.

MRGN Approach
We analyzed smoothie performance across all dining options (Jan 2024 – Jan 2025), including:

• Net sales

• Unit volume

• Profit margins

• Modifier trends

Key Findings

• All three smoothies were strong performers — especially the Green Smoothie:
  $12,939 in sales, 2,021 units, 77.85% margin

• Add-ons like Protein and Collagen increased smoothie revenue by 5.32%

• Takeout and delivery saw the highest adoption of modifiers (~35%)

• Dine-in guests were least likely to use modifiers (10.8%)

MRGN Recommendations

• Keep all three smoothies

• Standardize smoothie prices at $8.99 for consistency and operational ease

• Potential margin increase of $1,048–$1,513/year

• Eliminate underperforming modifiers (Hemp seeds, Flax seeds, Overnight oats)

Impact
→  Clear pricing strategy
→  Increased margin with minimal operational change
→  Data-backed decisions on what to promote or retire

Challenge
The client needed clarity on underperforming bowls and baked items — including the new Cornbread Muffins — and how to optimize pricing and placement for profit.

MRGN Approach
We performed a detailed analysis of:

• Bowl performance across all channels

• Modifier effectiveness and sales behavior

• Catering-specific item viability

• Pricing elasticity of small-ticket items

Key Findings

• Miso Tofu Veggie Bowl accounted for only 0.36% of total bowl revenue — the lowest performer

• Craft Your Own Bowl led sales with $619,349 in revenue

• Cornbread Muffins performed exceptionally well in catering, generating $1,358 (37% of dessert sales)

• Muffins were inexpensive to produce but highly valued by customers

MRGN Recommendations

• Eliminate Miso Tofu Bowl and other low-performing standard bowls

• Focus on high-performing customizable bowls

• Increase Cornbread Muffin price to $1.50 — projected gain of $1,428 in 4 months

• Keep muffins exclusive to catering, where demand is strongest

Impact
→  Streamlined menu with fewer underperforming items
→  Enhanced catering profitability
→  More strategic pricing based on real sales behavior

Overview: A Classic Pub, Smartly Run

Tucked into the heart of its community, Dutch Ale is a trusted local favorite serving up hearty burgers, craft beer, and no-frills hospitality. Like many independent restaurants, they operate with care and consistency—but with rising costs and tighter margins, they wanted a clearer view into what was actually driving their success. Dutch Ale partnered with MRGN to bring clarity to their menu performance, and the results made all the difference.

The Challenge: Knowing What Really Works

Dutch Ale wasn’t trying to reinvent its identity—they just wanted to know where they stood. With hundreds of menu combinations and growing food and labor costs, the team needed answers to key questions:

• What items make the most money, not just sell the most?
• Where should we bundle or promote?
• Are there hidden cost leaks or low performers?

They weren’t looking for fluff—they wanted data they could act on.

The MRGN Approach: Clear Data, No Guesswork

MRGN ran a full menu profitability analysis based on 12 months of real sales data. Pulling from their POS, MRGN tracked volume, revenue, and item-level performance across food and beverage categories. Each recommendation was tied to real numbers, showing the impact of every plate and pour.

Key Findings

• Top Performers: The Dutch Burger, Dutch Onion Soup, and Wings consistently led in both revenue and volume.
• Bundling Opportunities: Items like Fries, Tito’s Vodka, and Maker’s Mark showed strong profitability and pairing potential.
• Trimming the Fat: The Captain Lawrence Pale Ale underperformed across all metrics and was recommended for removal.

The Fix: Small Tweaks, Big Wins

Rather than overhaul the menu, MRGN delivered a shortlist of high-impact adjustments:

• Create a “Dutch Favorites Combo” featuring bestsellers to increase average check size.
• Promote premium spirits and fries as easy add-ons during peak traffic hours.
• Refresh menu layout to highlight top sellers based on real eye-scan patterns.

These simple changes helped Dutch Ale refine their strengths without losing what made them special.

The Impact: Confidence Without Complexity

With the right data in hand, Dutch Ale could make fast, smart decisions about pricing, pairings, and design. Instead of second-guessing their instincts, the team had clarity and confidence—and that meant stronger margins, smoother operations, and more room to breathe.

Why It Matters to You

If you’ve ever wondered which menu items are carrying their weight, or where you’re leaving money on the table, MRGN helps cut through the noise. Their approach isn’t about replacing your team—it’s about empowering them to run leaner, smarter, and more profitably.

Want to See What’s Working on Your Menu?

Dutch Ale found their secret sauce by digging into the data. You can too. Connect with MRGN to uncover your own menu wins—and turn good decisions into great margins.