Controlling when customers can order
Spatula gives you detailed control over order timing beyond just opening hours.
ASAP vs scheduled
Customers can place orders for immediate preparation (ASAP) or schedule them for a future time. You control both options in Settings > Services:
Schedule days ahead — how many days into the future customers can place a scheduled order (e.g., up to 7 days ahead).
Minimum hours ahead — the minimum advance notice for scheduled orders (e.g., at least 2 hours before the scheduled time).
Per-service timing
In Settings > Services, each service type has its own timing configuration:
Minimum lead time — the earliest an ASAP order can be ready.
Prep time — how long the kitchen needs to prepare the order.
Available time slots
When a customer chooses to schedule an order, they see available time slots generated from your opening hours, with unavailable times greyed out. The slots respect your minimum hours ahead setting and your operating hours.