# Restaurant step 2: turn on the restaurant modules

> Switch on Tables, Modifiers, Kitchen, Service staff, Bookings and Types of service in Business Settings › Modules, then check Restaurant settings.

Source: https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/restaurant/step-2-turn-on-restaurant-modules/  
Last updated: 2026-10-30  
Product: SmartPOS Hub (https://smartposhub.com)

Restaurant features in SmartPOS Hub are switched on per business, so a shop that doesn't use tables never sees them. In this step you turn on the restaurant modules you need and check the main switches in **Restaurant settings**. It takes about ten minutes.

> **How to turn it on**
> 1. **Plan:** Tables, Modifiers, Kitchen, Service staff and Types of service are in every plan; Bookings, Website and the Shopper app depend on your plan
> 2. **Switch:** Settings › Business Settings › Modules
> 3. **Permission:** Business Settings access (owner or admin)
> - **Mobile app:** The SmartPOS Business app shows the Restaurant menu automatically once these are on

## Switch on the modules

1. Open **Settings › Business Settings** and click the **Modules** tab.
2. In **Sales & stock**, make sure **POS** is on and switch on **Types of service** if you sell dine-in, takeaway and delivery.
3. In **Restaurant, bar & bookings**, switch on what you use:
   - **Tables**: pick the table on each order and use the floor plan.
   - **Modifiers**: extras and options such as sizes, toppings or sauces.
   - **Kitchen**: send orders to the kitchen screen and track them until served.
   - **Service staff**: choose the waiter on each order.
   - **Bookings**: table reservations with a calendar.
4. Click **Update Settings** at the bottom of the page.
5. Reload the page. A **Restaurant** group now appears in the left menu.

![Settings Modules tab showing the Restaurant, bar and bookings group with Tables, Modifiers and Kitchen switched on](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/settings-modules-restaurant-group.DJ0gsHwR.png) (web app page: `/business/settings`)
*The Restaurant, bar & bookings group. A greyed card marked Not in your plan needs a plan upgrade.*

![Sales and stock module group with POS, Purchases, Stock Transfers and Types of service switched on](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/settings-modules-sales-group.CjX08up-.png) (web app page: `/business/settings`)
*Types of service is in the Sales & stock group.*

### Which modules does my type of restaurant need?

| Restaurant type | Tables | Modifiers | Kitchen | Service staff | Bookings | Types of service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant or diner | On | On | On | On | Optional | On |
| Café or coffee counter | Optional | On | Optional | Off | Off | Optional |
| Pizza or fast food with delivery | Optional | On | On | Off | Off | On |
| Bar or lounge | On | Optional | Optional | On | On | Off |

## Check the Restaurant settings

Open **Restaurant › Restaurant settings**. The page holds order statuses, kitchen stations, kitchen display timers, POS options, open tabs, customer updates and staff roles. For now, check these cards; you will come back to the others in later steps.

1. **Orders & POS** › **Which sales are restaurant orders**: keep "Sales with a table, waiter, order type or kitchen order" unless every sale is a restaurant order.
2. **Show an order type selector on the POS**: on, if you don't use Types of service. When Types of service are on, map each one under **Types of service → order type** (Dine-in, Takeaway, Delivery).
3. **Open tabs (eat first, pay later)**: switch on **Open tabs on the POS** for sit-down service. Keep **Paying a tab completes the order** on so the table frees up after payment.
4. **Mark tables "needs cleaning" when the order is completed**: on, if staff clear tables before seating new guests.
5. Click **Save** at the bottom of the page.

![Restaurant settings with Kitchen display timers, Orders and POS options and the Open tabs card](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/restaurant-settings-open-tabs-and-roles.ByIXmF0C.png) (web app page: `/modules/restaurant/settings`)
*Kitchen display, Orders & POS and Open tabs cards in Restaurant settings.*

:::note[Staff need permission too]
A switched-on module shows only to users whose role allows it. The role screen (**User Management › Roles**) has a **Restaurant** section (kitchen, orders, delivery, tables, settings, reports). The prebuilt roles in [step 3](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/restaurant/step-3-import-prebuilt-restaurant-setup/) already have the right ticks. See [Users and roles](https://docs.smartposhub.com/start/users-and-roles/).
:::

## Next step

  - [Step 3: Import the prebuilt restaurant setup](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/restaurant/step-3-import-prebuilt-restaurant-setup/)
  - [All modules and how to enable them](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Why don't I see the Restaurant menu?

The Restaurant menu appears when Tables, Kitchen or Modifiers is switched on. Turn on at least one of them in Settings › Business Settings › Modules and click Update Settings, then reload the page.

### Does switching a module off delete my data?

No. Turning a module off hides its menu and screens for everyone in the business. Your tables, modifiers and orders are kept and come back when you switch it on again.

### What does "Not in your plan" mean on a module card?

Your subscription does not include that module. Open Settings › Package Subscription to see which plans include it, or contact support.

### Do I need Service staff if waiters already have their own logins?

Service staff lets you pick the waiter on each order, so you can see orders per waiter and their tables. If one cashier takes every order, you can leave it off.

### Where is the Open tabs switch?

Open tabs is not in Settings › Business Settings › Modules. It is in Restaurant › Restaurant settings, in the Open tabs card, and it appears once Tables or Kitchen is on.