Skip to main content

Collections

A flexible, thematic grouping used for marketing, promotions, and dynamic interactions. Collections exist outside the main menu structure and serve as powerful tools for merchandising and customer engagement.

Definition​

Collections are dynamic groupings of Menu Items that can span across multiple Categories and even multiple Menus. They provide a way to create special presentations, promotions, and curated experiences without disrupting the core menu structure.

Key Characteristics​

  • Cross-category: Can include items from different Categories
  • Cross-menu: Can include items from different Menus
  • Marketing-focused: Designed for promotions and special presentations
  • Dynamic: Can be easily created, modified, or retired
  • Flexible: Items can belong to multiple Collections simultaneously

Common Use Cases​

Promotional Collections​

  • "Happy Hour Specials" - Discounted items during specific hours
  • "Buy One Get One Free" - Items eligible for BOGO promotions
  • "New Arrivals" - Recently added menu items
  • "Limited Time Offers" - Seasonal or temporary items

Thematic Collections​

  • "Spicy Dishes" - All items with heat levels
  • "Vegetarian Options" - Plant-based menu items
  • "Gluten-Free Choices" - Items safe for gluten-sensitive customers
  • "Chef's Recommendations" - Curated selections by the chef

Experiential Collections​

  • "Date Night Specials" - Romantic dinner options
  • "Kids Favorites" - Child-friendly menu items
  • "Quick Bites" - Fast preparation items
  • "Comfort Food" - Hearty, traditional dishes

Occasion-Based Collections​

  • "Birthday Celebrations" - Special items for birthdays
  • "Game Day Menu" - Sports viewing food and drinks
  • "Breakfast All Day" - Breakfast items available anytime
  • "Late Night Menu" - Items available after regular hours

Benefits and Applications​

Marketing and Merchandising​

  • Featured placement: Highlight specific items prominently
  • Cross-selling: Group complementary items together
  • Seasonal promotions: Create time-sensitive collections
  • Brand storytelling: Curate items that support brand narrative

Customer Experience​

  • Simplified discovery: Help customers find what they're looking for
  • Personalized recommendations: Show relevant items based on preferences
  • Special occasions: Create memorable experiences for events
  • Dietary filtering: Easy access to items meeting specific dietary needs

Operational Benefits​

  • Inventory management: Promote items that need to move
  • Kitchen efficiency: Group items with similar prep requirements
  • Staff training: Highlight items staff should recommend
  • Performance tracking: Monitor success of grouped promotions

Implementation Examples​

"Staff Picks" Collection​

Collection: "Staff Picks"
├── "Truffle Mac and Cheese" (from Appetizers)
├── "Ribeye Steak" (from Steaks & Grills)
├── "Chocolate Lava Cake" (from Desserts)
└── "Craft Beer Flight" (from Beverages)

"Gluten-Free Options" Collection​

Collection: "Gluten-Free Options"
├── "Grilled Salmon Salad" (from Salads)
├── "Quinoa Power Bowl" (from Healthy Options)
├── "Gluten-Free Pizza" (from Pizza)
└── "Fresh Fruit Parfait" (from Desserts)

Collection Properties​

Basic Properties​

  • Name: Customer-facing collection title
  • Description: Brief explanation of the collection theme
  • Display Order: Priority for presentation
  • Active Status: Can be enabled/disabled

Visual Properties​

  • Banner Image: Hero image for the collection
  • Icon: Small graphic identifier
  • Color Theme: Consistent visual styling
  • Layout Style: How items are presented within the collection

Behavioral Properties​

  • Time Restrictions: When the collection is available
  • Location Restrictions: Which locations can use this collection
  • Customer Restrictions: VIP-only or loyalty program collections
  • Inventory Dependencies: Hide collection if key items unavailable

Best Practices​

Strategic Planning​

  1. Clear purpose: Each collection should have a specific goal
  2. Limited quantity: Don't overwhelm with too many collections
  3. Regular review: Evaluate performance and relevance periodically
  4. Seasonal rotation: Update collections to stay fresh and relevant

Content Curation​

  1. Quality over quantity: Include only the best items for the theme
  2. Balanced selection: Offer variety within the collection
  3. Price range consideration: Include options for different budgets
  4. Availability assurance: Ensure featured items are consistently available

Presentation Guidelines​

  1. Compelling names: Use engaging, descriptive collection titles
  2. Visual consistency: Maintain cohesive styling across collections
  3. Clear descriptions: Help customers understand the collection theme
  4. Strategic placement: Position collections prominently in the interface

Performance Monitoring​

  1. Track engagement: Monitor how often collections are viewed/ordered from
  2. A/B testing: Experiment with different collection compositions
  3. Customer feedback: Gather input on collection relevance and appeal
  4. Sales impact: Measure the effect on overall sales and specific item performance

Technical Considerations​

  • Collections should be easy to create and modify without technical intervention
  • Items can belong to multiple collections simultaneously
  • Collection membership should not affect item availability in regular categories
  • System should support automated collection updates based on rules (e.g., "New items automatically added to 'New Arrivals' for 30 days")

Collections provide the flexibility to create dynamic, engaging menu presentations while maintaining the structural integrity of the core menu system.