on the board

Definition

An order that's been received and displayed on the kitchen's ticket system, officially in the queue for preparation. Once it's on the board, there's no pretending it doesn't exist.

Example Usage

We've got 12 entrees on the board and another 8 about to fire—buckle up.

Origin

From when orders were literally pinned to boards; now refers to digital ticket systems

Fun Fact

Veteran cooks can glance at a full board and instantly calculate exactly how screwed they are, down to the minute.

Source: Restaurant kitchen order management

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