This guide covers the complete ordering workflow from starting an order to sending it to the kitchen.

Starting an Order

Order Types

Choose the appropriate type when starting:

Type	Use Case	Special Features
Dine-In	Guests eating in restaurant	Table assignment, seat tracking
Takeout	Customer picks up	Scheduled pickup times
Delivery	Third-party or in-house delivery	Address, contact info
Bar Tab	Open tab for bar guests	Name-based, no table required

Table Assignment (Dine-In)

Select Table

Tap an available table from the floor plan, or enter table number manually.

Set Guest Count

Enter the number of guests. This helps with seat-level tracking.

Assign Server

Server is auto-assigned based on login, or choose a different server.

Adding Items

From Categories

Tap a category (Appetizers, Mains, etc.)
Browse items in that category
Tap to add to order

Using Search

Start typing to instantly filter items:

"burg" → Shows Burger, Cheeseburger, Veggie Burger
"ipa" → Shows IPA, Double IPA, Session IPA

Search matches item names, descriptions, and common abbreviations.

Quick Add vs. Modifier Prompt

Simple items (no required modifiers): Added immediately
Complex items (required modifiers): Opens modifier selection

Working with Modifiers

Required Modifiers

Items with required modifiers prompt you before adding:

Temperature — Rare, Medium Rare, Medium, etc.
Size — Small, Medium, Large
Preparation — Grilled, Fried, Steamed

Optional Modifiers

Add extras or customize:

Add-ons — Extra cheese, bacon, avocado
Substitutions — Sub fries for salad
Allergies — Note specific allergens

Special Instructions

Free-text field for kitchen notes:

"No onions, extra pickles, allergy: shellfish"

Special instructions appear prominently on KDS with allergy highlighting.

Seat-Level Ordering

For full-service restaurants, track items by seat:

Enable Seats

When starting order, set guest count. Seats numbered 1, 2, 3...

Select Seat

Before adding items, tap the seat number.

Add Items

Items assigned to selected seat automatically.

Split by Seat

At checkout, easily split check by seat assignment.

Course Management

Control when items fire to kitchen:

Hold Course

Prevent items from firing until ready:

Long-press item in order
Select Hold
Item shows "HELD" badge

Fire Course

Release held items:

Tap Fire on held items
Items send to kitchen immediately

Timed Fire

Schedule items to fire later:

Long-press item
Select Fire at Time
Set target time (e.g., 7:30 PM)

Modifying Orders

Before Sending

Edit item — Tap to change modifiers
Remove item — Swipe left or tap trash icon
Change quantity — Tap +/- buttons
Move to seat — Long-press, select new seat

After Sending

Once sent to kitchen, modifications require manager approval.

Add items — Add normally, they fire immediately
Void item — Requires PIN, records reason
Refire item — Send duplicate to kitchen

Sending to Kitchen

Send Options

Action	Effect
Send All	Fire everything to kitchen
Send Course	Fire specific course only
Hold All	Keep order open, nothing fires

What Happens

Items route to appropriate station (Grill, Fry, etc.)
KDS displays order with timer
Order status updates to "In Kitchen"
You can continue adding items

Order Status

Track where orders stand:

Status	Meaning
Open	Order in progress, not sent
In Kitchen	Items sent, being prepared
Ready	Kitchen marked complete
Served	Delivered to guest
Closed	Paid and finalized

Tips for Speed

Learn keyboard shortcuts — Number keys for quick category access
Use search — Faster than browsing for known items
Preset modifiers — Configure common combos in Portal
Batch similar orders — Add multiple of same item at once