Speed Up Order Entry: Using Auto-Selected Modifier Items 🍔⚡

When a server rings up a signature menu item—like your venue's signature House Burger—it almost always comes with a standard set of default ingredients (e.g., Medium Rare, Bacon, and Cheddar). Manually tapping every single default ingredient slows down service and increases the chance of order entry errors.

To streamline this process, NX Restaurant features Auto-Selected Modifier Items. This setting allows you to pre-program specific modifier items to automatically ring up at the POS—and pre-select them for guests using your Online Ordering surface—the exact moment the parent item is chosen.

🛠️ How It Works (With Examples)

Let's break down the configuration using a standard House Burger build to show how this functions across different types of choices:

Example 1: Enforcing Mandatory Defaults (Meat Temperature)

For items requiring a choice where one option represents your kitchen's standard preparation:

• The Rules: You require exactly 1 choice (Min: 1 / Max: 1).

• The Automation: By setting Medium Rare as an Auto-Selected Modifier Item, the system automatically rings it up.

• The POS & Online Behavior: The guest or server doesn't have to touch anything if they want the standard prep. If a different temperature is preferred, they simply select the category and change it, satisfying the layout rules instantly.

Example 2: Pre-loading Included Ingredients (Add-Ons / Toppings)

For signature items that include premium ingredients built directly into the base price:

• The Rules: The guest can choose anywhere from 1 to 5 additions (Min: 1 / Max: 5), and the first addition is included for free (Free: 1).

• The Automation: You configure Bacon and Cheddar as Auto-Selected Modifier Items.

• The POS Behavior: The moment the House Burger is tapped, both Bacon and Cheddar are instantly added to the virtual check.

  • NX applies your free rules automatically: one topping absorbs the free credit, and the second applies its standard upcharge (e.g., Cheddar ($1.00)), completely eliminating manual item math for your staff.

⚙️ How to Configure Auto-Selections in the NX Portal

You can link auto-selected items to any modifier category attached to a parent item:

1. Navigate to Configuration > Menus > Items in the NX Portal.

2. Select your parent item (e.g., House Burger).

3. Ensure Advanced Settings is toggled on at the top of the workspace.

4. Locate the modifier category card you want to automate.

5. Click into the Auto-Selected Modifier Items field and search for your default menu items. You can select one or multiple items depending on your category rules.

6. Click Save.

🌐 The Guest Experience in Online Ordering

When a guest builds an order on your Online Ordering subdomain, the guest experience is perfectly seamless:

• Pre-Selected Customization: When the guest clicks on the House Burger, the customization modal opens with the Medium Rare, Bacon, and Cheddar options already checked/selected in their browser cart.

• Clear Expectations: This immediately demonstrates to the online customer exactly how the item is prepared by default.

• Easy Modifications: If they prefer to omit an ingredient, they can simply uncheck the box (e.g., deselecting Bacon to make it a standard cheeseburger), and their cart total updates live based on your pricing rules.

📱 What You'll See at the POS

When a staff member takes an order on the floor, the speed advantage is immediate:

1. The server taps House Burger on the main menu layout grid.

2. The customization screen opens with the Add Ons, Meat Temperature, and Side Options category cards already marked with green checkmarks.

3. On the virtual check, the text list updates instantly to show the defaults pre-loaded under the main item header.

If the guest wants the burger exactly as it comes, the server simply taps Done—reducing a multi-tap customization flow down to a single button press.

Need Help? 💡

Can I use this to auto-select sides, like French Fries?

Absolutely. If an entrée automatically comes with a specific side dish unless substituted, create a "Side Options" modifier category and add your default side to the auto-select field.

What happens if a guest wants to remove an auto-selected item at the POS?

If a guest says "No bacon," the server can tap into the Add Ons category card and tap Bacon to deselect it. The system will remove the modifier from the check list instantly.

Do third-party apps like DoorDash support these auto-selections?

Yes, as long as the underlying menu sync integration is active, default options map across your digital channels to keep item builds consistent.

Still optimizing your menu layouts?

Reach out to your local NX Partner for help on optimizing your menu flow.