Waitlist operations
On waitlist screens you usually quote realistic times, convert guests to seated parties, and keep ingress orderly.
On this page
On waitlist screens you usually quote realistic times, convert guests to seated parties, and keep ingress orderly.
Overview
Waitlist bridges walk-ins and overflow demand when reservations are full.
When to use this
Managing peak ingress or converting wait guests to seated parties.
Step-by-step
- Navigate to the waitlist view under Reservations.
- Quote times honestly based on kitchen and seating pacing.
- Convert to seated when a table matches the party.
Tips & best practices
- Sync wait time messaging with Orders when guests also place takeout.
Common issues
Quoted times drifting
Reset expectations when kitchen or seating slips—guests forgive honesty faster than silent delays.
Duplicate entries
Search phone before adding a party; duplicates inflate waits and confuse hosts.
Can’t seat despite open tables
Check reservations holding tables, party size vs capacity, and shift pacing rules before overriding.