Sometimes even small things can be the difference in meeting a target food cost. For Allen, portion control has been that detail—“that’s our biggest area of concern,” he says. “We have to be very diligent with our staff to make sure that they are portioning the proteins at the proper weight,” Allen goes on. Training staff to know that one ounce—not two—of duck prosciutto goes on the plate or that each portion of salmon fillet should be four ounces and not any more, can make the difference to meet a food cost target, order the right quantities, not raise menu prices, and potentially have a profitable restaurant—not to mention a consistent dish for your patrons.