Do you want to fill your eatery’s schedule to boost the restaurant profit margin? Or, are you searching for ways to streamline restaurant operations? If so, then restaurant reservation software will do wonders for your business, as it can promote a complete digital transformation.

If you’re already using a modern restaurant reservation system, you’re on the right track! Now, it’s just a matter of utilizing the best restaurant tech features to scale your business even further via booking restaurant reservations.

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

Restaurant Reservation Software

So you might be wondering–what exactly is reservation software for restaurants? Restaurant reservation software consists of platforms where customers can reserve bookings independently.

It’s also important to note that restaurant staff such as the business owner and restaurant manager can input bookings. However, it’s become a groundbreaking form of innovative restaurant technology for the way customers can book reservations themselves.

8 Restaurant Reservation Software Features

There are several restaurant reservation software features to learn about right now. Here’s a list of eight features that we believe you should start using at your eatery.

1. Desktop Compatibility  

Ensure that the restaurant reservation software is compatible on all devices. Though it might be most convenient for consumers to book reservations on their phone, some may opt to do this on a desktop.

Cohesive mobile and desktop capabilities are ideal for maintaining customer service during the beginning stages of building a customer base. Booking a reservation might be one of the first interactions a person has with your eatery. So, you want to ensure that the customer experience is stellar.

2. Mobile Application

Every business feature has an accompanying mobile app, so why shouldn’t your restaurant reservation software? Whether you participate in a reservation-booking app or something else, allow customers to reserve time slots on their phones.

Mobile apps are one of the most convenient realms for conducting basic procedures. Now, customers don’t have to be sitting in front of their computer.

And most importantly, they no longer have to manually call the restaurant. While the wait staff and hosts are tending to more pertinent tasks, consumers can book reservations on their own.

3. Upselling Prompts

Online restaurant reservation software can be the perfect place for upselling and cross selling bookings. Customers are already in the purchasing funnel and most importantly, they already have an interest in the business.

When the customer arrives at the “thank you” page upon booking a reservation, ask them if they would like to sign up for the restaurant loyalty program. Studies show that a customer rewards program can retain existing customers and allure new people to visit.

Since reservations are usually made in advance, the eatery can also prompt customers to order food online. If the business participates in online ordering apps, customers can purchase a meal right then and there.

Contact us to learn how a bar inventory app can scale your business and cut expenses.

4. Pay Ahead of Time

It might be difficult to pay the entire bill ahead of time. However, a restaurant reservation software can ask the customer if they’d like to keep their payment information on file.

By including payment processing information within each customer profile, people can skip paying at the end of their meal. Many upscale eateries charge customers after they leave the establishment, but this is a way it can be done for more casual dining settings.  

One point of reassurance for businesses and customers is that every payment method must abide by PCI standards. So, this is a safe option for each side of the coin.

5. Calendar Synchronization

Allow the restaurant reservation software to integrate with digital calendars.  This feature allows customers to effortlessly make plans and share them with friends.

It’s also beneficial for ensuring that customers don’t forget about their reservations. No-shows can alter restaurant plans and decrease revenue. If the staff stops accepting reservations and then people don’t arrive, they’re missing out on sales.

Adding reservations to the restaurant’s calendar also has its perks. Eateries will never have to worry about overbooking or not having adequate seating or inventory on hand.

6. Restaurant View

Typically, customers don’t mind where they sit at a restaurant. However, this may be an important factor for larger parties.

When customers select a date and time for their reservation, provide them with a clear layout of the dining room. Think of it as the arena map that live music venues display on ticketing websites. Not only will customers have an idea of the restaurant’s size, but where exactly they’ll be sitting.

Does your restaurant have windows overlooking a beautiful view? Or, perhaps there are certain areas that better suit ADA compliance standards. Regardless of the reason, allowing customers to select their own seating adds just an extra touch of luxury.

7. Event Reservations

People don’t always need a reservation to dine at their favorite eatery, However, large parties must be booked well in advance.  

One of the best features of restaurant reservation software is that large groups can reserve a spot. These time slots can integrate with the business’ event management platform so all the details can be in one place.

Many restaurants operate as venues. From birthday parties and networking happy hour events, to sweet sixteens and weddings, it takes stellar organization skills to host events.

The date, time, and estimated number of people attending the event is necessary for booking a reservation. Fortunately, all of this insight is a part of reserving the time slot. Then, the event coordinators can work directly with the event host to begin.

8. Push Notifications

Push notifications are a simple yet innovative feature on all smartphone apps. If customers use your restaurant reservation software through a mobile app, allow them to receive alerts.

Push notifications can be helpful for alerting customers to numerous updates. These alerts may include new table openings, reminders, changes to the menu types, and more.

Restaurants can also take advantage of real-time alerts to promote other features. These may include discount codes or promotions. Just remember that the more direct contact a business has with its audience, the more opportunities there are to sell.

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 Restaurant Reservation Software

Using restaurant reservation software can streamline your business and take operations to the next level. There are many features that can simplify standard tasks and enhance the dining experience.

Want to learn more about the basics of restaurant reservations and relevant software? Check out the following questions and answers for more details!

What Software Is Used for Reservations?

Restaurant reservation software is used by eateries to reserve bookings. Revolution Ordering can integrate with your current systems to deliver all of the best reservation software features!

What Is a Restaurant Reservation System?

A restaurant reservation system is a platform where staff and consumers can schedule reservations. If a customer makes a reservation the traditional way by calling the business, the host(ess) can use such software. But if a customer would like to do this independently, they have the option.

What Kind of Reservation Do Most Restaurants Use?

Restaurants mostly use table reservations. If customers don’t choose to book a reservation and the eatery is busy, parties will be seated on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, if there are available seats at the bar, customers can begin ordering soft or mixed drinks.

What Is the Basic Procedure for Taking Restaurant Bookings?

The basic procedure for taking restaurant bookings includes the following steps:

1. Get a name of the person booking the reservation
2. Find out how many people are in the reservation party
3. Discuss time and date options with the customer
4. Add the booking to the restaurant reservation software platform
5. Follow-up if the party is late to their reservation

What Do Restaurants Use for Scheduling?

Restaurants use reservation software for scheduling matters. Whether they allow customers to schedule small dinners or elaborate parties, a system is necessary to streamline such operations.