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

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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