5 Summer Bookkeeping & Accounting Moves to Boost Restaurant Profits

The restaurant slow season isn’t a threat—it’s a strategy opportunity. Use the downtime to improve back-office operations so you're not scrambling when the holiday rush hits. Here’s how:

1. Catch Up on Bookkeeping (You’ll Thank Yourself in December)

Behind on reconciliations or expense categorization? Now’s the time to catch up. Summer bookkeeping tips start with reviewing transactions, organizing receipts, and ensuring all Q2 financials are clean.

Pro Tip: Reconcile all accounts and prepare a preliminary Q3 forecast. It'll help you identify cash flow issues before they become emergencies.

2. Analyze Menu Profitability

Use the extra breathing room to dig into your menu’s performance. What items bring in the most profit per plate? What’s dragging your margins?

Pro Tip: Use tools to track food cost % and adjust pricing or portion sizes accordingly. Benchmark your goal: 28–35% food cost.

This simple analysis can lead to smarter menu design and higher restaurant profit margins.

3. Streamline Payroll and POS Integrations

If payroll feels chaotic or your POS reports don’t talk to your accounting software, now’s the time to fix it.

Evaluate your POS system’s integration capabilities with accounting tools like QuickBooks or Xero. Syncing timecards with payroll software reduces errors and frees up hours.

4. Automate Recurring Vendor Payments

Summer is the perfect time to set up automation systems that save time and prevent late fees.

Streamline accounts payable by setting up ACH or credit card autopayments for recurring bills—think linen services, food vendors, and utilities.

Use automation tools to reduce human error and improve vendor relationships.

5. Start 1099 Tracking Now—Not in January

Don’t wait until tax season panic sets in. Begin tracking contractor payments now, and verify W-9 forms for every vendor you paid more than $600 this year.

Setting up a 1099 tracking system in the summer helps avoid January stress and reduces IRS penalties.

Pro Tip: Now is the best time to make accounting upgrades—because it won’t disrupt service during peak business hours. From updating software to re-evaluating financial workflows, summer slowdowns are prime time to level up.

Final Thoughts: Make August Work for You

Using a restaurant slow season strategy to focus on your back office can unlock better margins, smoother tax seasons, and more time to focus on what you love—running your restaurant.

This August, don't just wait for foot traffic to pick up. Use the downtime to set up your systems for long-term success.