Ready to bring your menu online and make it easier for customers to place takeout and delivery orders? Follow this step-by-step guide to activate CAKE Online Ordering (OLO). From configuring your menu to submitting your request, we’ll walk you through every step of the process. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. Step 1: Set Up CAKE Payments for Online Ordering
2. Step 2: Create a Menu for Online Ordering
3. Step 3: Submit Your OLO Activation Request
4. What Happens Next?
5. Next Steps and Resources

Step 1: Set Up CAKE Payments for Online Ordering

Before you submit your activation request, you need to complete the CAKE Payments process. Here’s how:

1. Log Into CAKE Admin Portal: Go to admin.cake.net and log into your account.

2. Confirm CAKE Payments for OLO: Depending on the icon displayed in your Admin Portal, follow the appropriate steps to ensure your payments are set up for Online Ordering:
   • Payments Onboarding: If you see the Payments Onboarding icon, it indicates you are not currently using CAKE Payments. Since CAKE Payments must be activated for Online Ordering—even if you use a third-party processor for in-store transactions—select Payments Onboarding to complete an application. Be sure to choose CC processing only for Online Ordering in the application, if you do not want to use it for in-store CC processing. 
   • Payment Settings: If you see the Payment Settings icon, it means you are already using CAKE Payments. Click the icon to confirm that CAKE Payments is also enabled for Online Ordering.

Step 2: Create a Menu for Online Ordering

Creating a dedicated menu for Online Ordering ensures that you control exactly what your customers see online. Follow these steps:

• Log Into Menu Admin

  • Login to admin.cake.net and select the Menu Admin icon.

• Click Availability

  • In the left-hand menu, click Availability.

• Create a New Menu

  • Select Add Menu on the top right.
  • Fill out the Add Menu menu: 
    • Menu Name: Enter desired menu name (e.g., OLO).
    • Menu Hours: Select the days and hours you would like the Online menu to be available. 
      • To set different times for different days, select the orange Add Hours button.
      • Tip: Set your end time to at least 30 minutes before your restaurant’s closing time to ensure smooth operations.
    • Select Available Categories for Menu: Under the 'OLO' column, select the categories you would like to display on your online menu. 
    • Publish: Once you have completed the Add Menu menu, select publish to save your menu.

Step 3: Submit Your OLO Activation Request

Once your payments onboarding and menu setup are complete, you’re ready to request your custom Online Ordering link.

• Visit the Activation Page
  • Go to CAKE University’s Online Ordering page to submit your activation request.
• Prepare Key Information
  • To speed up the process, have the following details ready:
    • Have you created an Online menu in Menu Admin and set available days, hours, and categories?
    • Have you signed up for CAKE Payments credit card processing for Online Ordering?
• Include Your Logo (Optional)
  • If you'd like your restaurants logo to appear on the Online Ordering page, submit a logo file when prompted to in the request form (preferred size: 150x100 pixels).

What Happens Next?

After submitting your request:

• A custom Online Ordering link will be generated for your restaurant and emailed to you within 48-72 business hours, unless otherwise noted.
• Once you receive your link, you can share it with your customers via your website, social media, or email marketing.

Next Steps and Resources

While waiting for your Online Ordering link to be activated, take this opportunity to explore and familiarize yourself with the features and capabilities of Online Ordering with CAKE. You can review the Online Ordering with CAKE: Navigation Page, which links to detailed articles covering everything from activation and menu setup to managing promotions, settings, and the customer experience. This will help you feel confident and fully prepared to get the most out of your Online Ordering system once it goes live.