Menu Management for Restaurant

Introduction

Mastering Menu Management with eatOS: A Comprehensive Guide

Effective menu management plays a crucial role in a restaurant's success. With the advent of technology, restaurant owners now have access to comprehensive dashboard systems that simplify menu management. In this article, we will explore the best practices for dashboard menu management, using the example of eatOS, a popular restaurant management platform.

Dashboard menu management allows for instant updates across all customer-facing interfaces. Any changes made to menus, such as adding new items, modifying prices, or updating descriptions, are reflected in real-time on in-store digital menu boards, online ordering platforms, and mobile apps.

Table of Contents

How to Access the Dashboard Menu Management
How to Add or Create a New Default Modifier
How to Add or Create New Modifiers
How to Add or Create New Add-Ons
How to Add or Create a New Modifier Group
How to Add or Create a New Product
How to Add or Create New Categories
How to Add or Create New Menus
How to Add or Create Taxes
How to Add or Create a Service Charge
How to Add or Create a Discount
How to Add or Create New Categories
How to Edit Items
How to Archive an Item
How to Unarchive an Item
How to Permanently Delete an Item


The eatOS dashboard has 2 different workflows to create your menu.

Step 1: Upload multiple products using the menu template in the "**Menus"** section.

See the menu management article to learn how to build your menu using the menu template.

Step 2: Configure each menu section on the dashboard menu management.

Both workflows are designed to help you quickly create and manage your restaurant menu.

How to access the Dashboard Menu Management

Step 1: Log in to your eatOS dashboard account

Step 2: If you have multiple locations, select the location whose menu you want to configure (Access to the location is at the upper left of your screen).

Step 3: On the left nav bar, select “Menu Management.”


eatOS offers comprehensive solutions to simplify menu creation, customization, pricing, and scheduling. By effectively utilizing dashboard menu management, restaurant owners can streamline operations, enhance the dining experience, and remain competitive in today’s industry.

How to Add or Create a New Default Modifier

Step 1: Select Default Modifiers in the menu management section.


Step 2: Click the “+ New Ingredients” button


Step 3: Enter the required ingredients.


a. Enter the default modifier name – i.e., Bacon, Lettuce, Carrots
b. Select the default modifier type.
c. Click the Save button to save the new default modifier.

How to Add or Create New Modifiers

Step 1: Select Modifiers in the menu management section.


Step 2: Click + New Modifier


Step 3: Enter the required information and click the save button.

FIELD	DESCRIPTION
Modifier Name*	Name of the modifier, i.e., Ranch, Vinaigrette, Caesar
Modifier Group Name	Name of the modifier group, i.e., Salad Dressing
Can this modifier be served?	Checkmark if the modifier can be served (KDS responsive). For example, if a burger is served with sides like fries or onion rings, mark if the side can be served before the burger.
Does this modifier have options?	If “Yes,” at least one option should be selected
Can the customer choose multiple options?	If “Yes,” the customer can select one or more available modifier options
Number of options to choose	Select the number of options a customer can choose a modifier

Option Name

FIELD	ACTION	DESCRIPTION
Add the modifier option name	Enter the option price	Edit icon – allows you to edit the option name and price. Delete icon – will enable you to delete the modifier option

How to Add or Create New Add-Ons

Step 1: Select Add-on in the menu management section.


Step 2: Click “+ New Add-ons”


Step 3: Enter the required information and click the save button.

Field	Description
Add On Name*	Enter the add-on's name (e.g., extra cheese).
Add on Group*	Dropdown menu: Select a group to categorize the add-on.
	Add icon (+): Option to create a new add-on group.
Select Order Type Applicable*	Choose the applicable order types (e.g., dine-in, takeout).
86 this Add On?	Enable or disable the add-on, often used to indicate if an item is out of stock.
Assigned KDS (Kitchen Display System)	Dropdown Menu: Select the kitchen display system for the add-on.
	Add Icon (+): Option to add a new KDS.
Assigned Printer	Dropdown Menu: Choose the printer assigned for the add-ons.
	Add Icon (+): Option to add a new printer assignment.
Option Availability	Indicate if the add-on has additional options.
Multiple Options Selection	Allow customers to select various options for the add-on.
Number of Options to Choose	Set the number of options a customer can select.
Options List	Table Headers: Option Name, Price, Action.
	Existing Options: Lists available options (e.g., Regular) with editable fields for price.

