The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, especially with the integration of technology and customer interactions. Recently, there has been a resurgence in the use of restaurant waitlist software. Many restaurants are adopting this software to effectively manage their waitlists, thanks to the availability of new online tools. This development is significantly improving the customer experience. In this article, we will explore some of the top waitlist software options available for 2024.
Curious about restaurant waitlist apps and their significance?
Let’s explore.
In the dynamic world of dining, time is a valuable asset, and enduring lengthy waiting times can be a source of frustration for many customers. Gone are the days when restaurants relied solely on paper waitlists. Today, an integrated solution exists for managing both waitlists and reservations. Innovative solutions have emerged to transform how restaurants handle their waitlists, thereby enhancing the overall dining experience.
An online waitlist and reservation system for restaurants is software designed to manage customer bookings. This essential software streamlines critical reservation processes, such as reserving a table at a specific location, selecting preferred seating, and choosing the optimal date and time—all accomplished online.
Furthermore, a restaurant online reservation app empowers customers to input all necessary information without the need for a phone call or a physical visit to the establishment.
How Does a Restaurant Waitlist App Help Businesses?
Online waitlist apps can help businesses in many ways. They make managing waitlists easier by doing tasks like adding and removing guests automatically. This saves time and reduces mistakes. These apps give updates about table availability and wait times, helping staff manage waitlists better and giving customers reliable information. Some apps even let customers book tables in advance, making them happier and helping businesses manage their space. Here are some ways in which restaurant waitlist apps can help restaurant owners:
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Efficient Waitlist Management:
- Automates tasks like adding, seating, and removing guests, reducing errors and saving staff time.
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Real-Time Updates:
- Provides instant updates on table availability and wait times for accurate waitlist management.
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Optimize Table Seating:
- Offers features to optimize seating plans based on party sizes, available tables, and wait times.
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Customer Notifications:
- Sends automated notifications to keep customers informed about table status and wait times.
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Reservations and Online Booking:
- Integrates reservation functionality for advance table bookings, enhancing customer satisfaction and optimizing seating capacity.
How did we rank the waitlist apps?
Selecting the right waitlist app for your restaurant is crucial for maximizing your investment. Key considerations will be used to evaluate the best app available.
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Essential Features:
- Assess your restaurant’s needs. Evaluate waitlist apps based on features—simple to advanced, tailored to your requirements.
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Price:
- While features matter, consider the cost. Choose a system within budget, avoiding hidden fees. Opt for flat monthly fees over per-seated online cover costs.
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Compatibility:
- Ensure the waitlist app integrates seamlessly with existing systems like POS and table management. It should run on various devices, from mobile to computer or tablet.
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User Reviews:
- Explore user reviews on platforms to understand each waitlist app’s pros and cons. Valuable insights from customer experiences shape our evaluation.
The 10 best restaurant waitlist apps
1. SmartWAIT
Milagro’s SmartWAIT app offers innovative, compact reservations and waitlist management software for restaurants, covering waitlists, reservations, table management, customer experience, and marketing. It ensures a seamless experience for customers and streamlined operations for the restaurant team, preventing waitlists and reservations from becoming a nightmare. The app allows for floor plan creation, table layouts, and table assignments, with most processes handled online by customers. It also provides options for booking through social media platforms or the restaurant’s website. The Guest CRM feature enables customers to input necessary booking information, and real-time notifications keep waitlisted guests informed. Access to guest information helps create a more personalized customer service experience.
Website: https://www.milagrocorp.com/restaurant/waitlist-management-system/
Key Features
- Waitlist and reservations management
- Table management
- Guest CRM
- Integration to POS, SmartX, and SmartMENUS
- Real-time notifications to customers
- Reporting and analytics
- Integration to Customer Experience Management app
- Booking options through the web and social media
- Limiting daily reservations
- Group booking management
- Tasks and server management
Pros
- Waitlist and reservation systems are all in one app
- Waitlist system that eliminates waiting time
- The software maximizes table turnovers to increase profit
- Reservations and waitlists are available 24/7
- Does not require cover fees
- Allows you to use customer data to personalize your marketing
- With integrations to Milagro’s SmartX, you can increase your 5-star reviews.
- Easily integrate to SmartMENU where customers can review your menu, exclusive offers, and daily specials all while they wait.
