How to Add a New Menu Item

Adding a new item to your menu in Table Needs takes just a few minutes. You'll set up the basics, like name, price, photo, and then connect it to your categories, modifiers, and other associations so it's ready to order right away. Watch the walkthrough below, then follow the step-by-step guide underneath.

Open the Menu Dashboard

1. From the left side menu, tap Menu.
2. Choose the menu you want to make changes to (for example, your in-house menu versus your online ordering menu).
3. This opens your main menu dashboard. From here you can view and manage your categories, menu items, modifiers, availability, destinations, labels, taxes, and even import a brand new menu.

Add a New Menu Item

1. Tap Menu Items to see everything you currently offer. You can toggle between tile format, line listing, or spreadsheet view — whatever works best for you.
2. Tap New Menu Item to open the item setup screen.

Fill In the Basics

1. Enter the item name (for example, Cinnamon Bagel).
2. Enter the price (for example, $2.50).
3. Add a description so customers know what they're getting.
4. Upload a photo or any media to show off the item.
5. Add any variations if the item comes in different sizes, colors, or options.
6. Enter any inventory and tracking information as needed.
7. Toggle your display settings to control how the item appears.

Set Up Associations

This is where you connect your new item to everything that makes ordering, reporting, and kitchen flow work smoothly.

1. Categories — Choose which category the item belongs to (for example, Bagels) and slide it over.
2. Modifiers — Select from your available modifier groups. These are the choices that pop up when someone orders this item (for example, Bagel Style and Schmear for a bagel).
3. Availability — Set when the item is available if it's limited to certain hours or day parts (for example, your normal store hours).
4. Destinations — Choose where the order goes in your kitchen when someone orders it (for example, Expo).
5. Labels — Add any labels for allergens or dietary notes your customers should see.
6. Taxes — Assign the correct tax rates for the item.

Save and Go

1. Once everything looks good — name, price, categories, modifiers, and all your associations — tap Save. The item is automatically added to your menu and ready to order.

Tips

• Set up your modifier groups, categories, and destinations before adding new items. It makes the process much faster since you can just select from what's already there.
• Use the description field to highlight what makes the item special. Customers see this when ordering online.
• Double-check your associations before saving. Getting the right modifiers and destination on the first pass saves you from editing later.