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Menu Items

The sellable product on the menu. This is the crucial bridge that links a Master Product (from Layer 1) to a customer-facing price and attaches sale-specific modifier groups.

Definition​

Menu Items are the customer-facing products that appear on your menu with pricing and availability information. They represent what customers actually see and can order.

Key Characteristics​

  • Customer-facing: What appears on the actual menu
  • Priced: Each Menu Item has a specific price point
  • Bridges layers: Connects Master Products to customer experience
  • Modifier attachment point: Where customer choices are attached

Example Structure​

Menu Item: "Burger Combo"
├── Price: $12.00
├── Base Product: "Beef Patty" (Master Product)
├── Included Items: "Burger Bun", "French Fries", "Soft Drink"
└── Modifier Groups:
    ├── "Choose Your Side" (COMBO_CHOICE)
    ├── "Choose Your Drink" (COMBO_CHOICE)
    └── "Cooking Temperature" (CUSTOMIZATION - inherited from Master Product)

Relationship to Master Products​

Each Menu Item is connected to one or more Master Products, allowing for:

  • Inventory tracking: Know what ingredients are needed
  • Recipe management: Define how Master Products combine
  • Cost calculation: Calculate food cost based on Master Product costs
  • Availability control: Menu Item availability based on Master Product stock

Types of Menu Items​

Simple Items​

Direct one-to-one relationship with a Master Product:

  • Menu Item: "Coca-Cola" → Master Product: "Coca-Cola Can"

Combo Items​

Bundle multiple Master Products together:

  • Menu Item: "Burger Combo" → Master Products: "Beef Patty", "Burger Bun", "French Fries", "Soft Drink"

Customizable Items​

Items with multiple configuration options:

  • Menu Item: "Build Your Own Salad" → Various Master Products based on selections

Modifier Group Attachment​

Menu Items can have two types of modifier groups attached:

Inherited (CUSTOMIZATION)​

Automatically inherited from the Master Product:

  • If Master Product "Beef Patty" has "Cooking Temperature", all Menu Items using it inherit this group

Sale-Specific (COMBO_CHOICE)​

Added specifically for this Menu Item:

  • "Choose Your Side" for combo meals
  • "Add Extra Toppings" for pizzas

Pricing Strategy​

Menu Items are where pricing strategy is implemented:

  • Value pricing: Price based on perceived customer value
  • Cost-plus pricing: Price based on Master Product costs plus margin
  • Competitive pricing: Price based on market conditions
  • Bundle pricing: Special pricing for combo items

Best Practices​

  1. Clear naming: Use customer-friendly names that clearly communicate value
  2. Logical grouping: Organize items within appropriate categories
  3. Consistent pricing: Maintain logical price relationships across items
  4. Modifier optimization: Attach relevant modifiers that enhance the experience
  5. Regular review: Periodically review performance and adjust as needed

Implementation Considerations​

  • Menu Items should be designed with the customer journey in mind
  • Consider how items will appear in different contexts (dine-in, takeout, delivery)
  • Plan for seasonal or limited-time offerings
  • Ensure proper integration with POS and kitchen display systems