Restaurants see dozens, sometimes hundreds, of guests every day. Whether they’re coming or going, managing the flow of guests is tough work.
Fortunately, restaurant waitlist software has revolutionized the restaurant industry and streamlined table management.
Here are our picks for the best restaurant waitlist software in 2023. Use these restaurant waitlist apps to decrease wait time, streamline management, and improve the guest experience.
What is Restaurant Waitlist Software?
Restaurant waitlist management software helps restaurant owners, managers, and employees manage tables and customers. These tools optimize the reservation system by managing waiting guests, current guests, reservations, and table status.
As you can imagine, this makes waiting guests much happier and helps restaurants make the most of their seating. Proper use of the software makes it easier to get guests in as soon as tables are free!
Benefits of Restaurant Waitlist Apps
Decreased Wait Time
Long wait times have been shown to shorten dining times and increase reneging on tables. This can damage your restaurant's reputation. Having a long wait time is bad for business.
With digital waitlist restaurant management, you can decrease average wait times. By optimizing guest flow, restaurant reservations, and available tables, you’ll see a steady influx and outflow of clients.
Streamlined Management
Technology in the restaurant industry has reshaped what management means. With digital systems, ever-improving algorithms, and real-time reporting, waitlist management simplifies and optimizes the waiting process.
This frees up employees and management to make the most of their time without having to worry about managing the backend of the restaurant as well.
Better Customer Experience
As you decrease your restaurant's wait time and increase customer and table management, customers have a better experience at your establishment.
Of course, the more a guest enjoys the service, the more likely they are to return. And the more guests return, the more revenue your restaurant will see!
7 Top Restaurant Wait List Software
1. TablesReady
TablesReady provides an easy-to-use online booking platform for guests. With TablesReady, it’s possible to remove the need for physical lines outside your store. Instead, after guests have made a booking, the waitlist platform sends an alert to their mobile device when their table is ready.
This waitlist platform is known for being very flexible and customizable, making it a favorite among restaurants that manage more than traditional ‘sit-down, eat, and leave’ restaurants.
Main features
- Intelligent and accurate wait times
- Customizable call and confirmation notifications
- Online guest check-in
- Public waitlist
- Multiple device sync capabilities
- Promotional features like linking to social media pages
- Guest reporting and analytics
Possible Cons
- The notification customization can be confusing
- There is no app
Pricing
TablesReady starts at $49 a month and there is a free trial available. There is also a free version.
2. Waitwhile
Waitwhile lets customers track their reservations from anywhere through automated queues. The restaurant waitlist app uses AI to automate the reservation and seating process.
Machine learning also makes it possible for the waitlist management software to learn the restaurant's customer flow and adapt to what works best for the restaurant. This waitlist app is good for any restaurant that wants to manage walk-ins and outdoor guest queues.
Main features
- Automated messaging with custom notifications
- Public waitlist
- WaitWhile waitlist app training
- Online and in-house check-in stations
- Quick add functions
- Robust reporting and data functions
- Guest history
- Comprehensive customer support
Possible Cons
- There is no reservation waitlist management
- You can’t book more than one person with the same number
Pricing
WaitWhile starts at $29 a month and there is a free trial available. There is also a free version.
3. FlexBooker
FlexBooker is known for its simple yet comprehensive digital restaurant management system. It focuses on managing online bookings while also accepting new ones, especially if bookings are already full.
FlexBooker is focused on keeping your restaurant full as much as possible. The waitlist app will take care of the waiting room without much manual intervention and send automated messages to alert guests who were waiting for a spot.
Main Features
- Automates wait time estimates
- Automated notifications
- No-show fees for appointments
- Waiting room management
- Simple and easy-to-use features
- Comprehensive customer support
- Comprehensive training courses
Possible Cons
- Customer service can be unreliable
- Software bugs have been reported
Pricing
Pricing for FlexBooker starts at a flat monthly fee of $49 a month and there is a free trial for the paid version. There is no free version.
4. WaitWell
WaitWell is a reservation and walk-in restaurant management waitlist app. The software creates a digital waitlist that people can access and join through QR codes and SMS-based actions. The software can also integrate with booking stations or kiosks in your restaurant.
From the waitlist app, users can see where they are in line for the restaurant and receive notifications when they can make their way to the restaurant. WaitWell works best for restaurants that deal with long queues or overflowing waiting rooms.
Main features
- Real-time dashboard for managers
- Real-time updates for guests
- Easy booking functions
- Estimated wait times
- Service trends and customer analytics
- Comprehensive customer support options
- Restaurant management software training
Possible Cons
- There are limited customization features
- The SMS sign-in functions do sometimes glitch
Pricing
WaitWell pricing starts at $139 a month. There is a free trial for the paid version. Unfortunately, there is no free version.
5. Mad Mobile Guest Manager
Mad Mobile Guest Manager is a table management and reservation waitlist app that has seen a 7% increase in guests when smart management solutions are used.
The waitlist app alerts guests of their reservation status. The host dashboard also provides a quick guest overview so that they can greet clients with a personalized greeting.
Main features
- Notification features
- Reservation optimization
- Restaurant floor map with live data
- Estimated wait times
- Mobile friendly
- In-person training
Possible Cons
- Customer support isn’t always available
- The seating function cuts off 15 minutes before closing time
Pricing
Mad Mobile Guest Manager starts at $79 a month. There is a free trial for the paid version. There is no free version.
6. SevenRooms
SevenRooms is an all-in-one waitlist app that lets managers and hosts manage the entire reservation process, from email marketing and booking to table management. It aims to help restaurants create a unique experience for guests and encourage repeat clientele.
Main features
- Create guest profiles
- Table management
- Email marketing
- Commission free reservations
- Virtual waitlists
- In-person training
- Comprehensive customer support
Possible Cons
- Limited integration opportunities
- Some features aren’t as advanced as those of other waitlist apps
Pricing
The pricing is not clear but there is a free trial. They also do not have a free plan.
7. Wisely
Wisely is focused on creating personalized experiences for its customers. The waitlist app offers a robust system, with built-in CRM software, reservation and table management, and marketing features.
Its biggest draw is the guest profiling capabilities, which aim to create a personalized experience guests are eager to return to.
Main features
- Reservation and table management
- Live floor map
- Digital waitlist
- Marketing automation
- Build in CRM
- Guest sentiment profiles
Possible Cons
- Limited customer support options
- Can be more pricey than other waitlist apps
Pricing
Wisely starts at $150 per feature, per month. There is a free trial. There is also no free version.
Conclusion
Restaurant waitlist software streamlines the reservation, seating, and table management process, allowing restaurants to maximize their space.
With the above waitlist solutions, your restaurant can manage busy hours and fill up quiet ones, effectively bringing in more customers and increasing revenue.
If you need help managing events at your restaurant, consider the Perfect Venue free trial. Get organized, manage all your special events in one place, and grow your restaurant, no matter the size.
