Spec Sheets: The Pain You Don’t Need, But The Guard You Can’t Do Without

Spec sheets. Let’s be honest, they’re a pain you don’t need on an already endless to-do list.

Writing up a spec sheet feels like admin for the sake of admin. And in the middle of a busy service, or when you’re short on time and energy, it feels like the last thing that’s going to make a difference.

But I’d argue it’s one of the most important things you can do.

For me, there’s one golden rule in hospitality: consistency is key.

Think about it. The brands that last — the ones people come back to again and again — they’ve built their reputation on it. They know exactly who they are. They know what they do. And they deliver, every single time. No surprises. No slip in standards.

Spec sheets are what keep you there.

They’re not glamorous; they’re not exciting. But they keep your dishes tight. Service after service, week after week, month after month.

Here’s the thing, people think spec sheets are just about protecting your margins; sure they do that, they stop over-portioning and reduce waste. They keep your GP in line with where it should be, but they do something much more important too.

They protect your product from slow erosion.

Without them, when you see your margin slip, your natural instinct is to cut back. Cheaper ketchup. Cheaper bread. Maybe a smaller patty. Little changes, bit by bit, to try and claw back your numbers. But give it 12 months, and the product on the plate just isn’t what it once was.

Spec sheets guard against that slow decline. They make sure that no matter who’s on the section, no matter how busy the kitchen gets, you’re still delivering the product you set out to create.

Whether you’re running your operation to turn a healthy profit, or you see it first and foremost as a genuine service to your members, consistency is a non negotiable.

Spec sheets are boring, I know that, but they are essential. And if you care about your product, your margin, and your members… you can’t afford to skip them.

Quick one — if you’ve not done this yet, my scorecard helps you spot gaps across guest experience, costs, and day-to-day ops. Takes a few minutes and you’ll get a proper report at the end.