What Is the CookUnity Menu Planning Playbook?

As a chef on the CookUnity platform, understanding how subscription slots are managed is key to growing your presence. The Menu Planning Playbook is a rule-based framework designed to objectively manage chef subscription slot allocation based on performance.

What is the Playbook?

The Menu Planning Playbook is a rule-based framework designed to objectively manage chef subscription slot allocation based on performance. It ensures slot decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with clear criteria—so you always know what to focus on to maintain or grow your slots.

What are its goals?

• Help you grow your presence through a structured, performance-based system.
• Give you visibility into how menu decisions are made.
• Equip you with clear rules and timelines for submitting changes.
• Ensure a balanced, high-quality offering for our customers.

The Playbook is not just a manual—it’s a roadmap for growth. The most effective strategy is consistent quality, a balanced portfolio, and alignment with your specialties.

What changed in Q2 2026?

Starting in Q2 2026, the performance evaluation framework was updated based on 2025 results and chef feedback. The core goal remains the same—objective and consistent slot decisions—but the system now includes:

• Fair benchmarking through Reason Why grouping: chefs are evaluated against others with a similar culinary positioning.
• Weighted scoring aligned to variety strategy: your status reflects how you perform relative to chefs with a similar role in the marketplace.
• Bi-weekly snapshots to reward consistency: a performance snapshot every 15 days, with your final result based on consistency across the full quarter.
• Clear separation between scoring and requirements: meeting quarterly requirements is separate from your performance status—both matter.

Core Pillars of the Playbook

The Playbook covers four interconnected areas:

• Performance Evaluation — How your Quality, Wellness Intentions, and Cuisine Specialty Compliance are tracked and scored every bi-weekly cycle.
• Quarterly Requirements & Slot Changes — The minimum thresholds you must meet each quarter to maintain or increase your subscription slots.
• Portfolio Management — How dish statuses, slot types, and fixed items work together to shape your menu presence.
• Menu Building Process — How menus are drafted, what the Smart Menu Planner considers, and how you can request changes.

Where to find the full Playbook

You can always access the full Menu Planning Playbook in Notion. For your day-to-day performance data, head to the 

Chef Portal → Portfolio section.

Still have questions? We’ve got your back—reach out to us anytime at [e-mail].