Overview

Menu Categories are used to organize menu items within a menu. Categories control how items are grouped and displayed for Customers in online ordering.


Categories live inside a menu and are required before any menu items can be added.

Menu hierarchy reminder:

  • Create a Menu

  • Add Categories to the menu

  • Add Menu Items to each category

Each menu can have multiple categories, and each category can contain unlimited menu items.


Accessing Menu Categories

  • Go to Admin

  • Select Menu Manager


  • Choose the menu you want to work with

  • Click Add Category

  • Visual cue:
    When you select a menu, category, or menu item on the left, it will highlight in orange. This indicates the active item you are currently editing or assigning to.



Creating a Menu Category

When adding a new category, complete the following fields:

  • Category Display Name: This is the name that will display to Customers and employees. Use clear, descriptive names such as Appetizers, Sandwiches, Sides, or Desserts.
  • Description or HTML Editor: Add details or a short description for the category here. You can type your own text or paste in HTML code.
  • Currently Shown At: Select the location(s) where this category should be available.
    If a location is not selected, items in this category will not appear for that location.
  • Shown to Customers: Controls whether the category is visible in Online Ordering:
    • Shown: Customers will see this category
    • Hidden: Category is internal-only for logged-in employees
  • Prep Item Category: Leave unchecked
  • Minimum Prep Time (optional): Sets a minimum preparation time for items in this category.
    This can be used to prevent short-notice orders for items that require additional lead time. Choose from minutes, hours or days in the dropdown.
  • Image: Click Choose File to upload an image that will display as the menu banner or button.
    • Image requirements: Minimum size: 912 px x 256 px. Use a clean, wide image that crops well on different screens
  • Click Save This Information


Editing or Reordering Categories

  • Categories can be edited at any time by selecting the category and clicking Edit Category

  • Categories can be reordered using drag-and-drop

  • The order of categories controls how they appear in Online Ordering

Clearing Cache

After saving menu changes, you may see a yellow notice at the top of the Menu Manager screen indicating that recent updates may not be immediately visible. This happens because some menu data is temporarily cached for performance. Click CLICK HERE to clear menu cache.


You may need to manual clear the menu cache if you:

  • Added or updated a menu, category, or menu item

  • Changed visibility, order types, or permissions

  • Updated options, extras, or toppings

  • Adjusted pricing, prep times, or availability


Important Notes

  • Categories must exist before menu items can be added

  • A menu can have multiple categories

  • Category settings apply to all items within the category

Next Steps

Once your categories are created:

  1. Add items to each category
    → Menu Manager: Add Menu Items

  2. Configure item behavior if needed:

Support

If a category isn’t appearing or you’re unsure which fields to use, CaterZen Support Center can help review your setup. 


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