How to Add or Create a New Modifier Group

Step 1: Select Groups on the menu management section.


Step 2: Click the “+ New Groups (Modifiers/Add-Ons)”


Step 3: Enter the required information and click Save

FIELD	DESCRIPTION
Name*	Name of the modifier group
Position*	Set the position of modifier groups to determine their display order when ordering a product in the POS.
Type*	This field contains two values i.e., Add-ons or modifiers
Display Name*	Enter a group display name to be shown in the product customization screen
Assigned KDS	Select the kitchen display system for the group
Assigned Printer	Choose the printer assigned for the group
Add-Ons	Select the modifiers that will be associated with the group modifier.
Advanced Settings
Are options mandatory	Choose "Yes" if it is mandatory and specify the number of selections to be implemented.
Minimum Number of Selections*	Enter the number of mandatory modifiers a customer must select before completing their order.
Maximum Number of Selections	Enter a number of how many modifiers can the customer select

How to Add or Create a New Product

Step 1: Select Products in the menu management section.


Step 2: Click the “+ New Products” button.


Step 3: Enter the required information and click Save

FIELD	ACTION
Product Name*	Add the product name.
Maya AI Feature	Autogenerate details like pictures and descriptions using AI.
Menu Name	Input Field: Name of the menu this product belongs to.
	Add Icon (+): Option to add a new menu name.
Price	Specify the product price.
Product Image	Add a product image.
Display name	Enter the product name that you want to display on the menu, you can name the same as the product name based on how you want to reflect.
Printer name	Enter a product name that will be shown on the printers/kitchen printers. It can be the same as the product name or can create a custom product name.
Assigned printer	Select a printer / assign a printer where you want the product to be routed.
Category	Select the sub-category where the product will be assigned.
Schedule	Select the schedule for the product.
Calories	Enter calorie information.
Product Description	Enter a product description to be displayed on all platforms.
Prep time (in mins)	Enter preparation time in minutes.
Active	The active button will set the product to be active at the point of sale. You can toggle it off to hide the product.
OrderOS Active	Indicates if the product is active in OrderOS.
86 this product?	Temporarily turn off a product.
86 in OrderOS?	Disable in OrderOS.
Product Variation	The product variation will enable inventory tracking and enable you to add variant details.
Footer Sections	Default Modifiers, Groups, Tax, Discounts
	Add New (+) Button: Option to create new entries for each category.

Step 4: You can also add multiple products by importing the menu items created using the menu Excel template.

4a. To add products in bulk, click the 3-dot icon next to the New Product button.
4b. Import the file from your saved location and click the Upload button.
4c. If managing multiple locations, select the applicable location to apply the menu.
4d. Click Done to save the menu.

How to Add or Create New Categories

Step 1: Select Categories in the menu management section.


Step 2: Click “+ New Category"


Step 3: Enter the required information and click Save

FIELD	ACTION
Category Image	Upload a category image
Category Color	Select the category color
Category Name*	Upload a category image
Category Position	Define the display order of the category within lists.
Parent Category	Select the parent category where the sub-category will be assigned
Schedule	Assign a schedule to the category for specific timings.
Assigned Printer	Select the printer to route the category
Modifier Group	Select the modifier group applicable to the category
Products	Select the products to be assigned to the sub-category

How to Add or Create New Menus

Step 1: Select Menus in the menu management section.


Step 2: Click “+ New Menu" and select from the following options to add your menu and click Continue.


2a. Upload a menu from your device using compatible formats:


i. Choose the "Upload from your device" option.
ii. Select Continue.
iii. Navigate to the file's location in your device and select Upload.
iv. Select the appropriate location and click Done to save the changes.

2b. Create menu manually.


i. Click continue.
ii. Enter the required information and click the Save button to save the menu.

FIELD	ACTION
Menu Name*	Enter a custom preferred menu name for your restaurant
Button Color	Set the button color, the selected color here will reflect on your point-of-sale device
Active*	The active button allows you to keep the menu active. Select the no button to hide the menu
Parent Category	Select the parent category associated with the menu
Location(s)	Select the location for this menu to be available
Applicable to the menu(s)	Select the platform for this menu to be available. All menu(s) – the menu will be available to all platforms including POS, KIOSK, POP, and Online Ordering

2c. Create a menu using AI


i. Choose the "Create a menu using AI" option.
ii. Select the desired cuisine for the menu.
iii. Enter the name of the menu.
iv. Click "Submit" to initiate the menu creation process by the AI.

