Which menu item typically requires elimination due to poor performance?

The correct choice is based on the identification of menu items that do not perform well in terms of sales and contribution to profit. A "dog" is a term used in menu engineering to describe items that have low sales volume and low contribution to profit. These menu items often do not attract customers and, therefore, can negatively impact the overall performance of a menu.

In menu analysis, identifying “dogs” is crucial for optimizing a menu. By eliminating these items, food service operations can focus on promoting more profitable and popular items. This strategic decision helps streamline the menu, reduce waste, and improve overall food costs.

On the other hand, "puzzle," "plowhorse," and "star" refer to menu items that either have the potential to be promoted (puzzles), have high sales but low profitability (plowhorses), or are both high in sales and profitability (stars). Thus, these terms represent items that may warrant further analysis or marketing efforts rather than elimination.