Why Weekly Inventory Counts Are a Must for Restaurant Managers

Let’s be honest—counting inventory isn’t exactly the most exciting part of running a restaurant. But here’s the thing: it’s one of the most powerful habits you can build to take control of your costs and margins. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated.

So, What Is Inventory Counting?

Inventory counting is simply checking how much of each ingredient or supply item you have on hand. Think of it as taking a quick “snapshot” of what’s sitting in your fridge, freezer, pantry, and bar. You don’t need to count every grain of rice—just focus on the big-ticket items that move quickly, like:

• Meat and poultry

• Seafood and fresh produce

• Dairy products

• Wine and other high-value beverages

Doing this once a week, especially on a slower day like Monday morning, helps you stay on top of your stock without disrupting service.

Why Weekly Inventory Count Matters

When you count inventory regularly, you can:

• Stop over-ordering (and wasting money)

• Catch waste or spoilage early

• Understand how fast your ingredients move

• Keep your food cost percentage in check

It’s one of the easiest ways to spot problems before they hit your bottom line.

Keep Weekly Inventory Count Simple With a Spreadsheet

You don’t need fancy tools to start—just use a basic Excel sheet. List your key ingredients, add space for quantities and units, and you’re good to go. Want a head start? We’ve created a ready-to-use inventory Excel template you can download here.

Even better—you can scan and upload this sheet right into cactus inventory management software, and we’ll do the rest. Automation kicks in, updates your stock levels, and helps you order smarter.

Final Scoop

Inventory counts aren’t just a chore—they’re your secret weapon to smarter restaurant management. Do it once a week, keep it simple, and let tech take it from there.

Your margins (and your Monday mornings) will thank you.

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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Cactus does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Cactus does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation.