Used to be terrified of testing new dishes because of ingredient commitment. $300 minimum on duck? What if nobody orders it?
New system using boxncase:
Week 1: Micro Test
- Order ingredients for 5 portions
- Run as unlisted special, offer to regulars
- Cost: ~$50
Week 2: Data Collection
- If 4/5 sold, order for 15 portions
- Track who orders, get feedback
- Cost: ~$100
Week 3: Decision Point
- Good data? Add to menu, scale orders
- Bad data? Move on, minimal loss
Just tested a smoked duck breast this way. $85 total investment over 3 weeks. It’s now our best seller.
Old way? Would have spent $400 on duck minimum, stressed for weeks, probably wouldn’t have tried it.
Flexibility enables creativity. Who knew.