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      2. Bars and Restaurants
      3. SmartMenus

      Menu Schedule

      This feature is useful for managing lunch specials, late-night menus, and other time-sensitive offerings.


      The Menu Schedule feature allows users to set up and automate menu changes based on specific time frames, ensuring that the correct menu items and pricing are displayed at the right times. 

      Setting Up a Scheduled Menu

      • Choose a Menu Type

        • Select whether the schedule will be based on categories or pricing tiers.

          • This selection does not need to be made first, but can help when configuring the other settings.

      • Select a Date Range

        • A date range is required for the scheduled menu to be active.

        • Choose the specific days of the week the schedule should apply. If it applies every day, this step can be skipped.

      • Define Time Periods

        • Specify start and end times for when the scheduled menu should be active.

        • The system recognizes time zones based on ZIP codes, so the schedule adjusts accordingly for each location.

        • Select between Daypart or Time period
           
          • Daypart - part of a day when special menu prices are to be displayed
            • Example: Brunch Specials are Sat-Sun 11am-3pm
          • Time Period - Longer period of time when special menu prices are to be displayed continuously
            • Example: Bike Week specials Monday-Friday 10am – close (the following date)

      • Organize Menu Categories

        • Arrange the order of menu categories to determine how they appear during the active schedule by clicking the pencil icon and placing a number. 

          • If no sorting is applied, the default order remains.

        • If pop-up menus (e.g., for sauces) are used, they must maintain the same relative order; otherwise, they will not appear.

      • Activate the Schedule

        • Once configured, click Create, confirm the settings, and activate the schedule.

        • The schedule applies automatically to all locations that have the designated categories.

      Things to Do and Not Do

      Do:

      • Always select a date range to ensure the schedule is active.

      • Confirm the time zone settings to prevent unexpected activation times.

      • Ensure category sorting is correct, especially for pop-up menus, to avoid breaking menu functionality.

      • Test schedules on a limited location basis before rolling them out to all locations.

      Don't:

      • Forget to select a menu type first (categories or pricing tiers), as this determines the configuration path.

      • Rearrange pop-up menu items incorrectly, as this can cause them to disappear from the schedule.

      • Assume the schedule will apply only to selected locations—in some cases, it may activate for all locations.

      • Use the price tier feature for draft and bottled beer, as these are not currently supported.

      Example Use Cases

      • Lunch Specials: Activate a lunch menu from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM on weekdays.

      • Brunch Menus: Enable a special brunch menu only on weekends.

      • Late-Night Pricing: Implement discounted pricing for select items from 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM.

      Additional Notes

      • If a scheduled menu includes a temporary price change, ensure that all affected locations are included in the pricing tier configuration.

      • Changes to an active schedule may require reactivation to take effect properly.

      • If a menu does not appear as expected, verify that the category settings and pop-up menus are correctly assigned.

      • Once the set time periods are over, the menu reverts to its regular pricing

      The Menu Schedule feature is a powerful tool for managing dynamic menus and time-sensitive pricing. By following best practices and being aware of limitations, users can effectively streamline their menu operations.