As a recently hired MBA intern, you are working in a consulting capacity to provide an analysis for Al Dente's Italian Restaurant. A financial income Statement is presented below: Sales $2,698,000 Cost of sales (all variable) $1,557,563 Gross Margin $1,140,438 Operating expenses: Variable $277,975 Fixed $213,675 Total operating expenses: $491,650 Administative expenses (all fixed) $564,375 Net operating income $84,413 This income statement presents the sales, expenses and pre-tax operating income for a local eating facility. At Al Dente, the average meal cost for lunches and dinners are $20 and $40 respectively. Al Dente serves both lunch and dinner 300 days per year and serves twice as many lunches as dinners.

5. In order to increase NOI, the owner of the restaurant is considering adjustments to the quality of food ingredients currently used. Rather than using premium ingredients, use of average quality ingredients would reduce the cost of food by 15%. The owner proposes to not change the current meal pricing. As the consultant, prepare a memo to the owner that presents the pros and cons of this change in operations. What are the potential impacts on revenue, costs, and net operating income may result from this change? The owner does not want to see a decrease in net operating income. Could the owner make this change and absorb a decrease in customers, and how would you demonstrate numerically to support your analysis? What other factors or consequences of this decision should the owner consider besides the financial impact of the change?