Part 1: Baker Consolidated

Baker Consolidated operates a cafeteria for its employees. The operation of the cafeteria requires fixed costs of $4,700 per month and variable costs of 40% of sales. Cafeteria sales are currently averaging $12,000 per month.

Baker has an opportunity to replace the cafeteria with vending machines. Gross customer spending at the vending machines is estimated to be 40% greater than current sales, because the machines are available at all hours. By replacing the cafeteria with vending machines, Baker would receive 16% of gross customer spending and avoid all cafeteria costs. In a poll, employees did not express a preference for one option over the other.

Requirements:

How much does monthly operating income change if Baker Consolidated replaces the cafeteria with vending machines? Explain using linear profit modeling calculations.

What recommendation would you make for Baker Consolidateds managers considering this decision? Justify your response.

In your recommendation, be sure to calculate how the monthly operating income changes if the company replaces the cafeteria with vending machines.