What term is used when a kitchen runs out of a particular dish?

The term "eighty-six" is commonly used in the restaurant industry to indicate that a particular dish is no longer available for order. When a kitchen runs out of a specific dish, the staff will notify servers and the front-of-house team to stop taking orders for that item. This term helps streamline communication and manage customer expectations efficiently; it ensures that diners are informed about menu availability without causing confusion.

In contrast, the other terms like "out of stock" or "unavailable" might be used in more general contexts outside of the restaurant environment, or they may not carry the same immediate impact or recognition among restaurant staff or patrons. "In production" suggests that a dish is currently being prepared, which indicates that it is still available and does not convey that it is no longer offered. Therefore, "eighty-six" is the most precise term within the restaurant context for signaling that a dish cannot be served any longer.