Overview

Menu Item Add-Ons allow Customers and employees to customize menu items during order entry. Add-ons live inside a menu item and are used to offer choices, upgrades, and modifications.

CaterZen supports three types of add-ons:

  • Options

  • Extras

  • Toppings

Each type behaves differently and should be used intentionally.

Before creating add-ons:

Add-ons cannot exist on their own — they must be attached to a menu item.

Menu Add-On Hierarchy

Menu → Category → Menu Item → Add-Ons (Options, Extras, Toppings)

Add-ons inherit visibility, location, and order type rules from the menu item they belong to.


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.

Accessing Menu Item Add-Ons

  • Go to Admin

  • Select Menu Manager

  • Choose the menu

  • Select the category and menu item

From here, you will see tabs for Options, Extras, and Toppings.

OPTIONS

Creating an Option

Options are used when a Customer must make a structured selection.

Steps

  • Click the Options tab

  • Click Create New Option

Option Settings

Option Name

Enter a clear name that explains what the Customer is choosing.
Examples: Choose a Side, Box Lunch Sandwich Choice

Show Percentages (optional)

Enable this if Customers should select percentage-based amounts.
Example: 25% Green Beans / 75% Mashed Potatoes

Show Quantity Fields (optional)

Enable this if Customers need to define quantities for each choice.
Example:
20 Boxed Lunches
– 10 Turkey
– 5 Roast Beef
– 5 Vegetarian

For advanced quantity rules, see:

Option Choices

For each choice:

  • Enter the Option Choice Name

  • Add a Price Value if the choice costs extra

  • Enter Half Pizza Pricing (if applicable)

  • Mark a Pre-Selected Choice if desired (only one per option)

  • Click I need more option choice boxes to add more choices

  • Click Save This Information


Assigning an Option to a Menu Item

Creating an option does not automatically attach it to a menu item.

Steps

  • Click the menu item on the left (it will highlight in orange)

  • Click the Options tab under the menu item (left side)

  • Locate the option on the right side

  • Drag the option into the Options box under the menu item

  • The option is now assigned.

Configuring Option Multiplicity (Advanced)

If an option needs special selection behavior:

  • Click the assigned option under the menu item

  • Select the Multiplicity tab

  • Choose the appropriate settings

  • Click Save

For details, see:
→ Menu Options: Multiplicity Settings for Options


EXTRAS

Creating an Extra

Extras are optional add-ons that often include an additional charge.

Steps

  • Click the Extras tab

  • Click Create New Extra

Extra Settings

  • Extra Name

  • Price (if applicable)

  • Half Topping Price (if applicable)

  • Pre-Checked (optional)

  • Extra Group (optional)

  • Click Save


Assigning an Extra to a Menu Item

Steps

  • Select the menu item on the left

  • Click the Extras tab under the menu item

  • Drag the extra from the right into the Extras box on the left

TOPPINGS

Creating a Topping

Toppings are simple selections and cannot include pricing.

If a topping needs to add cost, create it as an Extra instead.

Steps

  • Click the Toppings tab

  • Click Create New Topping

Topping Settings

  • Topping Name

  • Pre-Checked (optional)

  • Click Save This Information


Assigning a Topping to a Menu Item

Steps

  • Select the menu item on the left

  • Click the Toppings tab under the menu item

  • Drag the topping from the right into the Toppings box on the left


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

  • Add-ons must be created first, then assigned

  • Drag-and-drop is required

  • Changes apply immediately

  • Advanced behavior is configured through linked articles

Advanced Add-On Behavior

Add-ons can be configured with advanced rules depending on your needs. These features are covered in separate articles and should be used intentionally.

Advanced features include:

Refer to the related articles below for step-by-step configuration.

Support

If you have questions or you’re unsure which fields to use, CaterZen Support Center can help review your setup. 


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