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Modifier Groups

Modifier Groups are collections of choices that allow customers to customize their orders. They come in two distinct types, each serving different purposes in the menu architecture.

Types of Modifier Groups​

CUSTOMIZATION Type​

Groups that represent an inherent property of a Master Product. These cannot exist on their own and are intrinsically linked to the product they modify.

Characteristics:​

  • Product-bound: Always attached to a specific Master Product
  • Inherent properties: Represent natural variations of the base product
  • Automatically inherited: Any Menu Item using the Master Product gets these modifiers
  • Operational focus: Often relate to preparation methods or intrinsic qualities

Examples:​

  • "Cooking Temperature" for "Beef Patty" Master Product
    • Options: "Rare", "Medium Rare", "Medium", "Medium Well", "Well Done"
  • "Grind Size" for "Coffee Bean" Master Product
    • Options: "Coarse", "Medium", "Fine", "Extra Fine"
  • "Spice Level" for "Chicken Wing" Master Product
    • Options: "Mild", "Medium", "Hot", "Extra Hot"

COMBO_CHOICE Type​

Groups that represent separate, bundled items that are part of a larger meal or deal. These are attached to Menu Items rather than Master Products.

Characteristics:​

  • Menu Item-bound: Attached to specific Menu Items
  • Bundle components: Represent items included in combos or sets
  • Choice-driven: Customer selects from available options
  • Value-focused: Often used to create perceived value in combo meals

Examples:​

  • "Choose Your Side" for "Burger Combo" Menu Item
    • Options: "French Fries", "Onion Rings", "Side Salad", "Coleslaw"
  • "Select Your Drink" for "Lunch Special" Menu Item
    • Options: "Coca-Cola", "Sprite", "Orange Juice", "Coffee"
  • "Pick Your Protein" for "Build Your Bowl" Menu Item
    • Options: "Grilled Chicken", "Beef", "Tofu", "Salmon"

Modifier Options​

Individual choices within a Modifier Group. Each option can have:

Basic Properties​

  • Name: Customer-facing display name
  • Description: Optional detailed description
  • Price Modifier: Additional cost (positive, negative, or zero)
  • Availability: Can be enabled/disabled independently

Advanced Properties​

  • Master Product Reference: For COMBO_CHOICE options, reference to the actual Master Product
  • Trigger Groups: Can reveal additional modifier groups (see Conditional Logic)
  • Inventory Impact: How selecting this option affects inventory

Selection Rules​

Single Selection​

Most modifier groups allow only one choice:

  • Cooking temperature: Customer can only choose one temperature
  • Side dish: Customer selects one side from the combo

Multiple Selection​

Some groups allow multiple choices:

  • Pizza toppings: Customer can select multiple toppings
  • Salad add-ons: Customer can choose several additional items

Required vs Optional​

  • Required: Customer must make a selection (e.g., cooking temperature for steak)
  • Optional: Customer can skip this modifier group (e.g., extra toppings)

Conditional Logic​

Advanced feature where selecting certain modifier options can trigger the display of additional modifier groups.

How It Works​

  1. A Modifier Option contains a triggersModifierGroup property
  2. When selected, it reveals a previously hidden modifier group
  3. Creates a guided, intelligent ordering experience

Example Flow​

  1. Customer orders "Burger Combo"
  2. In "Choose Your Side" group, they select "Side Salad"
  3. This triggers the "Choose Salad Dressing" group to appear
  4. If they had selected "French Fries" instead, no dressing options would show

Benefits​

  • Cleaner interface: Only show relevant options
  • Guided experience: Lead customers through logical choices
  • Reduced complexity: Avoid overwhelming customers with too many options at once

Best Practices​

For CUSTOMIZATION Groups​

  1. Focus on product properties: Only include inherent characteristics
  2. Default selections: Consider which option should be pre-selected
  3. Clear descriptions: Use terms customers understand
  4. Logical ordering: Arrange options in a sensible sequence

For COMBO_CHOICE Groups​

  1. Value perception: Include options that enhance perceived value
  2. Balanced choices: Offer options at similar value levels
  3. Popular items: Include customer favorites as options
  4. Upsell opportunities: Consider premium options with price modifiers

General Guidelines​

  1. Limit choices: Too many options can overwhelm customers
  2. Clear naming: Use descriptive, customer-friendly names
  3. Consistent pricing: Maintain logical price relationships
  4. Test user experience: Regularly review the ordering flow
  5. Monitor performance: Track which options are most/least popular

Implementation Notes​

Modifier Groups are crucial for creating flexible, customer-friendly ordering experiences while maintaining operational efficiency. They should be designed with both customer experience and kitchen operations in mind.