Finding your weekly rhythm

Setting a clear and consistent weekly cycle makes it easier for customers to order and easier for you to run your business.

Why a weekly rhythm matters

When you follow a consistent weekly schedule, your customers know exactly what to expect: when they need to order by and when their meals will be picked up or delivered. This builds habits, drives regular orders, and makes your operations more efficient and predictable.

If you're new to online ordering, setting a clear rhythm from the start can reduce confusion and save time week to week.

A well-structured weekly cycle offers several benefits:

• Encourages regular customer habits: When customers know your menu opens and closes at the same time each week, ordering becomes part of their routine.

• Streamlines your workflow: A clear cut-off point gives you time to plan production, manage prep, and reduce last-minute stress.

• Supports better marketing: You can plan your weekly emails and social posts in advance, saving time and ensuring consistent messaging.

• Builds trust: Customers value reliability. A predictable menu and delivery schedule shows that you’re organised and dependable. Be sure to include your weekly cycle in your menu description and regular emails so customers always know what to expect.

  
  

How a weekly rhythm works

The weekly rhythm isn’t just about when your menu is open. It’s about creating a simple, repeatable process that benefits both you and your customers.

Batching your weekly orders helps you plan production, reduce waste, and deliver consistently great service.

• Menu open for orders – Customers get notified and can browse your menu

• Orders received – Orders flow in over a few days

• Menu closes (or order cut-off) – Orders are locked in, no more changes

• Orders prepared – You batch cook efficiently based on final order numbers

• Orders fulfilled – Meals are picked up or delivered

Then, you repeat the cycle.

Even if you don’t technically “close” your menu, having a weekly order deadline and fulfilment day helps bring structure to your operations - and improves the overall customer experience.

Set your weekly cycle for success

We recommend keeping your menu open for at least four days. This gives customers enough time to browse, decide, and place their order - especially if they’re juggling work, family, or care responsibilities.

Sunday is consistently the busiest ordering day across our platform, so having your menu open before the weekend gives you the best chance of capturing orders.

While every business is different, you might like to consider a rhythm like this:

• Menu opens: Thursday or Friday

• Menu closes: Sunday night or early Monday

• Meals delivered or picked up: Wednesday or Thursday

Even if your menu stays open for a longer period (such as a seasonal or always-on menu) setting a weekly order cut-off and consistent fulfilment day still brings structure. For example: “Order by Sunday 10pm for Wednesday delivery.” Clear cut-offs help you manage prep and give customers confidence about when to expect their meals.