A restaurant reservation system is a type of restaurant technology that allows consumers to book restaur​​ant reservations. If you’re searching how to improve restaurant operations or for ways to boost the restaurant profit margin, a reservation system might be exactly what your business needs.

Both consumers and business staff can use restaurant reservation software. Each party can use it to simplify scheduling matters and plan ahead.

Want to learn everything that restaurant owners should know before using a reservation system? Keep reading to find out!

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Reservation System

A reservation system is a digital platform used by businesses in the restaurant industry and hospitality industry. It offers so much potential to grow a restaurant’s net profits and simplify operations.

Want to learn more about the features and advantages of using a reservation system? If so, you’re in the right place!

Best Restaurant Reservation System Features

Since a reservation system is a form of innovative restaurant technology, there are many unique features in such a solution. Many of these elements are meant to enhance the customer experience, while simultaneously improving the environment for the restaurant’s team.

Some of the best features of a reservation platform include:

• Dietary Restrictions Checklist. A major benefit of scheduling reservations is that the business can plan inventory activities. However, this is also the time to cater to any dietary needs. Whether it be an intolerance, preference, or allergy, allow customers to communicate all of their dietary restrictions upon making a reservation online. This feature is sure to boost customer satisfaction, which in turn benefits the restaurant.
• Reminders. Restaurant automation tools provide an extra touch of efficiency to an eatery. With this in mind, create reminders that get sent to customers shortly before their reservation. Not only will this feature do customers a favor, but it will prevent no-shows or late arrivals.
• Calendar Synchronization. Every smart device has a built-in calendar. So, allow the reservation to sync with the customer’s calendar if they schedule it from a mobile device. Similar to sharing reminders, syncing reservations with calendars is just as beneficial. Restaurants are already using calendar features to block out time slots. So, it is a valuable feature for customers as well.
• Confirmations. Once a customer books a reservation, send a text message or email afterward to confirm it. This will ensure serious inquiries and prevent customers from forgetting their date and time slot. If anyone makes a reservation on accident, they’ll also have the opportunity to cancel it.

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Advantages of a Reservation System

If you’re a business owner or restaurant manager, you’re likely in search of ways to enhance the restaurant. If you’re still accepting reservations the traditional way, consider onboarding a more advanced solution.

Whether you want to boost customer service or streamline restaurant operations for your staff, a reservation system can do the trick. Still not convinced yet? Here are several advantages of using a reservation system at your restaurant:

• Restaurants can accurately plan inventory. Planning inventory around reservations is one of the best inventory management techniques–especially while preparing for a holiday. In many instances, restaurants create holiday menus with limited choices. This allows the restaurant to stock up on fewer items. In the end, it’s much more efficient.
• Reservations significantly decrease the wait times for customers. One of the worst inconveniences a business can deliver to customers is long wait times. And considering that the restaurant market is full of options, making customers wait is also a reason why people may visit a competitor. When restaurants require a reservation, they can space them out to ensure an empty table will be available for each party as they arrive.

• Restaurants can make more sales. Many eateries make large profits on holidays. On these days, consumers also assume that they’ll be busy, so they make reservations to avoid any issues. Since so many people have this mindset, it becomes much easier for reservations to result in a full house. In other words, people fear that they won’t be able to get a table anywhere, so they commit to one place at a specific time.
• Reservations can help restaurant employees. Restaurants can get pretty chaotic, let alone when it’s a holiday or a busy season. However, reservations can make things a bit easier for waiters, waitresses, and other members of the wait staff. When the restaurant team is aware of how many people will be dining during a particular shift, they can schedule shifts accordingly. This tactic will help staff members not experience work overload, as everyone will have specific duties. It’ll also assist an understaffed restaurant, as everyone will know how to manage operations ahead of time.

A reservation system is a straightforward and simple solution. The advantages of using such a solution are vast and capable of improving restaurants for the better. If a tech-savvy reservation platform isn’t a part of your current strategy, we strongly encourage you to add one!

Contact us for a demo now to see how our off-premise solutions can help grow revenue and earnings of restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions about a Reservation System

A reservation system is a simple addition to a restaurant, yet there is so much to learn. Hospitality software companies frequently launch new features to their system that improve reservation-booking functionalities. In fact, Revolution Ordering includes catering and reservation-booking features through our advanced suite of solutions.

Would you like to learn more about this product before choosing the best restaurant reservation system for your business? Read on to discover more about the topic!

What Is the Main Purpose of a Reservation System?

The main purpose of a restaurant reservation system is to collect bookings from customers. Many high-demand restaurants are hard to get a table at, so offering reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis solves the problem.

When Was the Reservation System Created?

According to The Atlantic, it is believed that restaurant reservations came about during the 18th century. During the early stages of this idea, it was common to reserve a table or an entire room in a restaurant. Over the centuries, this practice became a convenient solution for businesses and consumers.

How Do Reservations Work?

Reservations work by reserving a room or table for a specific date and time. In most cases, we see reservations take place for restaurants, banquet halls, and hotels. Consumers make reservations by calling the business or by using an online platform.

What Are the Benefits of a Reservation System?

There are so many benefits of using a reservation system in the restaurant industry. Some of the most popular advantages include:

• Restaurants are able to better plan inventory needs since they’ll know how many customers will be present.
• reservation systems can ensure customers that they’ll be able to get a table.
• Reservation systems let consumers better plan for holidays and special occasions.
• Reservations decrease wait times for customers.
• Reservations can prevent restaurants from getting overbooked and overworked.

What Are the Features of a Reservation System?

Some of the most popular features of a reservation system include:

• The option to make an account with the business or reservation platform.
• Placeholders for a name, email address, and phone number.
• A dropdown list to select how many people are in the reservation party.
• A textbox to explain if there are any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• A button to opt into email or text alerts.