Tuesday, December 9, 2008

How Important is Dinner Reservations?

By Peter Hallway

Folks eat at restaurants. Some eat out once a week, some monthly, and some even every day. Restaurant meals are common at lunch for white collar workers. Some working families don't have time to cook so they eat out each evening. Often people can walk into an establishment and find a table. But sometimes a dinner reservation is needed in order to be seated. Without a reservation a person won't eat there.

A lot of restaurants accept restaurants, especially during peak times. Reservations are sometimes needed months in advance. Some restaurants make it hard to even get a reservation. Can any restaurant be that special? For some it's the thing to do.

When making a reservation only make it for the number of people you're sure will attend, and make it in advance of the planned night out. Some restaurants are pretty exclusive. If you wait too long you might be disappointed. You may also have to invite fewer people because only a small table is available. Keep in mind that making reservations too far in advance can result in a lot of no shows and wasted space at the table. That's not good for the restaurant. The result could be the restaurant not being willing to let you reserve next time.

Restaurants may sometimes have trouble with diners who reserve tables. On the flip side some restaurants aren't so good at respecting these plans. People make plans to eat at 8PM, call in the reservation for 8PM, show up at 7:30 to enjoy a cocktail before dinner, then wait three hours before being seated. Restaurants that do this too often find themselves losing customers. However, it's expected at some higher end or exclusive places. The arrogance of making people wait, even when they called months in advance to make plans, is part of the atmosphere of such establishments. For some reason some people like being treated poorly.

Some companies have sprung up that manage reservations for a number of restaurants. These are often booked online, and people have reported excellent experiences. One customer related making reservations for her husband's birthday. Upon arrival she found the host looking up the reservation on a computer. To this patron's surprise the restaurant had done some planning for the birthday meal, providing extras and even a free slice of cake.

When it's time for a good meal, dinner reservations can feel special. That is if the restaurant honors them. If they don't, then teach them a lesson. Don't return, and let your friends know not to patronize that establishment.

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