Dear Mrs. A – November
Dear Mrs. A,
Talk to us about restaurant reservations as the holiday season approaches – Hungry in Hidden Pointe.
Dear Hungry,
Great question and an important part of planning for the season. The benefits of reservations for the consumer include guaranteed seating, preferred timing and a streamlined experience. Isn’t it wonderful to have the peace of mind knowing you have a table at a specific time and can avoid long wait times?
For restaurants, reservations allow for more efficient staffing and inventory, as well as a more organized dining flow. Some restaurants require credit card deposits to secure the reservation (guests are more inclined to show) and to gain something for the trouble if there are last-minute cancellations.
Some of the more nuanced situations around reservations include running late, not showing up at all, and bringing more guests than you planned for.
If you’re running late, call as soon as you can. A heads-up will allow the host to seat a walk-in party or move tables around as needed. If you’re running more than 30 minutes late, there may be a chance the table won’t be available right away, and in some cases you might have to forfeit your reservation altogether.
When not showing up at all, it is best practice to cancel at least 24 hours in advance, that way you might avoid the cancellation fees and not throw off a whole night for the staff and would-be diners.
As for bringing more guests, try and reach out to the restaurant to let them know. They may or may not be able to accommodate your growing group, but don’t count on cramming another chair at your four-top. It can really throw things off in the dining room.
The balance of efficiency, customer satisfaction and revenue maximization makes reservations a powerful tool for both parties.
Please be considerate!
Big Love,
Mrs. A
