This is the first article in a series explaining how to build Kitchen Production Formulas for menu items. In this article, we'll walk through creating a formula for a simple menu item: chocolate chip cookies.


If someone orders 10 chocolate chip cookies on an order, you will need the Prep Report to let your kitchen know to prepare 10 chocolate chip cookies for that order. If 72 chocolate chip cookies are ordered, then your kitchen needs to know to prepare 72 cookies.


Understanding Kitchen Production Formulas

When an order includes 10 chocolate chip cookies, the Prep Report must direct the kitchen to prepare exactly 10 cookies. If an order calls for 72 cookies, the report should specify 72 cookies.


This is an example of a simple menu item because it involves only one prep item—chocolate chip cookies—with no options or modifiers. The menu item name itself provides all the necessary information.


Step 1: Access Kitchen Production Settings

To create the formula for this simple menu item, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the ADMIN tab.
  2. Scroll down to the KITCHEN AND PRODUCTION section.
  3. Click on the CONFIGURE KITCHEN PRODUCTION REPORT SETTINGS bubble.
  4. Select the BUILD A KITCHEN PRODUCTION REPORT link.


Step 2: Select Your Menu Item

  1. Locate the dropdown menu to the right of PLEASE SELECT A MENU ITEM.
  2. Click the dropdown to display a list of all your menu items.
  3. Select the menu item for which you want to build a formula.
    • For this example, we choose Chocolate Chip Cookies.




Step 3: Edit the Formula

  1. Once you’ve selected the menu item look for the blue bar labeled GENERAL PREP ITEMS.
  2. Click this bar. It will turn orange, indicating it's active.
  3. Click the blue ADD FORMULA button to begin building your kitchen production formula.


Step 4: Understanding the Formula

  1. A lightbox will appear with fields to complete the formula.

  2. The formula builder is structured as a simple word problem:

    I would like ______ (Quantity) ______ (Units) unit of measure of (Prep Item) For Every: ______ ordered.

  3. For our chocolate chip cookie formula:

    • Prep Item: Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Quantity: 1
    • Units: Each
    • For Every: 1 ordered

  4. It’s recommended to write out your formula in this format beforehand to ensure accuracy.


NOTE: Do not worry about the blue boxes labeled Manage Inventory Items and Manage Pull Sheet Items. These are part of another lesson.


Step 5: Select the Prep Item

  1. Use the dropdown box labeled PLEASE CHOOSE to select the prep item.
    • The item must fall under the Prep Items heading and have (Prep) at the end. 
    • For example, select Chocolate Chip Cookies (Prep)
  2. If the prep item doesn’t exist:
    • Click the blue Prep Item button to the right of Add new:.
    • Enter the name of the prep item in the blank box and click SAVE.
NOTE: Check the dropdown first to avoid creating duplicate prep items.                 


Step 6: Build the Formula

  1. In the Qty box, enter the number of units of the prep item needed.
    • For example, enter 1 since we need 1 cookie for every 1 ordered


      2. Tab over to the Units box.


Step 7: Choose or Create Units of Measure

  1. A dropdown will appear with your ingredient Units of Measure. You can:
    • Select a unit already in the system, or
    • Create a new unit by typing its name into the Create a New Ingredient Unit box and clicking SAVE.
  2. If needed, you can create units like Trays for items prepped by the tray.
  3. For this example, select Each, as it best describes how we want the cookies prepped.


Step 8: Define Quantity for Every Ordered

  1. Enter a number in the For every ( ) ordered box.
    • The default is 1, meaning 1 prep item per 1 ordered.
  2. Adjust the formula if needed for overages, e.g.:
    • 1.1 Each Chocolate Chip Cookies (Prep) for every 1 ordered to account for extra cookies.
    • 110 Each Chocolate Chip Cookies (Prep) for every 100 ordered for bulk calculations.

This formula format was created to help you calculate formulas without being an expert at decimals. For instance, you may calculate an overage on cookies in case one falls or someone would like another one.


Step 9: Rounding Factor

  • Choose whether to round up, down, or not at all (useful for whole numbers).


Step 10: Prep Station

  • Assign the station responsible for prepping the item.
  • To create a new station, enter its name in the pop up box under Create a New Station and click SAVE.


 

Step 11: Food Prep Category:

  • Categorize the item by entering a category name or selecting from the list.
  • You can create your own Food Categories by entering the name of the category in the empty box and hitting the SAVE button (red outlined box). Once created created, the Prep Station will always be available as a choice (green box). You will just click on the Prep Station box you want to use.
  • Use the arrows to arrange categories in order for reports.


Step 11: Labels:

  • (address labels printable in the Reports Section) For example, enter 30 if 1 label should be printed for every 30 cookies. Define how many labels to print based on prep quantity. 
  • If 29 cookies are to be prepped, you still will get one label. If 31 cookies are to be prepped, then you will get two labels.


Step 12: Finalize and Save

  1. Double-check your formula to ensure all fields are complete.
  2. Click the blue SAVE button to save your formula.


Step 13: Review Your Formula

  1. Your completed formula will appear under the orange General Prep Items bar.
  2. Confirm its accuracy before proceeding.