Who'll Stop The Reign?
Sometimes, when you're waiting a while for a table you reserved, it's because of all of the "might shows" backing things up.
More of my Pinquotes from "Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck."
Who'll Stop The Reign?
Sometimes, when you're waiting a while for a table you reserved, it's because of all of the "might shows" backing things up.
More of my Pinquotes from "Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck."
Submitted: A credit card number, securely collected, with a 20¢ fee deducted from the check, would put an end to this.
Crid [CridComment at Gmail] at July 24, 2014 1:35 AM
If your reservation is at, and the 630 hasn't shown... why not give you the 630 table and if the 630 table shows up late, they get yours?
NicoleK at July 24, 2014 4:25 AM
I answer this in the book. People tend to get angry when their reservation isn't held for them, thinking nothing of what this does to the restaurant, other customers, the restaurant's bottom line.
Here, from the book, which I hope you'll all buy. (It's only $9.48 and I worked hard on it, and people seem to like it!)
Amy Alkon at July 24, 2014 7:33 AM
Related: http://www.ijreview.com/2014/07/160051-one-restaurants-study-wait-staffs-service-reveals-unsettling-reality-time/
Amy Alkon at July 24, 2014 8:32 AM
The last time I was trying to get reservations I was asked for my credit card and warned that I would be charged $50 if I didn't show up or call. I was given up until an hour before to cancel the reservation. The host was extremely apologetic. He had no reason to apologize. He said that many people refused to make reservations and were angry because of this policy but there were too many no-shows.
To the contrary, I was thrilled. First of all, I could actually get a reservation. At other times when reservations weren't required I've had to wait 20 minutes to an hour because of reservations for no-shows. At a local restaurant recently we waited to be seated when the majority of the tables were empty due to reservations. I don't know if they ever showed up. Most had not by the time we left. Finally, the restaurant is losing money. It's just not fair and may drive them out of business, which limits my dining options.
I'm just appalled with people that reserve spots at several restaurants. Since there is no penalty, they feel no reason to cancel reservations.
When money is on the line, it is amazing his many people find the strength to make that phone call to cancel. Restauranteurs can always give compassionate refunds if diners have a good reason.
Jen at July 24, 2014 8:54 AM
People tend to get angry when their reservation isn't held for them, thinking nothing of what this does to the restaurant, other customers, the restaurant's bottom line.
My boyfriend's relatives SO do this, and it kills me whenever I visit their city and go out to eat with them. I once suggested we call the restaurant and tell them we'd be late, and his uncle responded, "We are paying customers. If they want our business, they will hold our table."
Once, I was meeting a friend for dinner at a teeny tapas place. I was there, nursing a drink for 30 minutes, while there was a line out the door of people waiting for tables, and she was still "on her way." The waitress was looking more harried by the minute, and I said, "Know what? I'm sorry for my friend." I paid for my drink, tipped her $5 and surrendered our table. Texted my friend that I'd meet her down the street at the pizza place. Took her 20 more minutes to show up, making her almost an hour late. She was mad she wasn't getting tapas. I didn't care. She's never been late with me again since.
sofar at July 24, 2014 9:09 AM
sofar; that was the right thing to do in my opinion.
Because, it isn't just the business that loses out - the wait staff who depend on tips are losing out as well. Empty tables mean no tips.
And for all those who had to wait - they, unfortunately, will take out their frustration by leaving a smaller tip.
charles at July 25, 2014 2:17 PM
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