What is the threshold for 'cook to order'?

The threshold for 'cook to order' is defined as a rate of customer demand that allows for freshly prepared food to be served without significant delays. When the customer flow is less than 1 customer per minute, it indicates that the kitchen can efficiently manage the preparation of meals on demand. This allows for proper cooking times and ensures that each dish is made to order, maintaining quality and freshness.

In contrast, higher rates of customer influx, such as 2, 3, or 4 customers per minute, could overwhelm the kitchen staff and lead to longer wait times, diminished food quality, and potential customer dissatisfaction. Therefore, the threshold is established at less than 1 customer per minute to maintain optimal service levels in a cook-to-order environment.