Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common operational, technical, and dining questions about using MesaFlow.
Do customers need to download an app or sign up?
No. MesaFlow runs entirely in the standard mobile web browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.). Customers simply tap the table card or scan the QR backup and start ordering immediately with zero registration.
Which smartphones work with the NFC table card?
All modern iPhones (iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and newer) read NFC automatically without needing to open any app. The vast majority of modern Android phones also support NFC natively once enabled in device settings.
What if a diner’s phone does not support NFC or has it turned off?
Every MesaFlow table card includes a printed QR backup code. Scanning the QR code with the phone’s standard camera app opens the exact same verified table menu.
Can multiple people at the same table order together?
Yes. Multiple diners at the same table can tap the card and order from their individual phones. All dishes placed during the visit are consolidated onto that table’s single active bill in real time.
Can a guest cancel an order if they made a mistake?
Yes. Upon placing an order, a 60-second grace cancellation window appears on the diner’s screen. During these 60 seconds, tapping "Cancel Order" revokes the ticket before it is sent to the kitchen.
How do staff know if an order is taking too long?
Orders on the Waiter Dashboard and Kitchen Screen are color-coded into three timing columns: New (green, under 5 min), Cooling (orange, 5 to 15 min), and Critical (red, 15+ min). Managers can tune these target thresholds per menu section.
Can staff place an order for a customer who prefers to order verbally?
Yes. Waiters can go to `/waiter/tables` on their device, tap the customer’s table number, and enter the order directly on their behalf.
How does the waiter know when a table wants to pay?
When a diner taps "Request Bill", a notification chime sounds and a bill icon appears over that table on the waiter floor plan. The waiter can review the itemized receipt, collect payment, and confirm the check.
What happens if the restaurant Wi-Fi disconnects temporarily?
Existing orders and tables are safely stored in the database. When connectivity drops, screens display a reconnect indicator and automatically re-sync all live tickets the instant connection is restored.
Who can mark items out of stock (86ing)?
Anyone with Stock permissions (such as Managers, Chefs, Cooks, and Waiters) can toggle an entire section, a specific dish, or an ingredient out of stock in one click from the menu or dashboard.
Can owners manage multiple restaurant locations from one account?
Yes. Restaurant owners can view all their locations on the home screen at `/owner`, switch between restaurants, monitor organization-wide revenue, and step into Manager or Waiter roles anytime.
What you should see
Common operational questions are answered clearly for all roles.
Good to know
- For task-specific instructions, consult the individual Waiter, Manager, or Owner guides.
Related guides
- What is MesaFlow?A complete overview of MesaFlow tap-to-order, bridging physical dining tables directly with digital kitchen and floor management.
- How MesaFlow Works: The Tap-to-Table LoopA step-by-step breakdown of how an order moves from a customer’s phone to the kitchen pass and the floor plan.
- Managing Order Queues and Timing StatesUnderstanding order aging (New, Cooling, Critical), updating order statuses, and advancing tickets to completion.