What does par stock mean in kitchen inventory?

• A. The minimum quantity kept on hand to meet service demand
• B. The maximum quantity allowed on hand
• C. The total annual purchase quantity
• D. The item with parity stock price

Answer: (A)

Par stock refers to the minimum quantity of an item that a kitchen keeps on hand to reliably meet service needs. It’s set based on how quickly the item is used and how long it takes to receive more from suppliers. When inventory drops to that minimum level, you reorder to bring the count back up, so you don’t run out during busy service. This is different from a maximum on-hand limit, and it’s not the total yearly purchase quantity or a price term.