Setting Up Courses: Streamlining the Flow of Service
In the fast-paced world of a restaurant, timing is everything. Whether it’s ensuring appetizers hit the table before the steaks or managing a multi-course tasting menu, the Courses setting in NX Restaurant is your primary tool for controlling the "rhythm" of a meal.
By defining Courses, you give your kitchen and floor staff a clear roadmap for every order, ensuring the right food gets to the right guest at exactly the right time.
Getting Started
To begin configuring your courses, navigate to the sidebar and select Configuration > Menus > Courses. From here, you can edit existing courses or create new ones (like Appetizers, Entrees, or Desserts).
1. Course Settings
This section defines the basic identity and behavior of the course.
Name: Give your course a clear, recognizable name (e.g., "Entrees"). This is what staff will see on the POS and what will print on kitchen tickets.
Active Toggle: Use this to enable or disable the course. If a course is seasonal or you’re reworking your flow, you can toggle it off without deleting the configuration.
-
Auto Fire: This is a game-changer for busy shifts. Enter the number of minutes you want the system to wait before automatically sending this course to the kitchen.
Example: If you set Appetizers to Auto Fire in 15 minutes, the system will hold the order and then "fire" it to the kitchen automatically, saving the server a trip back to the terminal.
2. Appearance
How a course looks on the POS screen matters. A quick visual cue helps servers navigate the order entry process faster during a rush.
Button Color & Text Color: You can customize the hex codes to match your brand or use high-contrast colors to make specific courses stand out.
Icon: Choose a relevant icon (like the
burger-lettuceicon) to provide a visual anchor for the button.
Beyond the Basics: Connecting the Dots
While you define the names and timing here, Courses interact with several other areas of the NX platform to fully automate your service:
| Feature | How it works with Courses |
|---|---|
| Areas | You can dictate which courses are available in specific areas (e.g., "Desserts" might be hidden in a Bar-only area). |
| Printing Format | Determines how the course names appear on the physical kitchen chit—making it easy for the line cooks to see what needs to be prepped next. |
| Menu Items | You will assign specific menu items to these courses (e.g., "New York Strip" gets assigned to the "Entrees" course). |
Learn More > Enabling Coursing for an Area and Printing
Pro-Tips for Success
Keep it Logical: Arrange your courses in the order they are typically served.
Use Auto Fire Judiciously: It’s great for appetizers, but use caution with entrees if your kitchen prep times vary wildly between dishes.
If you encounter any issues or have further questions, please contact your NX Support Partner for assistance.