- Table management and floor plans can be made in the app
- Assign servers to table assignment using the software
- Online reservations can be made both on social media and on your website
- Customers can join the waitlist themselves
Cons
- The software requires integrations for some features. Fortunately, these integrations are made to be user-friendly. You can learn them in minutes.
2. Yelp Waitlists
Yelp is primarily recognized as a central platform for customer reviews within the restaurant industry, detailing their dining experiences. Nevertheless, Yelp for Restaurants offers solutions, including Guest Manager, to facilitate reservation bookings, waitlist management, and support for front-of-house operations.
Key Features:
- In-house & online waitlist
- In-house & online reservations
- Two-way texting
- Daily analytics & reports
- To-go management
- iPad with subscription
- POS integration
- Credit card holds
- Customizable floor plan
Pros:
- Reservation management
- Waitlist management software
- POS integration
- Restaurant waitlist app (Yelp App)
Cons:
- No server synching
- No automatic table status updates
- No table assignment synching
- No Toast guestbook synching
- No Customer retention program
- No Customer feedback integration
3. Waitlist ME
Waitlist Me is suitable for any business with waiting for customers. Discover how it can streamline your operations and increase profitability. This appointment scheduling and waitlist management app notifies customers when their wait is over. It enables easy customer addition to a waitlist via iPad, Android tablet, or computer. Additionally, it allows you to send text and phone messages to customers, informing them when it’s their turn. The app also provides in-app statistics and downloadable reports to enhance profitability and efficiency.
Key Features
- Customizable Notifications
- Add Yourself Web Widget
- Self Check-in Kiosk Mode
- Public Waitlist Page
- Unlimited Usage
- Multi-device syncing (iOS, Android, Web)
- Table/Resource Management
- Section and Layout Groupings
- Business Hours & Blackout Days
- Two-way Texting
Pros
- Waitlist status
- Self check-ins
- Analytics and Reporting
- Tutorials
- Reservations and appointment scheduling
- Public waitlist
- Text messaging
- Customizable notifications
Cons
- No server synching
- No automatic table status updates
- No table assignment synching
- No Toast guestbook synching
- Does not integrate with the POS
4. Toast Tables
Toast’s integrated waitlist is designed to improve hospitality, streamline table management, and encourage guest retention. One standout feature of Toast Tables is its capability to update table status automatically, eliminating the need for manual updates by the host. This is made possible by Toast Tables interfacing with your Toast POS. As a result, when a table is cashed out, it will be automatically updated, informing the host that the table is soon to be available.
Key Features
- Optimized Table Seating
- Customer Notifications
- Customization Options
- Integration with User Reviews
- Detailed Reporting
- real-time updates
- VIP hospitality
- Collect guest data
- two-way SMS
Pros
- Instant set up
- Automated table status updates
- Server rotations
- Waitlist status
- Guest profiles
- 2-way SMS
- Loyalty sign-ups
- Data-driven marketing
- Floor plan import
- Application compatible with iOS 12 and Android 11 and later
- Accurate wait times
- Made for restaurants
Cons
- Available for Toast customers only
- No Customer Data Platform
- No Customer Retention Marketing
- No Customer feedback integration
5. OpenTable
OpenTable has an integrated waitlist system that enables online queue joining and SMS notifications when tables are ready. It also offers real-time place tracking through the app and estimated wait times based on party size and available tables.
Key Features
- Online Reservations
- Table Management
- Customer CRM
- Custom profile and listing
- Marketing tools
- Review management and analysis
- Table management
- In-house and online waitlist
- Event Booking
Pros
- Reservations are reliable.
- Options are well-organized
- Easy to use, restaurant suggestions
- Earn points redeemable
- Make, modify, or cancel reservations seamlessly
- User-Friendly Interface
- Seamless Integration
- Customization Options
- Detailed Reporting
Cons
- Search features for a restaurant can be a little difficult
- Limited Customization for Alerts
- Pricey for Smaller Businesses
- No Customer Data Platform
- No Customer Retention Marketing
- No Customer feedback integration
6. NextME
NextME simplifies waitlist management for restaurants, enabling staff to efficiently add guests. It includes a Virtual Waiting Room as a digital storefront for waiting guests. Restaurants can customize this space with branding, offers, and social media links. NextME also offers reports to streamline customer service and provide accurate wait times.