2d. Import from a third-party menu like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub


i. Click Continue
ii. Select the desired third-party platform to import from and click Next.
iii. Enter the URL associated with the menu.
iv. Enter the name of the imported menu.
v. Select the appropriate location.
vi. Click Continue to proceed. You will receive a notification once the menu has been successfully created.

How to Add or Create Taxes

Step 1: Select Taxes on the menu management section.


Step 2: Click the “+ New Tax” button


Step 3: Enter the required information and click Save

FIELD	ACTION
Sales Tax
Fetch Rates Button	Retrieves applicable tax rates.
Tax Name*	State and local tax name. i.e., Sales Tax, Value Added Tax
Tax Value*	The tax percentage to be applied – enter the percentage value.
Tax Type*	Option to select percentage-based tax.
Additional Information
Exclusive	Determines if the tax is exclusive or inclusive.
Apply Tax To*	Select the items or categories the tax applies to.
Applicable to Products
Add Product	A drop-down menu allows users to apply the tax to a specific product on their menu.

How to Add or Create a Service Charge

Step 1: Select Service Charge on the menu management section


Step 2: Click “+ New Service Charge”


Step 3: Enter the required information and click Save

FIELD	ACTION
Service Charge Name*	Name of the service charge i.e., Delivery, Banquet, etc.
Service Charge Value*	Enter the service charge percentage or amount
Service Charge Type*	Percentage: Select if the charge is a percentage of the total. Fixed Rate: Select a fixed amount of charge.
Exclusive	Determines if the service charge is exclusive or inclusive.
Order type*	Select applicable order types (e.g., dine-in, takeout).
Payment type*	Choose the payment methods the charge applies to.
Tax applicable	Select applicable taxes for the service charge.

Note: Tax applicable to the service charge. Once the selected order type and tax are applicable, the service charge will automatically apply to the transaction.

How to Add or Create a Discount

Step 1: Select Discount in the menu management section.


Step 2: Click the “+ New Discount” button


Step 3: Enter the required information and click Save

FIELD	ACTION
Discount Name*	Name of the discount (i.e., Employee discount, Promotional discount, Happy hour).
Discount Value*	Value or amount of the discount to be applied.
Discount Type*	Percentage: Choose for a percentage discount. Fixed Rate: Select for a fixed amount discount.
Require PIN?	Enable to require employees to enter their PIN to apply the discount.
Apply auto discount?	Automatically apply the discount during a set duration.
Applicable products	Select the applicable products to the discount.

How to Add or Create a New Course

Step 1: Select Course on the menu management section.


Step 2: Click the “+ New Course” button


Step 3: Enter the required information and click Save

FIELD	ACTION
Course Name	Enter the course name.
Position	Select the course position – the course position will determine the sequence of the course to be served.
Course Color Selection	Select a course color.
Auto Fire Time Interval	This sets the time when to fire the course after the previous course is fired.

How to Edit Items

Dashboard menu management allows for instant updates across all customer-facing interfaces. Any changes made to menus, such as adding new items, modifying prices, or updating descriptions, are reflected in real-time on in-store digital menu boards, online ordering platforms, and mobile apps.



Step 1: To edit an item on your menu, select the item you wish to edit.
Step 2: Hover to the "Date Created" column and select "Edit"


Step 3: Update the required information.

Note: Steps on how to edit an item apply to all sub-sections of the dashboard menu management

How to Archive an Item

Step 1: Select the item you wish to archive.
Step 2: Hover to the "Date Created" column and select "Archive"


Step 3: Select “Yes, archive it!” to confirm the selection, or select “Cancel” to go back without deleting the item.


Note: Steps on how to archive an item apply to all sub-sections of the dashboard menu management

How to Unarchive an Item

Step 1: Go to the “Archive” tab.
Step 2: Click the 3-dot icon and select “Unarchive.”


Step 3: Click “Yes, unarchive" it!” to restore the item or click “Cancel” to cancel the action.


Note: Steps on how to unarchive an item apply to all sub-sections of the dashboard menu management

How to Permanently Delete an Item

Step 1: Go to the “Archive” tab.
Step 2: Click the 3-dot icon and select “Permanently Delete.”


Step 3: Click “Yes, permanently delete it!” to confirm the selection, or select “Cancel” to go back to the archive.


Note: Steps on how to permanently delete an item apply to all sub-sections of the dashboard menu management


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Updated on: 02/12/2025