An automated kitchen apparatus determines a time until expiration of a
food product. In one embodiment, the kitchen apparatus determines the
time until expiration by receiving a start signal indicating that a food
product is available to sell. Such a start signal may be generated by a
timer on a warming bin that is initiated when a food product is placed in
the warming bin. By measuring the elapsed time since the start signal was
received, the time until expiration is determined. Based on the time
until expiration, the automated kitchen apparatus sets the minimum price
of that food product. Customers at a POS terminal may then purchase the
aged food product for the minimum price. In one embodiment, an offer
describing the food product and its minimum price is displayed on the POS
terminal. In another embodiment, the customer is offered the food product
for his change due, if that change due is not less than the minimum
price.