Keeping a restaurant service flowing smoothly is part art, part science—and Toast Tab’s course firing controls give you full command. Whether for upscale tasting menus or fast‑casual dinners, Toast lets you pace every dish for maximum quality and service.
1. Why course firing matters
Timing is crucial—no one wants a lukewarm appetizer or an entree waiting too long. With Toast, you assign menu items to courses (like “Appetizer” or “Main”) in your dashboard, and the system separates tickets accordingly. This helps you control when each course is sent to the kitchen.
2. Server‑controlled or automated pacing
Choose your style: either let servers fire courses manually via “Send, Hold, Stay” buttons—or set up automated pacing or an expediter station to fire sequentially when prior courses are completed. This flexibility ensures everyone’s in sync—from front‑of‑house to back.
3. How it works in real time
- Toast Web lets you enable course pacing and configure behavior.
- On POS, servers assign courses or they’ll default by menu group. The system prompts if required courses are missing.
- In your Kitchen Display System (KDS), each course appears on the expediter screen first, then at each prep station in succession.
4. Order‑Ready Notifications: Closing the loop
Pair pacing with Toast’s “Order Ready” system. When all courses are fulfilled—in KDS or via an expo/expediter station—the system can trigger automatic notifications (text or app-based) so guests know precisely when their food is ready. They skip waits, and you minimize congestion in service areas.
5. The benefits in three acts
- Better food quality: Dishes arrive hot and at perfect timing.
- Improved kitchen rhythm: Each station works only when needed—no bottlenecks.
- Happier guests: Knowing your order is ready enhances satisfaction, and fast, accurate pacing keeps service top-tier.
6. Real-world use case
A full dining service flows like this: drinks fire first → once prepped and checked by expediter, appetizers fire → served → entrees fire → final check and expeditor approval triggers “order ready” ping to guest. No guessing. No wasted time.
7. Get started today
- In Toast Web, go to Kitchen > Pacing > Meal pacing: enable course pacing.
- Select how courses fire: manually, automatically, or via expediter.
- Enable “Order Ready Messaging” in Orders Hub under Takeout & Delivery, and customize your notification text.
- Test flows with staff to ensure smooth execution across shifts.
