What is a Future Order in the Restaurant Industry?

A future order is a customer order placed in advance of the actual need for its delivery or preparation. The future order will usually be used in a restaurant to allow customers to place orders ahead of time to pick up, get delivered, or used as part of a catering order or complete meal.

The following orders are frequently associated with Future Orders:

• Takeaway
• Delivery
• Catering orders
• Business meals
• Parties and group orders

Customers value this service, allowing them to schedule orders and restaurants to prepare for the rush.

How are Future Orders placed in Restaurants?

Future orders can be placed via the restaurant's POS system, online ordering app, or mobile application.

Here’s how the process typically works:

• Customer places an order and chooses the delivery or pickup time.
• The system keeps the order until the scheduled fulfillment date.
• The order is released automatically to the kitchen at the time that preparation should begin.
• Staff prepares the order according to the scheduled time.
• The order is delivered or ready for pickup as instructed.