Our Services
At The Food Bookkeeper, we understand that every restaurant operates differently. That’s why we tailor our services to fit your specific needs — whether you want us to handle everything or just support your existing systems.
Each client has unique operational and reporting needs. We work with you to determine what will help you manage your restaurant better on a weekly and monthly basis. And if financial reports feel overwhelming, don’t worry — we’ll walk you through them step by step so you can feel confident in your numbers.
Running a restaurant is tough enough — you shouldn’t have to worry about keeping your books accurate and up to date. We specialize in outsourced restaurant bookkeeping that helps you stay on top of sales, expenses, vendor payments, and profits.
What you get:
- Accurate recording of daily sales and deposits
- Vendor bill entry and payment tracking
- Monthly bank and credit card reconciliations
- Clear financial reports designed for restaurants
If your books are behind or messy, we’ll bring everything back on track. Whether it’s months or years of catch-up, we give you a fresh, reliable financial picture.
What you get:
Organized and reconciled past records
Correction of errors and inconsistencies
Updated reports for a clean starting point
Guidance to keep your books accurate moving forward
Stay on top of vendor payments with a streamlined process built for your restaurant. We ensure accuracy, timeliness, and peace of mind.
What you get:
Bill entry and expense tracking
Vendor payment scheduling
Approval workflows customized to your team
On-time, accurate payments to maintain vendor relationships
Paying your team correctly and on time is critical. We handle payroll with accuracy so you can focus on your staff and guests.
What you get:
Tip and hourly wage calculations
Overtime and compliance tracking
Automated payroll processing
On-time payments every period
Sales tax can be confusing and costly if done wrong. We handle the process from start to finish, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
What you get:
Accurate sales tax calculation and reporting
On-time filing with state agencies
Tracking of deadlines to avoid penalties
Peace of mind that taxes are handled properly
Don’t miss your state filing deadlines. We handle annual reports so you stay compliant and avoid fines.
What you get:
Preparation of annual report filings
Submission to your state on time
Guidance on compliance requirements
Hassle-free filing process
Through our CPA partners, we offer complete tax preparation and advisory services for restaurants. From filing to planning, we’ve got you covered.
What you get:
Year-end tax return preparation
Strategic tax planning to maximize savings
Compliance with federal and state requirements
Access to expert CPA guidance
Not ready for a full-time CFO? We provide financial leadership at a fraction of the cost, helping you understand and use your numbers to grow your restaurant.
What you get:
Budgeting and forecasting designed for restaurants
Cash flow monitoring and planning
Strategic financial guidance for profitability
Walkthroughs of reports so you fully understand your numbers
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a bookkeeper who specializes in restaurants?
Most general bookkeepers don’t understand things like tips, food costs, delivery app fees, or liquor sales tax. You’ll get financials that make sense for your restaurant — not just generic numbers in QuickBooks.
Can’t I just do the bookkeeping myself?
You can, but it usually ends up costing you more. When you’re juggling payroll, food orders, and staff, bookkeeping gets pushed to the back burner. That means missed tax deadlines, hidden leaks, and stress at year-end. When you let us handle the books, you’ll save time and avoid costly mistakes.
How much does it cost to work with The Food Bookkeeper?
Your pricing depends on your restaurant’s size, sales volume, and how complex your books are.
Do you only work with restaurants?
Yes — and that’s what makes us different. We serve restaurants, bars, bakeries, coffee shops, and food trucks. Because we focus only on food & beverage, you’ll get advice and financial clarity from people who already know your industry.
What bookkeeping software do you use?
We use QuickBooks Online, the industry standard for restaurants. If you’re not already on QuickBooks, we’ll set you up and customize it for your business — including integrations with POS systems and payroll providers.
What happens if my books are behind?
No problem. You’ll get a cleanup plan to bring everything current, and then we’ll put systems in place to keep you on track each month. Many clients come to us months (or even years) behind — we know how to fix it fast.
Do you also handle payroll and sales tax?
Yes. You’ll have everything under one roof: bookkeeping, payroll, and sales tax filings. That way, you don’t have to juggle multiple providers or worry about compliance.
What if I already have a CPA?
Great! We love working alongside your CPA. You’ll get clean financials every month, which makes your accountant’s job easier — and usually saves you money on year-end tax prep.
Can you help me understand my numbers, not just record them?
Absolutely. Bookkeeping isn’t just about compliance — it’s about helping you run a better restaurant. You’ll get reports that actually mean something, and we can walk you through your numbers so you can make smarter decisions.
How do I get started?
It’s simple. Schedule a free call with us, and we’ll talk about your restaurant, your goals, and what level of support makes sense for you. From there, you’ll get a proposal and timeline to get started.
What would the onboarding process look like if we were to move forward?
We’ll start by sending over a service agreement for you to review, sign, and return. This agreement will include ACH payment details, and once received, we’ll process the refundable retainer—equal to one month of service—to reserve your spot on our client roster. From there, we’ll request access to your QuickBooks file and send you an onboarding questionnaire to learn more about your current processes. Once we receive access to your QuickBooks file, your monthly bookkeeping service will officially begin. We will guide you through each step and connect you with your assigned bookkeeper to get started.
Does your Monthly Bookkeeping Package include regular reports and check-in meetings?
Yes. Each month, you’ll receive your financial reports along with a calendar link to schedule a review call if you’d like to discuss your numbers.
The Food Bookkeeper provides specialized bookkeeping and CFO services for restaurant owners, delivering accurate financial management and actionable insights to help businesses thrive.