Kitchen Guide (Back-of-House)

Use the Kitchen Display System (KDS) to see orders, update item statuses, and work with your station efficiently.

Your Role

As kitchen staff, you receive orders on the KDS, prepare items by station and course, mark items in progress or completed, and handle holds and voids. Orders come from the Restaurant POS and from guests ordering via the Consumer PWA at the table.

Opening the KDS

Go to Restaurant → Kitchen in the left sidebar
Select your Kitchen Station if you have multiple (e.g. Grill, Fryer, Cold)
Orders and items for your station appear on the display

Station Filter

If you only work one station, keep that station selected so you see only the items that belong to you.

Understanding Orders

Each order shows:

Ticket number - Reference for the order
Order type - Dine-in, Takeaway, or Delivery
Guest count and optional guest name
Table - For dine-in, which table
Order status - New, Sent, In Progress, Completed, Served
Special instructions - Allergies, preferences, notes

Each line item shows the menu item, quantity, modifiers, course (e.g. Appetizer, Main), and item status.

Item Statuses

Move items through these statuses as you work:

Pending - Not yet started
Held - Item is on hold until fired (not yet sent to kitchen)
Fired - Sent to kitchen; ready to start
In Progress - You are preparing it
Completed - Done; ready to run or serve
Voided - Cancelled; void reason recorded

Hold Until Fired

Some items are marked Hold Until Fired. They do not appear on the KDS until someone fires them (e.g. server fires when the table is ready for that course). When you see them, start prepping.

Daily Tasks

When an Order Arrives

Check ticket number and table (or order type)
Read special instructions and modifiers
Mark items In Progress as you start them
Mark items Completed when ready to run

Voiding an Item

If an item must be cancelled (wrong order, guest change, 86), void it and enter a Void Reason. Voids are logged for accuracy and reporting.

Rush and Priority

Orders may show rush or priority. Work them in the order your manager or expeditor specifies. The KDS shows order and item timestamps so you can see how long something has been waiting.

Stations and Prep

Menu items can have a Default Prep Station. Those items route to that station on the KDS. If you work a station, you will see items that belong to your station. Estimated prep time is shown for planning; update status so the floor knows when items are ready.

Learn More

Full KDS and station setup: Restaurant POS and Kitchen (KDS).

Tips for Success

Read special instructions first - Allergies and preferences are critical
Update status as you go - In Progress and Completed keep the floor informed
Void with a reason - Always enter a void reason for accuracy
Fire held items at the right time - Coordinate with servers on course timing
Ask your manager - For unclear modifiers or expediting decisions