The Fit Check · reviewed by a person

See if SBO's a fit — and get a real estimate.

A few questions about how your restaurant runs today. Every answer is read personally, and we reach out if it is a match — no phone tag, no pitch.

Running a placeOpening or just bought oneBooks are a messJust exploring
RestaurantCaféBarFood truck
ToastSquareCloverLightspeedSpotOnTouchBistroRevelHeartlandOther / not listedNot yet — still shopping

We work on most POS. On Toast? We know it cold — clean books and a clean register from day one.

Under $300K$300K–$500K$500K–$1M$1M–$2M$2M–$3M$3M–$4M$4M–$5MOver $5M
Food / prime costA/P postingBill payPayroll postingTip postingBank reconcilingMonthly closeTaxes & CPA handoffHonestly, all of it

On payroll: we do not run it — we set it up in QuickBooks and your team enters it. We handle the posting and the tip side.

InventoryTip processingFood / prime costA/P & billsPayrollBank reconcilingGetting the month closedTaxes / CPA scrambleCash flow / not knowing my numbersHonestly, all of it

This is where we start on the first call — and it tells us which add-ons would actually earn their keep for you.

QuickBooks OnlineQuickBooks DesktopOther softwareSpreadsheetsPaper & receiptsAnother bookkeeper
Up to date1–3 months behind6+ months behindNever really started

Behind is common, and fixable — we scope any catch-up up front, no surprise bill.

GustoADPToast PayrollPaychexQuickBooks PayrollOtherNo payroll yet
No tips / cash onlyBy hand or spreadsheetAn app or system

This points to Labor Control — we keep your tips compliant and give you the weekly labor note. We do not schedule your staff.

We do not reallySpreadsheet by handAn app or system

This points to Cost Control — where we find money in your food and bar cost, usually a couple points back.

P&LBalance sheetSales by day / daypartLabor %Prime costFood costCash flowA/P agingNone, really
Weekly prime costReal food costLabor by daypartCash flow forecastSales trendsMenu item profitabilityA plain note on my numbersNot sure — tell me what I should see

The plain note on your numbers is The SBO Brief — it comes with The Books, every week and every month.

No wrong answers. If you are not sure, that is exactly what Cost Control is for — we make these numbers real, and put them in front of you every week.

Yes, I track itRoughlyNo idea
Yes, I track itRoughlyNo idea
Yes, every weekNow and thenNot reallyWhat is prime cost?
Every recipe is costedSome areWe price by eyeNot really

Plate and drink costs are where menu profit hides. If you price by eye, Cost Control is usually the fastest money we find.

Two parts: whoever does the data entry, and the time you spend on top. SBO takes over the data entry now — and the goal is to hand your own hours back over time.

Your data-entry person (bookkeeper or clerk)
You, the owner
Add the hours and rates for a quick side-by-side.
Ready now1–3 monthsJust exploring

Your website helps us take a quick look before we reply — just the address is fine.

Your answers stay private. We never share or sell your information, and we will not add you to any list — one real reply from a person, that is it.

Looks like a fit

Once you become a client, it is a simple handoff: your part is getting us the week's bills and statements; ours is everything after. The day we have it all, we get to work — post, reconcile, and turn it into your SBO Brief within 4 business days, with your month closed in 10–15. We cannot start the count until your week is fully uploaded.

Rather just reach out? Email hello@smallbusinessoperators.com.

No surprises

Every answer read by a person.

No phone tag, no pitch, and no bill for asking. Your answers go to an operator, and the reply comes back in writing — where you stand, which plan fits, what it costs. Not ready for the questions? Start with the Free Look — free, signed, no strings.

Get the Free Look