FAQ
Questions about My Local Foodie
How long has My Local Foodie been in business?
My Local Foodie was established in 2006 in Melbourne, Australia.
Is My Local Foodie Australian?
Yes. My Local Foodie is 100% Australian owned and operated, and the Cost-i-mator is 100% owned and operated through My Local Foodie.
Is My Local Foodie truly independent?
Yes. My Local Foodie is completely independent, with no producers, suppliers or clients owning or controlling any part of the buying group or the software. My Local Foodie is free to choose the best possible producers and suppliers based on our stringent best product, best price and best service standards. This is one of the secrets to our success.
We are not brokers, not fly by nighters, not some dot com wannabe, not a shelf company representing big suppliers or producers. We are fair dinkum, hardworking foodies prepared to roll our sleeves up and do whatever it takes to help our clients build successful and profitable menus.
Does My Local Foodie have the experience to help improve my business?
Definitely; we don’t like blowing our own trumpets – but when it comes to helping our clients to become more profitable and to improve their food costs we are the experts. This is what we work so hard for. My Local Foodie staff are hospitality lifers who understand how brutal our industry can be – and our mission is to help our clients be as profitable as possible.
Does My Local Foodie work best for Owners, Managers or Chefs?
All of the above; Owners have a more profitable business, Managers and Chefs have the best kitchen admin solution to help them create inspiring menus AND come in under their food cost budget. The best products at the best prices, plus the best chefs software available.
Can My Local Foodie work with franchised businesses?
Yes, we are used to working with all types of business structures including franchised business models, licensee business models, public and privately owned multi-venue business structures.
Does My Local Foodie work with groups?
Yes. In fact this is our specialty. We take the guesswork out of procurement and provide the ultimate in chef’s software for each kitchen to build fully costed menus. Our custom Head Office reporting module consolidates results in real time linking purchase history, stocktake history; food cogs actual vs. forecast and menu profitability.
What if my kitchen/business/chefs are different and I have special needs?
No problems, every business has different needs, and every chef runs their kitchen in a different way. We are used to this and are happy to work with all operational styles.
How much does it cost?
Please review our pricing and packages page on the website. Click Here
Can I pay per month?
Yes, no problems.
How long is the usual contract term?
Contract terms are usually 2 or 3 years. 12 month contract terms are also available. Longer term contracts offer attractive discounts.
Can I break the contract if I change my mind and want my old suppliers to match My Local Foodies prices? How much does this cost?
Yes, you can break any contract. You will have to pay any fees My Local Foodie would have received during your contract term.
Questions about the Buying Group
How good are the suppliers in the Buying Group?
All of our Suppliers have been carefully selected for product quality, price and service and hold all relevant food safety certificates. Our Supplier contracts are reviewed every year to ensure our clients are getting the best possibly products at the best prices with exceptional customer service.
What sort of suppliers are in the My Local Foodie Buying Group?
My Local Foodie seeks out the best suppliers in each sector of the food industry to provide the highest possible product and service package available in Australia. Most of our suppliers are local ‘Owner Operated’ businesses where the families involved have been in the industry for generations. Our business (your business) is really important to these family(s) and so we receive the best possible service, plus the product and price offer.
Are all preferred suppliers accredited?
Yes. All My Local Foodie suppliers are have the relevant required accreditations including HACCAP accreditation and Prime Safe and some also have halal and kosher accreditation.
Does the buying group have all of the products I need for my kitchen?
Yes, currently the My Local Foodie buying group has over 12,000 products pre-costed ready for you to buy, count and cost. If there is a product you need that our preferred suppliers don’t currently stock, we will source it, price it and load it on our system ASAP.
How often are prices reviewed in the buying group?
Prices are reviewed daily, weekly or monthly depending on the supplier and their products
Can I choose the products/brands/specifications I need for my kitchen?
Yes. You choose the products you need to suit your recipes. If you need help with product selection, we are only a call away.
Can I use my current suppliers or do I have to use My Local Foodie Preferred Suppliers?
You are required to use My Local Foodie Preferred Suppliers but on a case by case basis you may be able to retain some of your existing suppliers if My Local Foodie preferred suppliers cannot provide the same levels of product, price, and service.
What if my local supplier is a guru who is super good?
Great, we would love to meet them! We are always on the lookout for new awesome suppliers. If you think you know one – please let us know ……. We could provide them with some serious business! Note: any possible new supplier must meet all MLF requirements.
Questions about the Cost-i-mator Software
Is the Cost-i-mator easy to use?
The Cost-i-mator is very easy to use and comes with extensive training and support. In fact, our training and support is unlimited during business hours with phone support, e-mail support and face-to-face training at My local Foodie offices.
Who owns the Cost-i-mator software?
The Cost-i-mator software is 100% owned and operated by My Local Foodie and its parent companies. All are 100% Australian owned and operated.
Can I use the Cost-i-mator on more than 1 computer?
Yes, the Cost-i-mator software is on-line so you can log-on the cost-i-mator from any computer, smart phone or tablet in the world – as long as it has internet connection.
Who owns the recipes and menus?
The recipes and menus are always owned by the client venue.
Who can see the recipes and menus?
You and your authorised staff with authorised log-ins can see the recipes and menus. No-one else has access.
Can I transfer my recipes and menus to a new venue?
Yes. Moving venues within the same city is not a problem. If you are moving venues from one city to another there will be some charges involved.
How often do the recipes and menus re-cost?
Every day, twice a day, 365 days of the year. All sub-recipes, recipes and menus are ALWAYS as up to date as possible.
Can I store old recipes and menus?
Yes. You can store recipes and menus which may be needed in the future. These continue to re-cost every day so if, and when, you need them they are fully costed and ready to go
Can I pre-build recipes and menus before I launch a new menu?
Yes, this is the recommended way to launch a new menu, with all recipes tested, costed and checked for profitability before being sold.
How much does it cost to upgrade to new versions of the Cost-i-mator software?
Nothing; you will never be asked to pay to use a new version of our software. We think it is our duty to continually improve our product and service. Further, My Local Foodie normally runs a major and a minor upgrade each year as part of our continual improvement policy, both of which are provided without charge to all clients.
How reliable is the Cost-i-mator software?
Very reliable. Over the last 5 years the cost-i-mator has averaged 99.99% uptime. Our aim is to improve this to 99.999% this year. We continually upgrade our servers and server software as well as improving the cost-i-mator program to ensure maximum uptime. Plus, our servers are covered with UPS power supply, back-up diesel generator power supply and interstate server back-up every 15 mins, just in case.
