Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of African, Amerindian, European, East Indian, Arab, and Chinese cuisine. These traditions were brought from many different countries when they came to the Caribbean. In addition, the population has created styles that are unique to the region. Understanding the profitability of various dishes in this cuisine can help restaurant owners make informed decisions about their menu offerings. The profitability of a dish is determined by its cost of goods sold (COGS), selling price, and popularity among customers. Here, we will explore the five most profitable Caribbean dishes based on these factors.
Jerk chicken
Jerk chicken is a staple in Caribbean cuisine, known for its spicy, flavorful profile. The estimated profit margin for this dish is around 70-80%. The cost of goods sold (COGS) for chicken and lime is approximately $3, while the selling price is around $13, resulting in a profit of about $10 per dish. The high profitability of this dish can be attributed to its popularity among customers and relatively low ingredient costs.
To improve profitability, restaurants can consider sourcing ingredients in bulk to reduce costs. Additionally, offering variations of the dish, such as jerk chicken tacos or jerk chicken salad, can attract a wider customer base and increase sales.
Fried plantains
Fried plantains are a versatile side dish in Caribbean cuisine, often served with main courses or eaten as a snack. The estimated profit margin for this dish is approximately over 95%. The cost per serving of plantains is around $0.20, and the average selling price is about $6, resulting in a profit of roughly $5.50 per serving. The high profitability of this dish is due to the low cost of plantains and the dish's popularity as a comfort food.
Restaurants can increase profitability by offering fried plantains as an add-on to other dishes, encouraging customers to spend more. Additionally, sourcing plantains locally or in bulk can further reduce costs.
Rice and peas
Rice and peas is a classic Caribbean dish, often served as a side or main course. The estimated profit margin for this dish is around 85-90%. The cost of goods sold (COGS) for rice and peas is approximately $0.70, while the selling price is around $6, resulting in a profit of about $5 per dish. The high profitability of this dish can be attributed to its low ingredient costs and its status as a staple in Caribbean cuisine.
To improve profitability, restaurants can consider offering variations of the dish, such as coconut rice and peas or rice and peas with jerk chicken. Additionally, sourcing ingredients in bulk can help reduce costs.
Roti
Roti is a type of flatbread originating from India, but it has become a staple in many Caribbean countries. The estimated profit margin for this dish is around 70-80%. The cost of goods sold (COGS) for flour, oil, salt, and minor ingredients is approximately $1, while the selling price ranges from $4 to $5, resulting in a profit of about $3 to $4 per roti. The high profitability of this dish is due to its low ingredient costs and its versatility as it can be served with various fillings.
Restaurants can increase profitability by offering a variety of fillings for the roti, such as curried chicken, goat, or vegetables, allowing customers to customize their order and potentially increasing sales.
Conch fritters
Conch Fritters are a popular appetizer in Caribbean cuisine, known for their unique flavor and texture. The estimated profit margin for this dish is around 80-85%. The cost of goods sold (COGS) for flour, eggs, milk, and seasonings is approximately $1, excluding the unknown cost of conch meat. With a selling price of about $12, the gross profit is around $10 per serving. The high profitability of this dish is due to its popularity among customers and relatively high selling price.
To improve profitability, restaurants can consider sourcing conch locally, if possible, to reduce costs. Additionally, offering variations of the dish, such as spicy conch fritters or conch fritters with a unique dipping sauce, can attract a wider customer base and increase sales.
Unit prices calculated for COGS have been sourced from the following websites and Otter’s internal menu data. This content does not represent a guarantee or expert business advice.
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