How to choose the right table reservation system for your restaurant.
Ever since OpenTable created the "Electronic Reservation Book" over 20 years ago, table reservation software has become a critical tool for any busy restaurant. However, since OpenTable has launched - many new companies have entered the market to help restaurants manage diners and to help diners find restaurants. Below is a rundown of some of our favorite table reservation systems.
1. Resy
Best for: Great all-around reservation solution.
Pros
- Mobile waitlist guests can add themselves to when they're close to the restaurant
- Notify your waitlist when an available table opens up for a desired time slot that was previously full
- Two-way text messaging between you and your guests
- Post-meal guest surveys that break out scores for different topics, such as service, food and cleanliness, for insightful reporting
- Shared guest data throughout the network, making it easy to identify walk-ins
- One flat rate per month (fixed cost)
- POS integrations and AMEX partnerships
Cons
- Not supported on Android
- Not as well known by diners as OpenTable
- Do not have a lead form for private events
Price
- Plans start at around $249 / month
Learn More: Resy's Website
2. Tock
Best for: Restaurants with prix fixe menus or ticked experiences.
Pros
- Manage pre-paid reservations, ticketed events, pickup and delivery all in one place
- Reduce the number of no-shows or cancelations with pre-paid reservations
- Sell upgrades or add-ons at the time of booking for special enhancements, such as wine pairings or menu supplements
- Pre and post visit questionnaires that allow you to prepare for your guests' needs and follow up regarding their experience
- Concierge portal for hotel and reservation partner
- Integrations with Google, Facebook and Instagram
- Private events lead form integrates with Perfect Venue to easily manage events in one place
Cons
- Smaller network of users and restaurants, primarily caters to mostly high-end restaurants
- 2% commission charge for some plans
- Table management and CRM features are lacking
Price
- Plans start at around $199 / month plus commissions or $699 / month for commission-free package
Learn More: Tock's Website
3. SevenRooms
Best for: Hospitality groups that want to better leverage guest data.
Pros
- Track itemized order and spend history in real time
- Library of auto-tags that will apply to guests profiles with your pre-defined rules and criteria
- Easily send callers a link to make purchases or buy a round of drinks for existing reservations
- Segment your marketing campaigns based on your customers' history of purchases and previous experiences
- Link aggregated reviews from Google, Facebook, Yelp, Grubhub, Seamless, and Tripadvisor, to guest profiles
- Highly customizable booking widgets that will align with your branding
Cons
- No consumer facing app or marketplace
- Not supported on Android
- Do not have a lead form for private events
Pricing
- Plans start at around $500 / month
Learn More: SevenRoom's Website
4. OpenTable
Best for: Destination restaurants that are looking to drive traffic from diners visiting their area.
Pros
- Access and exposure to a large network of diners of up to 19 million users per month
- Marketing programs and diner loyalty programs that can help fill seats
- Email marketing integrations and POS integrations
- Private events lead form integrates with Perfect Venue to easily manage events in one place
Cons
- Monthly subscription costs plus per cover charges can quickly add up to an expensive bill
- Restaurants can pay to be listed before yours
- Competitive marketplace with high competition on their consumer facing app due to the sheer volume of restaurants listed
Pricing
- Plans start at around $199 / month plus $0.25 per cover through your website and $1 per cover through OpenTable
Learn More: OpenTable's Website
Notable Mentions
Summary
Picking the right table reservation software for your restaurant is key! Every restaurant's needs are unique, so hopefully, this guide helps you pick the best plan for you!
