The advantages and

Disadvantages of
Taking Reservations
Special occasions
On these occasions, aside from the profit it will yield, taking
reservations can be an opportunity for restaurants to advertise what
they offer, what makes them par with their competitors while
ensuring customer satisfaction.
Fairness
Some restaurants require their guests to make a
reservation weeks or even months before their desired
date. To be fair, some restaurants decide to run on purely
first-come, first-served basis. However, waiting time can be
extremely long at places like these; this is why accepting
reservations make it easier for restaurants to prioritize these
guests should other guests opt to just walk-in.
Higher Checks
Usually, guests who make reservations either hold a
large party or simply plan for a special event. These
occasions revenue on the part of the restaurant.
Absent Customers
When the reserving party does not show up, sales
suffer. The reservation made by the party concerned forces
the restaurant to turn away other sales-generating
customers for that scheduled time. Some restaurants charge
a fee for a no-show to prevent this from happening or to
cover their losses should it occur.
Planning Ahead
This will give restaurants ample time to plan their
program. This may include adjusting their workforce or the
layout of their restaurant to accommodate the maximum
number of guests without crowding the area.
Changes in party numbers
Sometime a reservation is changed without prior notice.
Because plans have been changed, the restaurant makes
adjustments on the table setting.
Alternatives to Reservations
In the case of some restaurants who do not accept
reservations or for those who cannot accommodate a
large number of guests, the following options can be
considered:
The waiting list
Guests give their names, stay inside the restaurant,
and wait for their names to be called.
The call-ahead list
Guests call ahead to place their name on the waiting list
and inquire how long it will take to wait. They will come only
once a restaurant staff calls to inform them of the next
available table.
Pagers
Many restaurants employ electronic pagers in lieu of
calling out customers’ names when tables are ready. This
device flashes, vibrates, and sometimes makes noises when
a table is available. The downside of this gadget is that when
it malfunctions.