Restaurants are among the hardest businesses to successfully operate. In fact, 30% - 60% fail within their first year! But whether it’s an opportunity to showcase a culinary talent, or provide a place for friends and families to meet or colleagues to commiserate, each year nearly 50,000 new restaurants open their doors. Although there are numerous challenges that impact success rates, poor customer service and inventory management are two consistently problematic issues. Fortunately, these are issues that QSR and restaurant labels can help resolve.

Specialized Labels Streamline Food Service Operations

What’s the impact of a wrong order? In addition to the waste and the impact on margins, an inaccurate order reduces the long-term value of the individual customer by nearly 40%! Poorly managed inventory has similar ramifications. It can increase spoilage and contribute to order inaccuracy, increasing overall costs.

Restaurant labels aid in fulfilling orders accurately and managing inventory.

Used with point of sale and internal operating systems, a printed label contains the specific details of each order. This drives greater accuracy and consistency in the back of the house, which is especially important as more customers ask for customized options.

Labels enhance the traceability of items stored in inventory and decrease food waste. Plus, accurate inventory decreases food preparation mistakes.

Adding nutrition facts, allergen warnings and time and date labels elevate the level of food safety.

Labels are essential to an effective and productive restaurant operation.

Types of Labels Commonly Used in QSRs and Restaurants

Restaurants use a variety of label types to streamline operations, maintain food safety and enhance the customer experience. Here are some of the most common:

  • Food Safety Labels - These are critical for managing expiration dates, ensuring food storage protocols are followed and avoiding spoilage. Food Safety Labels clearly indicate use-by dates and other important information to ensure food safety compliance.
  • Tamper Evident Labels - Placed over openings of bags and other containers, tamper evident labels instill confidence in food delivery and packing that items have remained unopened during transit or while on shelves.
  • Custom Labels - Restaurants use custom labels for numerous applications including QR codes for digital menus, highlighting special offers, discounts and seasonal menu items and enhancing brand recognition.
  • Linerless Labels - Allow the printer to adjust the size of the printout dynamically, depending upon the amount of information printed. This reduces the number of labels required, decreases the number of roll changes on printers and reduces waste.
  • Receipt Rolls - Help staff track orders, manage payments, and provide a seamless checkout experience.

Each of these label types serves a specific function, yet together they form a comprehensive system that keeps the restaurant running smoothly.

How Food Safety Labels Ensure Compliance in Restaurants

Labeling food is not just a best practice; it’s a legal requirement. For restaurants, it’s essential to maintaining food safety and ensuring compliance with state and local agencies. For example,

  • Food rotation labels - placed on storage bins and include the food type, the date it was added and the expiration date.
  • Common name labels - if food isn't stored in its original container, label it with its common name.
  • Date and/or time-prepped labels - notify employees when an item is no longer safe to cook or serve and needs to be thrown away.
  • Color-coded labels - used to help prevent cross-contamination by separating different types of food and tools.

One note of caution: When labeling items kept in refrigerators and freezers, make sure to use labels with adhesives that are designed for that purpose. UAL can guide you on the items that are best for your applications.

How Promotional and Takeaway Labels Enhance the Customer Experience

In addition to the operational benefits, both promotional and takeaway labels can enhance the customer experience. For example,

  • Promotional labels - alert customers to special offers and discounts that encourage repeat business.
  • Takeaway labels - are a clear and concise way to identify food items and ensure they've been handled with care.

For takeout orders, labels ensure that each item contains order details, allergens, reheating instructions and more. Personalized, well-labeled takeaway packaging adds a professional touch that leaves a lasting positive impression on customers.

Implementing Effective Labeling Systems in Restaurants

Integrating a well-organized labeling system can dramatically improve workflow, reduce waste, and help maintain high standards of food safety and quality. Here are a few strategies for implementing effective labeling systems:

  • Label everything - from raw ingredients to prepared meals, labeling items at every stage of food preparation helps track freshness, manage inventory and reduce food waste.
  • Standardize the labeling process - use a consistent labeling system that all staff members are trained to understand. This improves efficiency in the kitchen and ensures everyone is on the same page when it comes to food safety.
  • Use custom labels where necessary - while stock labels are effective for most applications, custom labels can be designed to meet the unique needs of a restaurant. This includes QR codes for digital menus, special offers, discounts and seasonal menu items, promotions and more.
  • Use labels for inventory management - Labels enhance inventory management, helping to keep track of ingredient levels and order supplies as needed. This not only reduces waste but also ensures the restaurant is always fully stocked with the freshest ingredients.

These strategies help QSRs and other dining establishments create a seamless workflow that improves efficiency, reduces errors, and maintains the highest standards of food safety and quality.

United Ad Label Restaurant Labeling Solutions

UAL provides the Restaurant Labels, QSR Labels, Food Safety Labels, Receipt Rolls, and more that restaurants need to run their operation effectively. We provide both stock and custom solutions designed to enhance customer service, improve inventory management, elevate food safety and maintain compliance. Our labels are tailored to the unique needs of the restaurant industry, ensuring that every part of your business runs smoothly. With UAL’s expertise and high-quality products, you can focus on what matters most—delivering an exceptional dining experience to every customer, every time. Contact us to learn more.