Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for cutting a food item when preparing it to be served to a customer. In some implementations, the cutting system may include a cover that may be used to at least partially surround a portion of a the cutting system. The cover may include one or more doors, drawers, or other movable components that may be used to engage the cutting assembly of the cutting system by activating one or more sensors located along or proximate to the path traveled by the movable component. The movable component may activate the sensor when the movable component has appropriately positioned the food item under the cutting assembly to be cut. Additionally, the cover may include one or more user-engageable switches that may be used to selectively engage cutting assembly when the movable component of the cover is appropriately positioned to be cut by the cutting assembly.