Technology in restaurants has revolutionized much of operations management. From restaurant CRM software that lets you manage customer relationships to tip distribution software for quick tip management, you have a lot of options for management automation.
Today, we’ll be looking at OpenTable vs Nextable, table management systems that improve operational efficiency, wait times, and reservations.
Let’s examine each software’s main features, pros and cons, and determine which option is the best for your restaurant locations.
What is a Table Management System?
A table management system, also known as a restaurant management system or reservation management system, is software that lets restaurant owners and staff manage table reservations.
Features in table reservation software include:
- Online table reservations from multiple locations
- In-person table reservations
- POS and accounting software integration
- Restaurateurs waiting lists
- Easy cancelation management and reservation adjustments
- Reviews and customer feedback collections
These are more common features. However, many software systems come with unique features that let you manage your restaurants more effectively. For example, some reservation software might even integrate deliveries into the management system.
All in all, table management systems allow restaurant owners to streamline offline and online reservations and table management for shorter wait times and smoother restaurant operations.
OpenTable and NexTable Compared
With so many table management software solutions to choose from, pinpointing the perfect option can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, we’re here to compare two options popular among restaurant owners: OpenTable and NexTable. Let’s take a look at what these options have to offer, their pros and cons, and what pricing to expect.
OpenTable
OpenTable was founded in 1998 in San Francisco California by OpenTable Inc. It’s an all-in-one online reservation service that makes business and table management easier. Beyond online reservations, the software allows users to integrate their POS system, marketing campaigns, and other data, and manage it all from one location.
The system also boasts flexible location features, both nationally and internationally, and an IOS and Android-compatibly.
With more than 2 decades in the industry, OpenTable is a table management system with a long and successful history and a lot of loyal customers.
Part of its appeal is its dedication to adapting to current trends.
As the needs of restaurants have changed over the years, OpenTable has continued growing its features and capabilities. Some customers have been with OpenTable for over 15 years and routinely commend the software company for providing updated and effective reservation and management features.
Main features
Let’s take a look at all the prominent features available with OpenTable.
- Create and manage online reservations
- In-house and online waitlists
- Table management and availability controls
- POS integration
- Inventory tracking
- Takeout and delivery management
- 24/7 booking
- Guest data collections
- Post-dinner and event surveys
- Pre-pay booking features
Pros
- Easy to use
- Robust customer data collections
- Reliable customer support
- Custom reservation features for groups
- Easy integration with POS and other restaurant software
Cons
The software is expensive, especially when including costs beyond the monthly subscription fee. For example, a $1 charge for every head booked through OpenTable. It can make it feel inaccessible to smaller restaurants.
There is also the issue of third-party advertising. Because there are so many restaurants on OpenTable, the software will recommend competitors if your restaurant is full, even if customers come to the booking platform from your website.
Pricing
OpenTable offers three subscription tiers: Basic, Core, and Pro. Basic has the least features and is the cheapest at $39 a month. Core’s monthly subscription fees are $249 and Pro is $449.
NexTable
NexTable is a restaurant reservation software that was created in 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina by Zomato. The company was acquired by Fiserv in late 2022. While not as popular as OpenTable, it has steadily gained a small but loyal following.
NexTable is a cloud-based reservation system, which allows you to work quickly and seamlessly from multiple devices around your restaurant. The system was built to run from iPads, which can limit some of your operations and integration options.
According to NexTable, the software is a compact system. It provides powerful but simple features for reservation table management that are easy to use, especially on the go.
The software also integrates customer relationship software to improve customer-restaurant relationships and manage customer data.
Main features
Let’s examine prominent features available with NexTable:
- Online reservations and online payments
- Inventory and kitchen management
- Built-in customer relationship features
- Waitlists and smart wait times
- POS integration
- Cloud-based
- Order management
- Food cost features
- Open API
- iPad focused
- Restaurant analytics
- Social media integration
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works well across multiple iPads in the restaurant
- Robust reservation and wait time customization
- Reliable customer support
- Affordable
Cons
Customers have very good experiences with NexTable. The only issues are the iPads and some feature functionality.
If you don’t already have iPads for restaurant operations, switching over can be expensive. The software is also not as feature-dense as OpenTable, which can be an issue if you are a bigger restaurant or franchise running from multiple locations.
Pricing
NexTable offers two pricing plans, Booklite and Bookpro. Booklite is $50 a month with about half the features of Bookpro. Bookpro is $199 a month.
Conclusion
Restaurant operations, more specifically reservations and table management, can affect the customer experience and your revenue. To optimize reservations and operational efficiency, you must choose the right software.
Two popular options are OpenTable and NexTable. OpenTable offers robust features, customization, and experience. NexTable offers ease of use and affordability. Compare their features, pros and cons, and pricing to find the right option for your restaurant’s needs.
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