What Are Kitchen Tickets in a POS System?
In restaurant settings, tickets are printed slips that send key order details from the POS system to the kitchen. These paper slips act as real-time instructions for kitchen staff, listing what to prepare, how to prepare it, and when to begin.
Whether for dine-in, takeout, or online orders, tickets keep the flow between the front-of-house and back-of-house smooth and consistent.
How Tickets Work in Day-to-Day Restaurant Operations
The moment an order is placed at the register or through a digital channel, the POS system sends that order to a kitchen printer. The ticket includes the items ordered, along with any important modifiers, like “no onions,” “extra cheese,” or “medium rare.” It may also mention the source of the order, such as “Table 12” or “Online Pickup.”
Details on a kitchen ticket usually include:
- Menu items with quantities
- Modifiers or special requests
- Order time and ticket number
- Prep station assignment, if applicable
- Source of the order (e.g., dine-in, delivery, bar)
Most modern POS systems let you customize ticket printing to match how your kitchen operates. You can route different parts of an order to different stations – salads to cold prep, burgers to the grill, drinks to the bar. Some kitchens prefer grouped tickets, while others want individual slips per item. You can also decide whether changes to orders trigger a new “change ticket,” which highlights what’s been updated.
Printing Setup and Hardware Considerations
Kitchen printers are built for heat, noise, and fast-paced environments. Many restaurants use impact printers like the Epson TM-U220 or Star SP700 series. These printers often support color-coded printing (for example, red for voided items) and use ink ribbons that hold up better in a kitchen than thermal paper.
Businesses can configure the POS to print tickets automatically when the order is submitted or manually when staff hits a “send” button. Some systems also allow for reprinting in case a ticket is lost or damaged.
Why Kitchen Tickets Matter
Tickets play a big role in keeping kitchen operations accurate and on pace. When orders are clearly printed and routed to the right stations, it reduces delays, miscommunication, and food waste. It also supports a better customer experience – orders come out faster and with fewer mistakes.
For high-volume or multi-channel restaurants, well-structured ticket printing keeps things manageable. Whether it’s a busy lunch rush, a large party, or an influx of online orders, the kitchen can stay focused and organized.
What to Keep in Mind?
When creating tickets for the kitchen, make sure you:
- Match your ticket layout to your kitchen workflow
- Use clear labeling for modifiers and prep notes
- Review ticket routing settings regularly, especially when updating your menu
- Train staff on how to handle change tickets or reprints
Tickets may seem simple, but they’re a core part of kitchen communication. When set up correctly, they reduce errors, speed up prep, and keep service running smoothly, whether it’s a single food truck or a full-service restaurant with multiple stations.