Key Features
- Customer Management
- Online Payment
- Data Imports/Exports
- Employee Management
- Performance Metrics
- Billing & Invoicing
- Dashboard
- Order Management
- Alerts/Notifications
- Data Management
- Wait List Management
Pros
- Reporting
- Digital waitlist
- Self-check-in
- POS integration
- Reservation/appointment booking
- Customizable text messaging
- Guest loyalty tracking
Cons
- Not built specifically for restaurants
- No server synching
- No automatic table status updates
- No table assignment synching
- No Toast guestbook synching
- No floor plan
7. Hostme
Hostme provides restaurant management software with table management, CRM, and waitlist solutions. Diners can join the waitlist virtually and receive updates on their wait time and table status via SMS. They can also choose to skip a turn and earn loyalty points for long wait times.
Key Features
- Online reservations
- Reservation deposits
- Reservation widget for websites and Facebook
- Waitlist widget for websites
- Customizable table statuses
- Customizable guest messaging
- Texts and SMS
Pros
- Reservation management
- Waitlist widget for websites
- CRM and customer database
- Reporting
- Texts and sms
- Accurate wait times
- Online ordering
- Table management
Cons
- The basic version lacks POS integration
- Costllier Custom branding package
8. TablesReady
TablesReady is an SMS-focused waitlist app designed for creating custom online waitlists with basic reservation features. It is particularly useful for the restaurant industry. Diners can join waitlists online, receive real-time updates on wait times, and engage in 2-way communication with the restaurant. TablesReady also provides a display feature for public communication of wait times in the waiting area.
Key Features
- Customer DataBase
- Waiting Time Tracking
- Alerts/Notifications
- For Restaurants
- Reporting & statistics
- Prioritization
- Self Check-in
- Public Waitlist
- Waitlist Status Tracking
Pros
- Notifications
- Self-check-in/check-out
- Waitlist status
- Reporting
Cons
- Requires re-login often
- No automatic table status updates
- No Toast POS integration
- Web-based, no iOS app
9. WaitWhile
WaitWhile is an online waitlist and appointment scheduling solution designed for various industries, including restaurants. It prioritizes customer time by allowing them to wait from anywhere. The platform includes automated messaging, 2-way communication, and post-dining reviews but lacks restaurant management features.
Key Features
- Customer DataBase
- Waiting Time Tracking
- Alerts/Notifications
- Reporting & statistics
- Self Check-in
- Waitlist Status Tracking
Pros
- Convenient for customers: Avoids on-site waiting and provides clear communication.
- Improves operational efficiency: Optimizes table usage and streamlines waitlist management.
- Enhances customer experience: Reduces frustration and promotes positive interactions.
- Offers additional features: Reservations, customizable branding, and analytics.
Cons
- Manually blocking off times
- browser-based application performance
- Lack of Calendar/Reminder System
- Lack of Booking Notes and Appointment Management
- No automated text
10. LRS Connect platform
LRS Connect takes a traditional approach to managing waitlists, as they continue to provide pagers and buzzers. They place a strong emphasis on the significance of contactless waiting options and have a long-standing presence in the industry.
Key Features
- Flexible notifications
- Multi-device compatibility
- Customer Database
- Countdown timers
- Reporting & Statistics
- Waiting Time Tracking
- Record actionable data
- Customizable text messaging
- Waitlist Status Tracking
Pros
- Queue management
- Remote check-in
- Guest pagers
- Public waitlist
Cons
- No server synching
- No automatic table status updates
- No table assignment synching
- No Toast guestbook synching
- No floor plan
- Does not integrate with the POS
How was data gathered for the top waitlist apps?
Information on various waitlist apps was gathered from online comparison articles, user-generated review aggregators, and restaurant industry blogs, with reviews primarily sourced from G2, SoftwareSuggest, and GetApp. Company data, pricing, and features were obtained from the respective company’s business website and social media pages.
Choose the Best Waitlist Solution for Your Restaurant
The best waitlist apps for your restaurant are the ones that suit your requirements and budget, whether you need a simple paper waitlist substitute or an advanced digital waitlist solution. With the right waitlist, restaurants can serve as many customers as possible without impacting the overall guest experience. Implementing a waitlist software at your restaurant can greatly improve the customer experience and streamline the waitlist process. The best waitlist software for your restaurant will depend on your specific needs and budget, with top options including SmartWAIT, OpenTable, Toast Tables, Hostme, and Eat App. It’s important to research and compare these options to find the best fit for your restaurant.
