Why High-End Restaurants Are Turning to Soft Serve for Profit and Making it Gourmet

Posted on Oct 10, 2024

Last month, The New York Post highlighted how upscale restaurants are shifting to soft-serve ice cream as a cost-cutting dessert option, offering diners nostalgic flavors in creative ways. For restaurant owners, this shift brings a unique opportunity to reduce expenses while maintaining high-quality offerings. As The Fork points out, the terms “cost” and “cutting” are always music to a restaurant’s financial ears, especially when paired with soft serve’s high margins and low labor requirements, making it a smart economic choice.

Why Are Restaurants Embracing Soft Serve?

High-Profit Margins:

One of the major reasons soft serve is catching on in restaurants is the impressive profit margins. A cone can cost as little as $0.75 to $1.30 to produce, but with creative presentations, restaurants charge anywhere from $6 to $15 per serving. This translates to a potential profit margin of up to 90%, far exceeding many other desserts.

Low Labor Costs:

Unlike traditional desserts, soft serve requires minimal hands-on prep. With just basic training, front-of-house staff can handle it, freeing up kitchen resources. This reduces labor costs, making it an efficient and cost-effective option for busy restaurants.

Upscale Restaurants Leading the Charge:

Upscale spots like Beverly Hills’ Spago, where liquor-infused soft serve brings sophistication to a nostalgic treat, signal a shift in how this dessert is perceived. Similarly, at Nama Ko in DC, a miso, honey, and black truffle soft serve highlights the creativity and gourmet potential of soft serve. When high-end restaurants lead with such innovation, it encourages other restaurants to follow, proving that soft serve can be both a profitable and trendy addition to any menu.

Why Soft Serve Is an Efficient Choice

Minimal Waste & Efficient Inventory: Soft serve mixes are often shelf-stable, requiring less refrigeration and reducing waste. With better control over portions and less spoilage, it’s perfect for high-volume or space-conscious kitchens.

Versatility & Creativity: Soft serve isn’t limited to vanilla cones. Chefs are using it as a blank canvas for bold flavors, like matcha or exotic toppings such as cereal crunches and artisan drizzles. Whether used as a base for signature desserts or a fun addition to the menu, it opens up countless possibilities.

Making Soft Serve Work for Your Restaurant 

As more restaurants realize the economic benefits of soft serve, having the right equipment becomes crucial. Soft serve’s high margins and low labor requirements are only achievable with reliable machines that run efficiently. Investing in a quality soft serve machine can help ensure smooth operations and maximize profitability. At Slices Concession, we offer renewed machines that are rigorously inspected, saving you 40-70% compared to new, while maintaining high performance. With a warranty included, it’s a smart investment for long-term success.

“The team at Slices Concession has been so helpful. Not only did I get my machine at a great price, but their customer service is outstanding.”  Sydney L.

Get Machine or Parts Help.
Unlike dealers or manufacturers, we are operators with hands-on experience across 9 brands and 150+ models.

Get Expert Help

Shop Machines