Plasma

Menu Management

Create and organize your menu items, categories, and modifiers.

Build your digital menu in Plasma Portal. Changes sync instantly to all POS devices.

Appetizers
Entrees
Desserts
Beverages

Quick Start

Create Menu

Portal → Menus → New Menu. Name it (e.g., "Main Menu", "Brunch Menu").

Add Categories

Create categories to organize items (Appetizers, Mains, Drinks).

Add Items

Add items to categories with names, prices, and descriptions.

Configure Modifiers

Set up modifier groups for customization options.

Categories

Creating Categories

  1. Portal → Menus → Select Menu
  2. Click Add Category
  3. Enter name and description
  4. Set display order

Category Settings

SettingDescription
NameDisplay name on POS
DescriptionOptional detail
Sort OrderPosition in menu
AvailabilityShow/hide category
ScheduleTime-based visibility

Category Schedule

Make categories appear only at certain times:

  • Lunch specials — 11am to 3pm
  • Happy hour — 4pm to 7pm
  • Late night — After 10pm

Items

Adding Items

Basic Info

Name, description, and base price.

Category

Assign to one or more categories.

Tax Category

Select appropriate tax treatment.

Modifiers

Attach modifier groups (optional).

Item Settings

SettingDescription
NameDisplay name
DescriptionDetails for staff/customers
PriceBase price
Tax CategoryTax classification
Sales CategoryReporting category
ImageOptional item photo
AvailableIn stock status

Item Availability

Mark items as unavailable (86'd):

  • From POS — Long-press item → Mark Unavailable
  • From Portal — Items → Toggle Available
  • Via AI — "Mark the salmon as 86"

86'd items appear grayed out on POS but can't be ordered.

Modifiers

Modifier Groups

Group related options together:

GroupOptions
SizeSmall, Medium, Large
TemperatureRare, Medium Rare, Medium, Well
SidesFries, Salad, Soup
Add-OnsExtra cheese, Bacon, Avocado

Creating Modifier Groups

  1. Portal → Menus → Modifiers
  2. Click Add Modifier Group
  3. Name the group (e.g., "Steak Temperature")
  4. Add options with optional price adjustments
  5. Set as required or optional

Modifier Settings

SettingDescription
RequiredMust select before adding item
Multi-selectAllow multiple choices
Min/MaxMinimum and maximum selections
DefaultPre-selected option
PriceAdditional charge per option

Nested Modifiers

For complex customization (modifier has its own modifiers):

Burger
└── Cheese (+$1)
    └── Type: American, Swiss, Cheddar
└── Cooking: Rare, Medium, Well

Pricing

Base Pricing

Set the standard price for each item. This applies everywhere unless overridden.

Per-Location Pricing

Different prices at different locations:

  1. Edit item
  2. Enable "Price per Restaurant"
  3. Set prices for each location
ItemDowntownAirportStadium
Burger$14$18$22
Beer$7$9$12

Modifier Pricing

Add charges for modifier options:

  • Size Large — +$2.00
  • Extra Cheese — +$1.50
  • Premium Side — +$3.00

Tax Categories

Setting Up Taxes

  1. Portal → Settings → Tax Categories
  2. Create categories (Food, Alcohol, Non-taxable)
  3. Set rates per category
  4. Assign to items

Common Categories

CategoryTypical RateItems
Food8-10%Most menu items
Alcohol8-15%Beer, wine, spirits
Non-taxable0%Gift cards, delivery fees

Sales Categories

Group items for reporting:

  • Food vs Beverage
  • Appetizers vs Entrees
  • Alcohol vs Non-Alcohol

Used in reports to analyze sales mix.

Best Practices

  • Logical categories — Match how guests think
  • Consistent naming — Clear, concise item names
  • Accurate descriptions — Include allergens, dietary info
  • Updated pricing — Review quarterly

Modifier Strategy

  • Keep it simple — Too many options slow ordering
  • Group logically — Related options together
  • Price appropriately — Reflect actual cost
  • Set defaults — Speed up common orders

Multi-Menu Strategy

  • Day parts — Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner menus
  • Seasons — Summer, Winter specials
  • Events — Prix fixe, catering menus