Burger Food Cost: Percentage and Example
By mise · Updated September 29, 2026
Quick answer: food cost for burger restaurants usually runs 28–35% of the menu price. Divide the ingredient cost of a plate by its menu price; for the month, use beginning and ending inventory plus purchases.
Every concept has its own food cost. What is healthy for burger restaurants can be a problem somewhere else, so it helps to know the benchmark and which ingredient moves it.
What is a good food cost for burger restaurants?
Most burger restaurants land between 28–35% of the menu price. The biggest cost drivers: beef (the price swings), buns, cheese, fries and packaging for delivery.
Example: cheeseburger with fries
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Beef patty (6 oz) | $1.95 |
| Brioche bun | $0.55 |
| Cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles | $0.60 |
| Sauce | $0.15 |
| Fries (5 oz) | $0.45 |
| Total plate cost | $3.70 |
Food cost: —
How to bring it down without cutting quality
- Pre-weighed patties, never eyeballed.
- Track beef price and adjust specials when it spikes.
- Fries by weight per order.
- Packaging in the recipe cost for delivery.
How mise helps
Scan the barcode with your phone camera or snap a photo of the label; mise's AI finds the product and categorizes it with name, brand, category, photo and price. Count at the start and end of the period, add purchases, and mise gives you the actual food cost to compare with the recipe cost. Every count is saved with a date and a name, par levels warn you before you run out, and you see shrinkage and food cost for the period without building a spreadsheet.
Scan the barcode or snap a photo: mise's AI finds the product and categorizes it. 7-day free trial, then US$33 a month (£26 in the UK).
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Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate food cost for burger restaurants?
Plate cost ÷ menu price × 100. For the month: (beginning inventory + purchases − ending inventory) ÷ food sales × 100.
What food cost percentage should burger restaurants aim for?
Between 28–35%. Above that, check portions, waste and supplier prices before raising prices.
Why is my burger food cost higher than the recipe says?
Usually oversized portions, fries given away, or delivery packaging left out of the recipe cost.
How much does mise cost?
A 7-day free trial, then US$33 a month per location (£26 in the UK).