In Salido, Variants are predefined alternate versions of a Menu Item that differ by size, flavor, or other specific attributes. For example, a single Menu Item for French Fries can utilize size Variants such as Small, Medium, or Large. Implementing Variants allows for a flexible ordering experience while maintaining clean POS screens and accurate inventory tracking.

This feature allows you to:

• Define multiple versions of a single Menu Item without creating unique database entries for every size or style.
• Assign specific Unit Values (e.g., grams, milliliters) to ensure precise inventory and reporting.
• Apply unique Costs, Prices, and Modifier Groups to each version of an item.
• Consolidate all versions of an item under a single button on the POS to declutter the user interface.

To Add Variants to a Menu Item:

1. If you have just created a new menu item and are already on the edit screen, skip to Step 3. Otherwise, navigate to the Menu section in the Bridge and select Items

2. Use the search bar to find the Menu Item and then click the item to open the editor

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the Detail section on the bottom left and click + Add New Variant Option

Note: Clicking this button converts the record into a collection. The system automatically generates a primary variant named Regular (default) and opens the Variant Details panel on the right to configure the newly added second variant.

If you already have variants set up for this item, your view will look slightly different:

4. Configure the settings for the new Variant:

1. Choose the Variant Size from the drop-down menu

   If you cannot find a desirable variant option in the list, scroll to the bottom of the menu and either Edit or Add a New Variant Option
    

   

   Name the New Variant Option and click Save

   

2. Choose the desired Unit from the drop-down

   Unit values can specify the weights, volumes, and lengths of menu items (e.g., 50 g, 750 ml, 10 cm). If you cannot find a desirable unit value in the list, scroll to the bottom of the menu and either Edit or Add a New Unit Value
    

   

   Choose from the predefined unit measurements, enter the amount, name the new unit value, and then click Save

   

3. Enter the optional SKU
4. Enter the optional UPC
5. Enter the optional Min and Max Calories

6. Enter Price Type, Cost, and Price

   Note: By default, all Menu Items are created with a Global Price and are assigned an Absolute Price Type. Changing the Global Price to Open will disable any previously applied price levels for this Menu Item. For information on configuring open price menu items, click here. 

7. Click the Price Levels tab to configure and price levels for the variant. For information on configuring price levels, click here. 

8. To configure modifiers for the specific variant, click the MODIFIERS tab within the Variant Details panel and select the desired inheritance behavior from the drop-down menu:

   Inherit from category: Automatically apply the modifier groups configured on the item's primary category.

   Inherit from collection: Automatically apply the modifier groups configured on the parent menu item.

   Custom: Manually assign, sort, and define default modifiers specifically for this variant.

   For information on configuring modifiers, click here.

5. Click Done to save your changes

6. Repeat Steps 3 through 5 as needed to add more Variants

7. Click Create & Activate or Save to finalize the menu item configuration

For information on Configuring and Enabling Combined Variants, click here.