Build Nested Modifiers (Add Modifiers to a Modifier)

In this Article:

• Nested Modifier Overview
• Build Nested Modifiers
• Additional Resources

Nested Modifier Overview

Nested modifiers are created when a modifier group is added to a modifier option. These "if this, then that"-style modifier builds can help automate follow-up choices based on a previous selection a guest has made. Here's an example:

Let's say every entree on your menu requires a side choice. This side choice is built as a modifier group filled with options that guests can choose to accompany their entree choice. Within the side choice modifier group are modifier options including French Fries, Coleslaw, Macaroni & Cheese, and a Side Salad. 

In this scenario, if a guest chooses the Side Salad as their side choice, we also need to know what type of dressing they'd like. Because this dressing selection is not relevant if the guest chooses French Fries, Coleslaw, or Macaroni & Cheese, we want to apply it only to the Side Salad modifier option. 

This is where the "nesting" effect is created. We can build or apply a modifier group (in this scenario, Dressing Choice) to an existing modifier option. Doing so will ensure that guests who select the Side Salad option will immediately be prompted to select a "nested" modifier (in this scenario, the actual dressing) to finish placing their order.

Build Nested Modifiers

To build nested modifiers in Toast Web, follow these steps:

1. In Toast Web, navigate to Menus > Bulk management > Advanced properties.
2. Use the > icons on the left to expand your menu and locate the modifier group you'd like to add the nested modifier to. Select the modifier option you want the nested modifier applied to.
   
   
3. Select Edit Item. 
   
   
4. Scroll down to the Modifiers section and + Add a new modifier group or use the drop-down arrow next to the + Add button to add an existing modifier.
   1. Depending on circumstances, you may wish to make deep copies of your modifier groups. If so, visit the Copying a Menu, Item, Group, or Modifier section of Reuse or Copy Menu Items and Modifiers for more information on shallow and deep copies.
5. When finished, save and publish your changes. 

Note: It is possible to create an endless loop with nested modifiers where it will endlessly ask guests or staff to make a selection. This happens when an existing modifier group is used for a nested modifier option while the modifier nested is a modifier choice in the modifier group used to create the nested options.
 

• For example, take a side salad with dressing choice.
• An item has a modifier group called Side Choice with one modifier option for Side Salad.
• Side Salad has a nested, required modifier group called Dressing Choice with all dressing options listed out, including one option for Extra Dressing.
• Extra Dressing is nested with the original Dressing Choice modifier group. Every time Extra Dressing is chosen, the option to continuously select Extra Dressing exists with no stopping point.
• In order to avoid this, make sure to copy (not deep copy) the modifier group you are looking to nest (learn more: Reuse or Copy Menu Items and Modifiers).

Additional Resources

• Create and Manage Modifier Groups and Modifier Options
• Reuse or Copy Menu Items and Modifiers
• Configure Modifier Display Options

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