Restaurant terms, explained simply

What is a KOT? (Kitchen order ticket) A kitchen order ticket: the slip or screen that tells the kitchen what to cook. Read the meaning → What is a KDS? (Kitchen display system) A kitchen display: a screen in the kitchen that shows orders instead of paper slips. Read the meaning → What is a running order? A table order that is still open, with dishes added before the final bill. Read the meaning → What is a menu modifier? (Add-ons and options) An option on a dish, like spice level or extra cheese, free or at a price. Read the meaning → What is a thermal printer? (Bill and KOT printer) The small printer that prints bills and KOTs on heat-sensitive paper, without ink. Read the meaning →

What is a POS system? (Point of sale) The software you use to take orders, print bills and record every sale. Read the meaning → GST on restaurant bills: what owners should know How GST shows on a restaurant bill, and what to set up in your billing software. Read the meaning → UPI payments for restaurants How customers pay by UPI, and how to record it on the bill. Read the meaning →

What is QR ordering? How table QR menus work Guests scan a QR on the table, see your menu on their phone and order. Read the meaning → What is direct ordering? Customers order from your own link or QR, not through a delivery app. Read the meaning → What is delivery app commission? How to work it out What food delivery apps take from each order, and how to work it out. Read the meaning → What is table management? Keeping track of tables, areas, who is seated and which orders are open. Read the meaning →

What is food cost percentage? Formula and example How much of each sale goes on ingredients, and how to work it out. Read the meaning → What is average order value (AOV)? The average amount per bill, and simple ways to raise it. Read the meaning → What is table turnover rate? How many times a table is used in a meal service. Read the meaning → What are covers in a restaurant? The number of guests served, the way restaurants count footfall. Read the meaning → What is menu engineering? The four types of dishes Sorting dishes by how well they sell and how much they earn. Read the meaning →

What is a cloud kitchen? (Delivery-only kitchen) A delivery-only kitchen with no seating for guests. Read the meaning → What is a QSR? (Quick service restaurant) A quick service restaurant: counter orders, a small menu and fast service. Read the meaning → What is inventory management for restaurants? Tracking what stock you have, what you used and what to buy. Read the meaning → What is recipe management? Linking each dish to the ingredients it uses, so you know what it costs. Read the meaning → What is an FSSAI licence for restaurants? The food-safety registration every food business in India must hold. Read the meaning →