Po’ boys look simple: bread, protein, sauce.
In practice, shrimp yield, fry oil absorption, and portion drift decide your margin.
Quick Summary
- Cost the sandwich by protein ounces + bread + sauce + veg + packaging
- Seafood po’ boys need a higher price tier than roast beef
- Fry oil absorption and sauce cups add up fast
- Use a single portion standard and enforce it
Base Formula
Po' boy cost = Bread + Protein + Sauce + Veg + Fry oil + Packaging
Food cost % = Po' boy cost ÷ Menu pricePortion Standards That Protect Margin
| Build | Protein target | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp | 5 oz cooked | A 1 oz drift can add $0.60+ per sandwich |
| Oyster | 5 oz cooked | Breaded portion grows quickly if not weighed |
| Roast beef | 4 oz sliced | Thin slices prevent over-portioning |
Example (US Shrimp Po’ Boy)
Standard build (1 sandwich):
- Shrimp (5 oz cooked): $3.10
- French roll: $0.55
- Remoulade + pickles + lettuce + tomato: $0.50
- Fry oil absorption: $0.18
- Packaging: $0.35
Total cost: $4.68
At a $15 menu price, food cost is 31.2%.
If you sell it for $13, food cost jumps to 36.0%.
Pricing Moves That Work
- Set a base price for roast beef or chicken
- Add +$2 to +$4 for fried shrimp or oysters
- Charge for extra sauce or double protein
- If fries are included, move the price up or reduce fry portion
US Cost Reality Check
BLS CPI (12-month change through Nov 2025):
- Food away from home: +3.7%
- Food at home: +1.9%
Menu costs are still moving. Reprice seafood po’ boys monthly.
Do This Now
- Weigh and record 3 portions of your main ingredient
- Calculate the cost per portion using your supplier invoice
- Set a portion standard and train your team
- Review your current menu price against 28-35% food cost target
- Update your pricing if food cost is above 35%
- Schedule a monthly cost review with your team
Related Guides
- Sandwich & Deli Cost Guide
- US Fried Catfish Plate Cost Guide
- US Seafood Boil Cost Guide
- US Prep Yield Calculator
Want This Automated?
KitchenCost tracks portion standards and updates po’ boy costs when seafood prices move.
Start on the KitchenCost landing page.