Create modifier sets and forced choices
Build modifier sets in Settings → Modifiers for add-ons, spice levels and cooking temperatures, set prices, and link each set to menu items.
About 20 minutes · updated
- 1List the choices Write down the questions servers ask for each dish, such as spice level, temperature, sides and extras.
- 2Open Settings → Modifiers Go to Settings → Modifiers and add a new modifier set with a clear name.
- 3Add options and prices Add each option to the set and enter its price, or zero if it is free.
- 4Link the set to products Choose the menu items that use this set so the options appear when a server adds them.
- 5Agree the forced choices Decide which sets servers must always answer, and train the team to pick one every time.
- 6Test on the POS screen Add a linked item on the POS screen, pick options and check the price and kitchen ticket.
What you’ll do: You will build modifier sets in Settings → Modifiers for the questions servers ask on every order. Then you will link each set to the right menu items so the kitchen gets clear, complete tickets.
Before you start
- Add your menu items first. See import your menu from a CSV.
- Ask your head chef for the standard choices on each dish.
- Know which add-ons cost extra and how much.
Steps
- List the choices. For each dish, write down the questions a server asks. Group them:
- Choose one: steak temperature, spice level, side dish.
- Add-ons: extra cheese, add avocado, double shot.
- Remove: no onion, sauce on the side.
- Open Settings → Modifiers. Go to Settings → Modifiers and add a new modifier set. Name it the way the kitchen says it, such as “Steak temp” or “Spice level”. The name helps staff find it; keep it short.
- Add options and prices. Add each option in the set. Enter a price for paid add-ons and zero for free ones. Put options in the order servers say them, for example rare, medium rare, medium, well done.
- Link the set to products. Choose every menu item that uses this set. When a server adds one of those items on the POS screen, the options appear straight away.
- Agree the forced choices. Some questions must always be answered, like steak temperature. Keep these in their own small sets, link them only to the items that need them, and make “always pick one” part of pre-shift training.
- Test on the POS screen. Add a linked item to a test order. Pick options, check the price changes for paid add-ons, and send it to the kitchen screen to see how it reads.
Tips from the onboarding team
- One question per set. “Steak temp” and “Steak sides” as two sets is clearer than one long list.
- Write options for the cook, not the guest. “No onion” beats “Hold the alliums”.
- Reuse sets. One “Spice level” set can cover every curry, noodle and wing on the menu.
- Price add-ons, do not discount removals. Removing an ingredient is normally free; adding one has a price.
- Check the online store. Linked modifiers help guests order the same way online. See publish your online store.
- More ideas on our modifiers feature page.
If something goes wrong
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Options do not appear when I add the item | The set is not linked to that product. Link it in Settings → Modifiers or on the product. |
| The add-on did not change the price | The option price is zero. Edit the option and enter the price. |
| Servers skip the steak temperature | Move it to its own small set, link it only to steaks, and train servers to answer it every time. |
| The kitchen ticket is hard to read | Shorten option names and keep one question per set. |
| An old option still shows | Edit the set and remove the option, then check the items that use it. |
Related help
Questions about this step
Onboarding desk · usually replies within a business day
What is a modifier set?
A named group of options that change an item, such as Spice level: mild, medium, hot. You build it once and link it to every item that needs it.
What is a forced choice?
A question the server must answer before the order goes to the kitchen, such as steak temperature. Build it as its own small set, link it only to the items that need it, and make answering it part of your service standard.
Can a modifier cost extra?
Yes. Each option has its own price. Use zero for free options like no onion, and a price for paid add-ons like extra cheese.
Can one set be used on many items?
Yes. Link the same set to as many products as you like. Changing an option price updates it everywhere.
Should allergies be modifiers?
Common requests like no nuts can be modifier options so they print clearly. Always confirm serious allergies with the kitchen in person as well.