Getting the most out of your restaurant’s reservations sounds like music to your ears right now, we can imagine. To help you get your revenue spiking again, we listed 5 ways to double your tables to get the most out of your restaurant.

1. Work in predefined shifts

In this scenario, you will be working in predefined shifts, which means, for example, a shift from 5 pm till 7.30 pm and the second shift starting at 8 pm till closing time. Many guests want to eat at 7 pm, and by working in predefined shifts, you keep control of the time flow. Most guests perceive it as thoughtful to still have a chance to enjoy a night out at your restaurant in times of scarcity, so they won’t mind the hard end time if communicated clearly. If you would like to give your guests some more flexibility, then hop over to point 2. 

2. Work in shifts with flexible arriving times 

This tip is like the previous one but with a twist. By working with flexible shifts, you won't have everybody arriving at once and make the guests' coming and going a bit more organic. For example, the guest can arrive later than 5 pm, but their reservation still ends at 8 pm. This way it is more flexible for the guest, preventing everybody from coming in at once.

3. Reservations with a fixed duration 

In this case, you'll be working with a timeslot of, for example, 120 minutes. When guests book their table, the time slot is communicated on the ticket. Guests can book their table at any time they prefer, but you will always be in the know of their reservations end time. With this information, you can add the Squeeze option to fill the gaps in your planning and to double your tables. The downside of a fixed duration reservation is that you have the chance that most people will book the most popular time, which reduces the opportunity for you to double your tables.

4. Pacing limits to even out peaks in service 

Pacing limits is best to combine with reservations with a fixed duration. With pacing limits, you can determine the maximum number of guests you want to accept within a specific time slot. For example, you can close times or accept a low number of guests in prime time. This way, the reservations will spread organically, and you will prevent everyone from booking at 7 pm. It will help take the pressure off your front- and back of the house.

5. Squeeze in more guests

And to top it all off, our Squeeze feature will make sure you have all gaps filled, and your planning is airtight. With Squeeze, you can double your tables without working in shifts; our system does the thinking and will show open time slots with an end time when all regular time slots are already booked. This is an easy way to get more out of your, otherwise, empty tables. 

Avoid no-shows? We have 4 effective ways lined up for you right here.