Find answers to common questions about EZchef restaurant inventory management, menu costing, distributor imports, software requirements, licensing, technical support, and upgrades.
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EZchef Versions & Distributor Imports
What is the difference between the Standard and Distributor versions of EZchef?
Both versions include the same core EZchef inventory management, menu costing, sub-recipe costing, and Menu Engineering functions. Distributor Versions add the ability to directly import your restaurant’s Order Guide from a supported foodservice distributor, making it easier to add products and keep inventory pricing current.
How do the Distributor Versions work?
Obtain your restaurant’s Order Guide from the supported distributor and import it into EZchef. The Order Guide contains the products your restaurant purchases along with current pricing. You can repeat the import process to add newly purchased products and update inventory prices. Updated inventory costs can then flow through to linked Menu Items and Sub-Recipes.
What if I use more than one supported distributor?
Additional supported distributors can be added to your EZchef installation. Contact EZchef for current pricing and assistance adding another distributor.
Can I import products from vendors that are not directly supported?
Yes. Both Standard and Distributor Versions allow you to import inventory items from other vendors using the EZchef Transfer Template. You can copy product information from an existing Excel spreadsheet or vendor spreadsheet into the template and then import it into EZchef. Pricing for these vendors can be updated manually or through the Transfer Template.
Learn About Standard and Distributor Versions
Inventory, Menu Costing & Restaurant Operations
Does EZchef track individual food and beverage purchases?
No. EZchef does not function as a purchasing or accounts-payable system. It maintains your restaurant’s food and beverage inventory items and costs so you can perform physical inventory counts, create vendor order guides, and accurately cost Menu Items and Sub-Recipes.
Can EZchef help keep menu costs current when ingredient prices change?
Yes. Inventory items can be linked directly to Menu Items and Sub-Recipes. When the cost of a linked inventory item is updated, the new ingredient cost can be reflected in the recipes that use it.
Does EZchef perform Menu Engineering analysis?
Yes. EZchef combines Menu Item cost and selling-price information with the number of each item sold during a selected period to analyze Food Cost percentage, gross margin, popularity, and profitability.
Explore Inventory Management | Explore Menu Costing | Explore Menu Engineering
Computer & Software Requirements
What computer and software do I need to run EZchef?
EZchef is a Windows-based Microsoft Excel application. You need Microsoft Windows and the Windows desktop version of Microsoft Excel. Because EZchef uses Excel macros to provide its software functions, macros must be enabled when using the program.
Can I use EZchef on a Mac?
EZchef does not run directly in the Mac operating system or in the Mac version of Microsoft Excel. It can be used on a Mac running an appropriate virtual Windows environment together with Windows and the Windows version of Microsoft Excel.
Can EZchef run on OpenOffice?
No. EZchef requires Microsoft Excel for Windows because its functionality depends on Excel features and macros.
Can I run EZchef on a server?
Yes, but only one user can access the EZchef file at a time.
Macros & EZchef Files
Why does EZchef require Excel macros?
EZchef uses Microsoft Excel macros to perform many of the automated functions that make it operate like a software application rather than a standard spreadsheet. These functions include calculations, sorting, formatting, worksheet navigation, and linking information between different parts of the program.
How do I enable the EZchef macros?
Microsoft Excel may ask you to enable macros or enable content when EZchef is opened. EZchef provides separate instructions explaining how to activate the macros and how to create a trusted location so you do not need to repeat the process every time you open the program.
Can I unprotect the EZchef workbook or add my own rows and columns?
No. Although EZchef operates on the Microsoft Excel platform, it is a programmed software application. Unprotecting or modifying the workbook structure can interfere with its functionality and should not be done.
Can I move my EZchef file to another computer?
Yes. The EZchef file can be moved like another Excel file. Save the file before transferring it, and keep a backup copy. You may need your EZchef activation information when moving the program to another computer, so contact EZchef if you need assistance.
Licensing, Updates & Support
Can I use one EZchef license for multiple restaurants?
No. Each restaurant requires its own EZchef license. Discounted pricing is available for additional restaurant licenses. Contact EZchef for current multi-location pricing.
Can I upgrade EZchef when a newer version is released?
Yes. EZchef periodically releases updates, new features, and fixes. Contact EZchef to determine whether a newer version is available and whether an upgrade is appropriate for your installation. Existing inventory, Menu Items, and settings can be transferred when applicable.
Is technical support included with EZchef?
Yes. EZchef provides technical support by phone or email. The EZchef Getting Started Guide also answers many common setup and operating questions.
Where can I get help if I have a question?
You can contact EZchef for assistance with installation, software operation, distributor imports, licensing, and technical questions.
Not Sure If EZchef Is Right for Your Restaurant?
Try EZchef free for 15 days before purchasing. The demo includes sample Inventory, Menu Items, Sub-Recipes, and Menu Engineering data so you can explore the software and see how the different functions work together.