Book excerpt: Understanding the fundamentals of menu planning is essential to building a successful foodservice concept since the menu is the foundation upon which a foodservice operation builds both its reputation and profit. Reflecting the latest menu trends in the restaurant industry, the authors show how research, surveys, and sales analysis are key to menu planning and design.Fundamentals of Menu Planning, Third Edition presents a complete overview of key aspects of menu planning, including designing, writing, costing, marketing, and merchandising a menu. The content in this edition is divided into three parts. Part I focuses on the evolution of the menu and includes topics such as menu trends in the industry, performing market research and creating a market survey, nutrition and dietary guidelines, and menu planning. Part II examines the financial aspects of menu planning such as performing a yield test, creating and writing standardized recipes, and recipe costing. Part III covers writing, designing, and merchandising the menu. With this accessible resource, hospitality management students, culinary students, restaurateurs and other foodservice professionals will all gain a thorough understanding of how an effective and successfully planned menu is fundamental to the success and profitability of the wider foodservice enterprise.