How to add a restaurant menu using the regular catalog

Last updated

12 February 2025

Overview

The regular catalog lets you create and manage restaurant menus in three formats: PDF catalog, linked catalog, and manual catalog. This flexibility helps ensure that guests can easily access the restaurant’s offerings, whether through a static document, an external webpage, or an interactive experience within the app.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for setting up each type of menu, so you can choose the best format based on your restaurant’s needs.

Before getting started

Before adding a menu, make sure you:

• Have access to Content > Facilities > Restaurants in the CMS.
• Decide whether to use a PDF catalog, a linked catalog or a manual catalog (interactive format).
• Prepare all the necessary details in advance: menu names, product descriptions, images, prices, and any variations (e.g., portion sizes).
• Have the PDF file or link ready if using an external menu.

Step-by-step guide

Option 1: Uploading a PDF menu

1. Navigate to Content > Facilities > Restaurants.
2. Select the restaurant and click Edit.
3. Go to the Catalog tab.
4. Click Add catalog.
5. Choose an icon and enter the menu name.
   • Click the flag icon to add translations for different languages.
6. Select PDF catalog.
7. Type a name for the file and upload it by clicking Browse. Add one file per language, if needed, by clicking the flag icon.
   • The file should not exceed 5 MB.
8. If you want the PDF to open in a browser instead of the app, check Open catalog in browser.
9. Click Save changes.

Previewing a PDF menu

1. Click the flag icon next to the menu name.
2. Click the Preview button next to each language menu.
3. A new window will open displaying the menu.

Replacing a PDF menu

To replace an existing PDF menu:

1. Click the flag icon next to the menu name.
2. Click the red X icon to delete the old PDF, and click Confirm.
3. Upload the new PDF file following the same steps as above.
4. Click Save changes.

Deleting a PDF menu

1. Click the flag icon next to the menu name.
2. Click the red X icon to remove the PDF for each language, and click Confirm.
3. Click Save changes.

Option 2: Adding a linked menu

1. Navigate to Content > Facilities > Restaurants.
2. Select the restaurant and click Edit.
3. Go to the Catalog tab.
4. Click Add catalog.
5. Choose an icon and enter the menu name.
   • Click the flag icon to add translations for different languages.
6. Select Linked catalog.
7. Type a name for the link and then paste the URL. Add one link per language, if needed, by clicking the flag icon.
8. If you want the link to open in a browser instead of the app, check Open URL in browser.
9. Click Save changes.

Replacing a linked menu

To replace an existing linked menu:

1. Click the flag icon next to the URL link.
2. Select the text and remove it.
3. Paste the new link. Then, click Confirm.
4. Click Save changes.

Deleting a linked menu

1. Click the flag icon next to the URL link.
2. Select the text and remove it. Then, click Confirm.
3. Click Save changes.

Option 3: Creating a manual menu

Step 1: Choose the manual catalog type

1. Navigate to Content > Facilities > Restaurants.
2. Select the restaurant and click Edit.
3. Go to the Catalog tab.
4. Click Add catalog.
5. Choose an icon and enter the menu name.
   • Click the flag icon to add translations for different languages.
6. Select Manual catalog.

Step 2: Creating categories

Before adding products, you need to create categories (e.g., Starters, Main courses, Desserts, Drinks).

1. Under the Add products to the catalog section, click the Add category field.
2. Enter the category name (e.g., "Starters").
3. Click the flag icon to add translations.
4. Click the arrow icon to save changes.
5. Use the buttons on the right side to change order (arrow up or down) or delete (trash) categories.

Step 3: Adding products

After creating categories, add individual products:

1. Under the desired category, click Add product.

   Click Add product from template if you prefer to select a predefined item.

2. Enter the product name.

3. Optional: If a predefined template exists for that product, select it.

4. Click Add product to save changes.

Step 4: Editing a product

To edit a product, locate it under its category and use the action icons:

• Arrow icon: Move the product to another category.
• Pencil icon: Edit the product details.
• Trash icon: Delete the product.

Step 5: Editing product details

To add details to a product:

1. Click the Edit icon (pencil) next to the product.
2. Enter or update the following details:
   • Name
   • Description: Short text about the dish (e.g., ingredients, preparation).
   • Image: Upload a high-quality image (max. 1 MB, recommended size: 400x400 px).
   • Price: Set the price. If applicable, add different pricing based on portion size.
   • Offers: Enable and configure a promotional price.
   • Tags to improve searchability.
   • Allergens & Ingredients: Mark allergens and dietary options (vegan, vegetarian, halal).
3. Click Save and close the window.
4. Switch the toggle button to Enabled to make the product visible in the catalog.
5. Click Save changes.

If you want each product in the catalog to be accompanied by its image on the side, turn on the Include image next to each product button.

Step 5: Activating the menu

To make the menu visible:

1. In the Catalog tab, toggle the activation switch to Enabled (green).
2. Click Save changes.

Next steps

• If you have multiple menus (e.g., food, drinks, desserts), repeat these steps for each one.
• Use QR codes to allow guests to access the menu easily via their phones.
• Test the menu using the Preview button in the CMS to ensure correct formatting.

Need further assistance?

If you have additional questions or require further assistance:

• Contact us via live chat
• Send a ticket to our Support team
• Visit STAY Academy, our training platform.