What Does '86' Mean in Restaurants? How to Handle Out-of-Stock Items
Ever heard your kitchen staff say '86 the paneer tikka'? This classic restaurant term means an item is out of stock and unavailable. The phrase originated in American diners but is now used in kitchens worldwide, including Indian restaurants across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
How to Handle 86'd Items Professionally
First, update your staff immediately when an item runs out. Your servers should know before customers ask. For printed menus, use a small 'unavailable today' board at the entrance. If you're using digital QR menus like DineCard (dinecard.in), you can update availability in real-time from your phone in seconds.
Quick Communication Tips
- •Tell servers which items are 86'd during pre-shift briefings
- •Have backup suggestions ready (if dal makhani is out, recommend paneer butter masala)
- •Never let customers order unavailable items—inform them upfront
- •Track which items run out frequently to improve inventory planning
Pro tip: Keep a whiteboard in the kitchen listing 86'd items. Update it throughout service so everyone stays informed and avoids disappointed customers.
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