GlossaryRestaurant Operations
Modifier
Also called: item modifier, add-on
What is Modifier?
A modifier is a customisation attached to an item at ordering — extra cheese, no onion, medium spice, a larger size. Modifiers may be free or priced, and priced ones carry their own cost.
Why Modifier matters
Modifiers are where accuracy and margin quietly leak. Free add-ons with real ingredient cost erode plate margin, and unrecorded preferences are a leading cause of remakes.
How Modifier works in practice
Define modifiers in the menu structure with their own cost and price rather than as free-text notes, so both the kitchen ticket and the cost report reflect them.
Frequently asked questions
Anything with meaningful ingredient cost should be, even at a token price, or it drifts into a default expectation.