Lead Time Calculator

Build a realistic start time using case-based prep (fillet/bread/load), pressure frying (warmup + filtering), and assembly. Defaults match your current production standards.

Important planning note

This calculator models dedicated production conditions using standard equipment capacities, cook times, and staffing assumptions. Actual lead time can increase when normal restaurant operations are occurring at the same time.

Guest traffic, mobile orders, and drive-thru volume can reduce fryer and labor availability.
Staffing gaps, breaks, or reassignment will slow prep, frying, and assembly.
Shared equipment (fryers, prep tables, toasters) introduces contention not reflected here.

For accurate planning during business hours, operators should factor in their average baseline production load and adjust start times earlier to compensate.

Order + timing

Deliver by (local time) Time the order must be ready at the destination.

Travel (minutes)

Buffer (minutes) Staging, loading, runner time.

Order size

Order input

Sandwiches

Cases

Extra %

Standard: 155 pieces per case (fillets).

Thawing

Thaw lead time (hours)

Thaw start is calculated as fillet start − thaw hours.

Prep (case-based)

Defaults: Fillet 6 min/case, Bread 10 min/case, Load 10 min/case (±1 each).

Pieces per case

Fillet (min/case)

Prep staffing model

Bread (min/case)

Load (min/case)

Prep setup (min)

Pressure frying (Henny Penny)

Defaults: 15 min warmup, 3 fryers, 24 per fryer per drop, 4m26s cook time, 1 min recovery.

Fryers

Drop capacity (per fryer)

Warmup from cold (min)

Cook time (min) 4m26s = 4.43 minutes

Recovery/turnaround (min)

Post-fry hold (min)

Oil filtering

Filter every (drops per fryer)

Filter time (min)

Skip if it’s the last drop

Assembly (12 at a time)

Defaults: 12 buns toast + pickles 40 sec, 12 sandwiches build + wrap 1.5 min.

Stations running this pace

Toast/pickle (sec per 12)

Build+wrap (min per 12)

Packaging (optional)

Packers

Sandwiches per packer per minute

Packaging setup (min)

Results

Enter your numbers and click Calculate.