Overview

Running a restaurant is like conducting an orchestra; everyone needs to hit their notes at the right time. Toast’s Food Running Fulfillment Technology is a game changer for keeping your front-of-house team in sync, especially during those wild rushes. Below, we’ll walk through 5 simple steps to set up and use this feature, with tips and analogies to make it a bit easier to understand. Let’s dive in.

Tip: Think of this step like flipping on the lights in your restaurant before opening. It’s the simple switch that sets everything in motion. 

Now, let’s map out your restaurant. In the Toast POS, go to the Floor Plan section and make sure your dining areas (like main dining, patio, or pickup counter) are clearly defined. You can drag and drop tables to match your real-life setup. Next, assign your runners to specific areas or tables. You can do this manually or let Toast’s system suggest assignments based on your staff’s schedules.

Analogy: This is like setting up a board game before playing. You’re organizing the pieces (tables and runners) so everyone knows where to go when the game (service) starts. If your restaurant’s layout changes often, perhaps for events, save a couple of floor plan templates to switch between them easily.

Time to get your team on board! The Food Running Dashboard is a new screen on your Toast Go handhelds or terminals that shows runners exactly where each order needs to go. Gather your staff for a quick 15-minute training session. Show them how to open the dashboard, check pending orders, and mark when food is delivered. Let them practice with a mock order or two. It’s easier than it sounds!

Tip: Think of the dashboard like a GPS for food delivery. 

Once you’re up and running, use the Food Running Dashboard to keep an eye on order status. During service, the dashboard shows which orders are ready in the kitchen, who’s assigned to run them, and whether they’ve been delivered. If things get hectic, you can reassign runners or prioritize orders right from the screen. Check it periodically from a Toast terminal or your phone if you’re using the Toast Manager app.

Analogy: This is like being the air traffic controller of your restaurant. You’re watching the planes (orders) take off and land, making sure nothing crashes during the rush. If you notice a delay, like food sitting too long, jump in and reassign it to keep the flow smooth.

After a few shifts, head to the Reports section in your Toast POS to check out the Food Running Analytics. This shows you how fast orders are getting to tables, which runners are crushing it, and where bottlenecks might be happening. Use this info to tweak your setup…maybe reassign runners to busier sections or adjust your floor plan for better flow. It’s like getting a report card that helps you make your restaurant even better.

Tip: Think of these analytics like a recipe for your operations. They tell you what’s working and what needs a pinch more effort. Set aside 10 minutes at the end of the week to review this data. It’s a small time investment for big improvements.

Toast’s Food Running Fulfillment Technology is like an expert facilitator, helping your team stay organized and deliver orders with a smile, even on the busiest nights. By following these 5 steps, you’ll reduce mix-ups, speed up service, and keep your guests coming back for more. Log into your Toast POS today and activate this feature, or reach out to Toast Support here for a helping hand—you’ve got this!