Classic

 

 

That is absolutely one of my favorite scenes in all of television!

 

That's it...I'm gonna have to watch some Seinfeld now!

I'm sorry but there's a difference.

 

Had I waited until Valentine's Day to make the reservation or just shown up that night with hopes of getting to eat I wouldn't be complaining. But I made reservations several days beforehand.

 

IMO, a reservation means that they will hold that spot for me and my party, not overbook the restaurant and hope that people don't show up. Then ignore the patrons when the stuff starts hitting the fan.

 

I was in the hotel business for years and years and to this day I don't understand why restaurants take reservations without taking a credit card to ensure that the customers will show up. To me at least it is a lose, lose situation for a restaurant. Customer shows up and if they have to wait a little they get upset, customers don't show up and the restaurant loses money. Of course all the restaurant would have to do it, as all hotels/motels do when they take reservations, but I really do think it would work best for all in question.

I was in the hotel business for years and years and to this day I don't understand why restaurants take reservations without taking a credit card to ensure that the customers will show up. To me at least it is a lose, lose situation for a restaurant. Customer shows up and if they have to wait a little they get upset, customers don't show up and the restaurant loses money. Of course all the restaurant would have to do it, as all hotels/motels do when they take reservations, but I really do think it would work best for all in question.

 

So what would be the charge for a no show?

So what would be the charge for a no show?

 

 

I'm sure they could base it on how many people were in your party? A $20 per person charge would probably work.

I'm sure they could base it on how many people were in your party? A $20 per person charge would probably work.

 

And what would the customer recieve if the reservation is not fulfilled?

And what would the customer recieve if the reservation is not fulfilled?

 

 

Well first you have to define not fullfilled. I'm sure they would have to allow some sort of grace period such as seating you within 20-25 minutes of your reservation time. I think 40- 50% of the total of the bill if not seated withinin that time would be fair.

Well first you have to define not fullfilled. I'm sure they would have to allow some sort of grace period such as seating you within 20-25 minutes of your reservation time. I think 40- 50% of the total of the bill if not seated withinin that time would be fair.

 

So does the customer have the same grace period? Show up 20 minutes late and my table better be ready??

So does the customer have the same grace period? Show up 20 minutes late and my table better be ready??

 

 

I would say no, if it were me. You in essence made an appointment. However, on the restaurant's side, there are some uncontrollable issues that come up that are reasonable to expect would influence the availability of your table. For instance, diners who squat. There are some diners who simply will not leave. They aren't eating, aren't ordering any more, have paid their check, and they still won't leave. This affects the whole dynamic of seating.

 

In our restaurant, on special occasions, we have set menus, with set prices. If a table no shows, we know exactly how much to charge for that no-show. There's nothing wrong with making a reservation and cancelling it within their cancellation period at no charge. However, tons of people call and make reservations at many different restaurants, and then choose at the last minute which one to keep, and they don't suffer consequences for that. However, if a restaurant doesn't overbook for this factor, they can lose enormously if a lot of people do this.

So does the customer have the same grace period? Show up 20 minutes late and my table better be ready??

 

 

 

It would probably be able to work. If you aren't there within 20 minutes of your reservation time your table will be given away.

I would say no, if it were me. You in essence made an appointment. However, on the restaurant's side, there are some uncontrollable issues that come up that are reasonable to expect would influence the availability of your table. For instance, diners who squat. There are some diners who simply will not leave. They aren't eating, aren't ordering any more, have paid their check, and they still won't leave. This affects the whole dynamic of seating.

 

In our restaurant, on special occasions, we have set menus, with set prices. If a table no shows, we know exactly how much to charge for that no-show. There's nothing wrong with making a reservation and cancelling it within their cancellation period at no charge. However, tons of people call and make reservations at many different restaurants, and then choose at the last minute which one to keep, and they don't suffer consequences for that. However, if a restaurant doesn't overbook for this factor, they can lose enormously if a lot of people do this.

 

I don't have a problem with this practice. If I make a reservation (hotel or restaruant), my expectation is to arrive on time and be seated within a relatively short wait. It's the same way with a hotel room. Make a reservation . . . get a room assignment.

It would probably be able to work. If you aren't there within 20 minutes of your reservation time your table will be given away.

 

I am going to guess that more times restaurants don't fulfill the reservation than people no show. I think the resaurant loses in this scenario. I would also guess that resaurants that take reservations have the loss caused by a no show built into the cost of their services.

I've noticed most Japanese steak houses have problems with honoring the correct reservation time. I eat at Hibachi's in Huntington all the time and it seems like we are never seated until at least 30 minutes after our reservation time.

 

Part of the problem would be the idiots that set around for 20 minutes and talk after they are done eating. I'm sure that the meals are set up for a total of a half hour and some people set there and talk making their entire meal 50 minutes long.

 

I'm all for having a good time and talking with family, but at places that take reservations, there is no room for it. Finish your food and talk in the car on the way home.

I've noticed most Japanese steak houses have problems with honoring the correct reservation time. I eat at Hibachi's in Huntington all the time and it seems like we are never seated until at least 30 minutes after our reservation time.

 

Part of the problem would be the idiots that set around for 20 minutes and talk after they are done eating. I'm sure that the meals are set up for a total of a half hour and some people set there and talk making their entire meal 50 minutes long.

 

I'm all for having a good time and talking with family, but at places that take reservations, there is no room for it. Finish your food and talk in the car on the way home.

 

I disagree with you on that point. Part of the dining experience is to relax and enjoy good company and conversation. It is a night out so why rush it?

 

Restaurants should take reservations accordingly.

 

That being said, my son had a similar problem at Fugi's Steak House in Florence. He had reservations but they were seating walk ins before him. They ended up leaving after an hour.

I disagree with you on that point. Part of the dining experience is to relax and enjoy good company and conversation. It is a night out so why rush it?

 

Restaurants should take reservations accordingly.

 

That being said, my son had a similar problem at Fugi's Steak House in Florence. He had reservations but they were seating walk ins before him. They ended up leaving after an hour.

 

I know how it feels to be still waiting an hour past the time I had reservations. I know while I eat there are other people waiting to get a table that also had reservations. I'm not saying rush your meal. You paid a good price, enjoy it. I'm just saying that people shouldn't set around and sip on a coke for 20-30 minutes after they are done eating while other people wait for a table.

 

I agree with you about restaurants taking more timely reservations. They try to do too much business in one night and it ruins the experience for many people.

No one should be allowed to complain about a restaurant being crowded on Valentines Day. Ever. Its like waiting to Christmas shop until Christmas Eve and complaining about the lack of gifts left. What were you expecting?

Reservation or not, I completely agree.